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By MartinW at 2006-11-12 10:52
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In the last 10 yrs the quality of kit cars have come tremendously, partly because of the SVA test the finished car must go through, but also because of competition. Whilst the kit-car industry at first glance appears to be Ford GT40s, Cobras and Lotus 7 replicas, numerous attempts have been made over the years to offer a pre-war looking kit car with some success.
Some kits have utilised either a single donor vehicle or a variety of donor parts, but few have ever been offered at level that the latest MG T Series replica is targeting.
Based in Malaysia, TD Cars (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, are now offering the TD 2000. The car is very much based on the MG TD, and some might argue that the TF is the prettier model, but that said, the TD2000 is still a good looking replica very true to the original dimensions with some modern touches such as in the lighting. As with many replicas of this nature, though, the width of the tyres does spoil the full replica look, not being in proportion but that is a personal opinion on my part, and obviously safety and supply logistics mean narrow tyres are not an option.
According to the company's brochure, "There's no single rational reason to own a TD2000". I'd agree with that, and at £23 000 list in the UK, it would be an extremely irrational reason buying one! For that kind of money you are looking at the real thing at current classic car valuations. However, whilst it does offer the best of both modern car reliability and performance, it is perhaps not the sort of car bought as an everyday vehicle given the lack of security, space and weather protection.
I am sure there are a few hardy souls that might enjoy it as an everyday car, but for most wanting a weekend toy, then the real thing is surely a more attractive proposition. But, there are those that simply want the looks, and whilst this is not the sort of car one would buy to tear up the track at race meetings and trackdays, it might very well appeal to the owner that wants a car to take driver and passenger on a nice weekend break without the worry of a 50+ yr old car breaking down.
The engine is a 4cyl Toyota 2.0L unit with EFI and catalytic converter, offering approximately 130bhp at 5600rpm and 180Nm at 4400rpm. Bear in mind that the original car had a 1250cc engine, the 2.0L seems big by comparison, although the performance figures indicate this is an engine that will need revving to go places fast.
The 5-spd gearbox (auto also an option) and rack&pinion steering (with collapsible column) are also a far cry from the original, no doubt a driver used to the original will find it very un-TD-like! One thing the car does share with its illustrious forebear is the live rear axle and semi-elliptic springs, although the front does differ with fully independent coil springs, wishbones and gas telescopic dampers.
All this modern equipment and luxury, however, does result in a car that has a mass of 970kgs. That said, although the bonnet and bumpers are metal, along with an integral steel frame, the wings and body tub are glass reinforced fibre, all mounted on a steel chassis. Stopping all this mass are 10" disc brakes all round, again offering a huge improvement over the original.
The interior does not resemble the TD at all. No doubt in keeping costs down, the option of a Octagonal instrument cluster was not an option. However effort has been put into offering modern VDO gauges with a classic font. The dash is very attractive in walnut, complemented by the leather trim and bucket seats. Whilst it is an open top car, air-conditioning is standard. Safety is key judging by the inclusion of a roll-over bar and triple windscreen wiper system.
Having seen the car close up, it is a quality product with some nice touches paying homage to the original. However it is also very much a modern car that will no doubt offer reliability and ease of ownership.
More pictures available here
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