A Modern Golden Era Car: the TD 2000.

[Miss_Bella_Hell]

Is this new, or just new to me? ...
A legend re-defined. An up-to-the-minute classic that brings the magic back into motoring. How else can you describe the beautifully hand-crafted TD 2000?
Tracing its ancestry back to the 1950s, the car’s resemblance to an original is so close that most admirers presume it to be a well-preserved survivor. What could be better? Well, for a start, it sports leading edge technology – a 1998cc, twin-cam, 130bhp, fuel-injected engine and five speed gearbox plus disc brakes on all wheels - so there is no need for expensive restoration, just turn the key and escape.
When the romance of motoring has all but vanished, this car not only turns heads, it also captures hearts.

http://www.lifestyleautomotive.co.uk/td20001.html

ENGINE - Toyota
Displacement: 1998cc
Bore x stroke: 86mm x 86mm
Cylinders: 4, in-line, mounted longitudinally.
Compression ratio: 9.5 : 1
Valve train: Double overhead camshafts with 4 valves per cylinder,
cross-flow manifold layout, aluminium cylinder head.
Fuel delivery: Electronic fuel injection managed by
fully-computerised engine management system, dual ignition
system with 3-way catalytic converter.
Fuel requirement: Premium unleaded petrol (RON 97 or higher).
Maximum power: 96kW @ 5600 rpm (DIN), approximately 130 bhp.
Maximum torque: 180 Nm @ 4400 rpm (DIN).
Electrical system: 12 Volts.
Emissions: Control 3-way catalytic converter, meets 1999 ADR37/01 (European Standard Directive 98/69/EC).

DRIVETRAIN
Driving Wheels: Rear.
Gearbox (Manual): Manual with five forward ratios, one reverse,
full synchromesh, floor-mounted gearshift lever.
1st 3.95

4th 1.00
2nd 2.14

5th 0.85
3rd 1.38

Rev 4.09

Final Drive: Semi-floating axle with hypoid bevel gears, ratio 4.1:1

 

[Ryan]

That's really cool, engine by Toyota. Doesnt look like they are for the US market which is a bummer. This reminds me that Morgans are still being made, dealers in the US. Great looking car.

http://www.morgancars-usa.com/

 

[carter]

VERY COOL

AND...the TD2000 comes in other colors.

 

[H.Johnson]

I had a ride in one of these when I was working in Malaysia in October. It's a nice job and very well finished. It doesn't feel or sound like a real TF, but then how could it? The company are going to do some other models that are much more upmarket than this one. They will create a stir, I think.

Speaking of which, I saw a new Morgan Aeromax the other day - it's sensational 'in the flesh' (and I don't like cars).

http://www.morgan-motor.co.uk/sales/aeromax_images.html

 

[Miss_Bella_Hell]

I was wondering if the pricing seemed reasonable. I think it was 25k pounds sterling?

 

[H.Johnson]

Well, pricing is always a matter of opinion of course and comparison. If you compare the TD to an equivalent Morgan, the UK price is more or less equivalent. The Morgan has a lot more heritage, contains more traditional sports car technology and is built by craftsmen in a long-established factory in an English village. The TD looks 'vintage' (whatever that means) on the outside, but it's a kit car assembled in Malaysia. The difference is about 500GBP, favouring the TD. Whether you think it worth paying extra for the Morgan, depends on how you rate the above factors. Oh, and you have to join a waiting list for a 'Mog'. That's how buying a car used to be in 'the Golden Era' (in Britain anyway) but people aren't used to that now.

Speaking personally (as an ex-street rod builder) I would choose to build a kit car (there are a number of MG look-alikes) for half the cost. Alternatively, I would try to bypass the import company and buy a TD directly from Malaysia.

<Added later> Sorry, I under-specified the Morgan in my comparison. If you wanted chrome wire wheels on your Mog you'd have to pay another 1900GBP. As if anyone's going to pay that much when they're 500GBP from specialist suppliers...

 

[Mrs. Merl]

I want a cool looking car!! How fun!

 

[odyssey220]

That's really cool, engine by Toyota. Doesnt look like they are for the US market which is a bummer. This reminds me that Morgans are still being made, dealers in the US. Great looking car.

http://www.morgancars-usa.com/

There are TDs in America already, see picture.

Spec for spec the TD is way cheaper than a Morgan!
Practical Classics magazine in the Uk did a back-to -back test and to make the morgan the same level of trim and equipment cost £38,000 GBP where as all the kit was standard on the TD for £25000 GBP.

 

[MEDIUMMYND]

Here in the UK we have numerous repro (old cars) of varying cost and quality some are sold as complete cars but most are sold as kits,to my mind none of them work there just not quite right.If you want a car of this style the only way to go is a Morgan they are the genuine article.

 

[H.Johnson]

That depends whether you value the 'extra' equipment on the TD2000 as being worthwhile. Personally, I wouldn't - it's not stuff I would expect on a car of this type. The basic spec. Morgan is listed as being less than 1000GBP more than the TD. You could even add to the spec. with period 'swap meet' accessories and have fun doing it.

I think the TD is just a well marketed kit car. If you can't build a kit yourself, there are a number of specialist firms that will but your kit together for you (getting around the TUV regs) and you'd still save money on buying a ready built car from the kit manufacturer - or a TD.

The Mog has real heritage. It doesn't pretend to be something it isn't.

Having said that, when I retire next year I have the opportunity to work in Malaysia and I may be tempted to buy a TD - they are so cheap there.

There are TDs in America already, see picture.

Spec for spec the TD is way cheaper than a Morgan!
Practical Classics magazine in the Uk did a back-to -back test and to make the morgan the same level of trim and equipment cost £38,000 GBP where as all the kit was standard on the TD for £25000 GBP.

 

[odyssey220]

That depends whether you value the 'extra' equipment on the TD2000 as being worthwhile. Personally, I wouldn't - it's not stuff I would expect on a car of this type. The basic spec. Morgan is listed as being less than 1000GBP more than the TD. You could even add to the spec. with period 'swap meet' accessories and have fun doing it.

I think the TD is just a well marketed kit car. If you can't build a kit yourself, there are a number of specialist firms that will but your kit together for you (getting around the TUV regs) and you'd still save money on buying a ready built car from the kit manufacturer - or a TD.

The Mog has real heritage. It doesn't pretend to be something it isn't.

Having said that, when I retire next year I have the opportunity to work in Malaysia and I may be tempted to buy a TD - they are so cheap there.

If you buy the basic Morgan at about £1000 cheaper that TD you have a few problems.

The car does not really exist. It is only on the prie list as a starter price and no one buys it as it would be so undesireable.
Bythe time you have taken your base Morgan and added things like Leather, wire wheels, door handles, bumpers and over riders, decent hood, Wood Steering wheel, Walnut dash etc you end up at £37000 GBP.

In order to buy a morgan you have to find a dealer with a vacant build slot. As dealers get so many build slots per year, a dealer is not going to waste a build slot on a low priced/profit car when they could allocate it to a hight profit generating car.

If you did manage to get hold of a basic Morgan it would have the residual
value of used chewing gum!

Also if you visit the Morgan factory, which I have, you will notice in the museum, that the cars build today still use the same front suspension as the did in 190... which is beyond crude and causes an terrible ride, where as the TD has far handling and ride.

I have driven both cars and while I own neither I do not see what all the hype is over Morgan which when viewed in the cold light of day is nothing that special.

 

[H.Johnson]

I'm sure we respect you opinions, but I know people in the Morgan Owners Club who have ordered, waited for and received basic specification cars.

I, too have visited the factory and it has justly been described as a 'shanty town'. As an ex work study engineer, some of the production processes made me hold my head in my hands, although I understand that there have been recent improvements in this area.

I agree that the design is primitive - the sliding pillar suspension goes back to the 1920s and was designed by Peter Morgan (I wonder what engineering qualifications he had). The mixture of old and new technologies is clunky, in my opinion and not very well done - like a not-too-well-conceived street rod in some ways.

I have no doubt that the TD is a more effective and efficient design but, sorry, by definition it can't claim to be a traditional British sportscar even though it looks like an MG. I wouldn't claim the Morgan to be special (they were certainly not considered so when sportscars of their ilk were more common) but they 'go back a long way' and for many people on this forum that is a part of the charm.

 

[Mrs. Merl]

For some though, we know that certain old British autos need regular pushing out of intersections. For me I wouldn't mind a car with the look and maybe a bit more reliability. I love actual vintage (or tradition) - but my practical side is hard to sway when functionality is involved.

 

[H.Johnson]

I see we have a difference here - I wouldn't be seen dead driving a car of any sort!

 

[Mrs. Merl]

Well, it would be awfully hard to drive a car while dead. So that makes sense.

 

[David Conwill]

I do like the concept, though the Japanese engine I find a bit painful, and the bulgy (radial) tires are so glaringly non-Golden Era as to ruin the whole illusion.

Still, being a bigger fan of American cars, I'll stick with my plan to build a '32 Ford roadster with almost entirely reproduction parts. Yes, it can be done, and 9 out of 10 observers would have no idea it wasn't the real thing.

-Dave

 

[odyssey220]

, by definition it can't claim to be a traditional British sportscar even though it looks like an MG. I.

FYI the TD is made from original MG TD tooling and chassis jigs so is as close to an original as it is possible to get.

Morgan is not a retro car. They just forgot to redesign or develope it since the 1950's.

 

[Mrs. Merl]

I have had great luck with my foreign engine - and being poor - if it works...
And in Colorado, well those would be really little tires...especially compared to the ones on our Jeep!! Just being silly.

I just think it would be fun to have a different kind of car to pull out once in awhile! I guess I just think the "personality" is fun and it would be something perhaps a person who is not totally into cars could own and run. There are other options for anyone inclined, but some people want a little class - but can't even change their own oil. Maybe something like this would be more user friendly. I know that everyone will have their personal preferences and such.

Good Luck when you get the chance to build your car. What fun. I live next to a fellow who restores classic cars and such. He is really talented from what I hear. Organizes a car show here in our town and everything.

 

[H.Johnson]

I know - I have been in and underneath one and spoken in depth to the owner (he bought his in KL and has had it for several years). I think TDs are well made and the chassis and bodywork are authentic, but the whole car can't be 'as close to an original as it is possible to get' with the engine, transmission and running gear it has, surely? It certainly doesn't feel or drive like an MG TD.

I don't understand your last sentence. Surely a Morgan is an attempt at performing minimal updates to an old fashioned car to keep up with modern regulations and tastes and not much more? I don't think they 'forgot to redesign or develop' it - I think they consciously wanted to keep some models the same. This is nothing new - personally I think Morgan started going downhill when they started using overhead valve engines...

FYI the TD is made from original MG TD tooling and chassis jigs so is as close to an original as it is possible to get.

Morgan is not a retro car. They just forgot to redesign or develope it since the 1950's.

 

[H.Johnson]

David,

I used to run a '32 Ford Roadster (with a small hemi in place of the flathead) built mainly from parts imported from the US in the late 1970s, when such cars were rare in the UK. I did it up just like a stock Model 18 with stock parts and trim. I ran it until the 1990s and I can confirm that most people (even people who claimed to know about such things) thought that it was original. I guess they had never seen a real US '32 roadster.

I hate cars now but I must admit I sometimes look back with fondness to that old roadster..

Still, being a bigger fan of American cars, I'll stick with my plan to build a '32 Ford roadster with almost entirely reproduction parts. Yes, it can be done, and 9 out of 10 observers would have no idea it wasn't the real thing.

-Dave