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Back to the future

ASHISH MASIHASHISH MASIH

Reinventing the past of the archetypal British sportscar - the TD 2000

YE OLDE SCHOOL The TD 2000 makes no attempt to appear modern. Every bit of it is retro-styled, but with modern, reliable bits under the skin

Before we go any further I have a confession to make. I simply love Aishwarya Rai. But to meet her would be impossible for an auto journalist like me. And even if I managed to, she wouldn't care half a hoot, even. So what do I do? Try to find someone who looks like her. And even if the latter is half as good as the former, I'd be grinning through the rest of my life. Now, if you somewhat follow and accept this logic, you'll surely love the car I am going to write about.

There is no doubt that many a purist would be wrinkling their noses at the sight of this one. What you have here is an MG-TC replica/ lookalike, but made with modern materials in Malaysia. The original MG-TC was the first postwar MG launched in 1945. It was quite similar to the pre-war TB, sharing the same 1250cc engine, but with a slightly higher compression ratio. It produced 54 bhp but more modern interior elements allowed a wider cockpit. The car was a strict two-seater and over 10,000 were produced - a large number, by MG standards. It cost £527 on the home market in 1947. This one costs around Rs 20 lakh.

The attention to detail in styling on this replica is simply awesome. It's an honest representation of the original MG-TC. The two-tone paint job, stainless steel bumpers and rear mounted spare wheel all go a long way in making nostalgia truly memorable. Even the tyres fit on to stainless steel wire rims. For India, air- conditioning is standard along with the splendid tonneau cover for the hood when folded. A lovely stainless steel rollover bar is fitted behind the front seats.

The overall styling is gorgeous and remains true to the original MG-TC. The low centre of gravity of the car promises to provide for good, sporty handling, while under the period coachwork of this look-alike lies a modern 2000cc, 130 bhp Toyota motor mated to a five-speed manual or a four speed automatic gear box. This is a good thing, as Japanese manufacturers, and Toyota in particular, are known for their bulletproof reliability. Opening the hood will also bring the good ol'

days back - the engine cover is hinged from the centre.

The interiors of the car complete the classical look. The car you see here comes with interiors finished in birch wood, but there is an entire list of options that one can choose from including burr walnut and solid teak. The fascia holds period gauges manufactured by VDO, though the most obvious modern elements inside the car are the AC ducts - these are well shrouded indeed. The brilliance of the cabin is in the fact that leather blends beautifully with wood, while even modern touches like the air con vents and door handles blend with the classic theme. Fit and finish is splendid, to say the least.

Fire the engine and you'll realize why Japanese motors are considered the smoothest in the world. Bury the throttle and you'll be glad to notice the rev needle hoists itself all the way to the redline without the slightest lag, a precise, smooth gearshift adding to the pleasure of the motoring experience. The overall weight of the car is only 970 kg, which means that red-light sprint races should be more than fun. There is no power steering though, but you won't miss it. Really. The steering is not heavy and gives the right amount of feedback to the driver. While the car rides on 195/65 R-15s, both handling and ride are the kind of stuff you'd want in a car of this sort - sorted and fun to handle, the MG-TC replica promises not to disappoint the experienced driver.

The body is a safe unit. It is made from glass- reinforced fibre over an integral steel frame, and there are stainless steel bumpers front and rear. Side impact beams are present in the doors. Both front and rear wheels incorporate discs.

At about Rs 20 lakh, depending the options you want, the car might not offer great value for money or even practicality. What is offers however, is sheer exclusivity for its owner. It's a good option to go out in for that Sunday lunch to the Gupta's. And you'll probably not find another one like it on the road. If you can't have the real thing then this is probably the second best option.

The car is available at Delhi-based Kashyap Motors.

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