TD 2000
Review by J M FANG. 98
Trying to recreate the lazy, post-war colonial days that soaked Malaysia in the ‘50s,
a group of Malaysians have reincarnated the classic MG TD, a beautiful two–seater
that for a time ruled the roads of England and Malaysia.
Times must have improved: the 1997 economic crisis almost wiped out the car
industry, but now the good times are back, and KLSE–funded wealth is here again to
bolster extravagant car purchases.
The TD is one such extravagance. At a cost of a wallet–withering RM180k for this
hand-crafted motor, it’s accessible only to the rich and privileged.
Strictly a two–seater, the TD has a foldable cloth roof that collapses behind your
ears. Compared to other roadsters, the opening mechanism, as befits its classic
status, is quite archaic. Simply unclip the hood from its catch on either side of the
windscreen, fold the hood back, and there it sits, behind the seats. (There’s a cover
- Ed.)
Though an archaic design, it is an easy one to use, and going top–down or top–up
is an easy process. Which is fine, because the TD is a far more enjoyable drive top
down than up.
With the roof up, the cabin suddenly becomes a stuffy place to be in. That’s fine if
your sidekick is a luscious and leggy brunette with moist lips, but it’s quite another if
your mate is next to you and there’s a funny smell coming from him, and worse, is
seeping into the leather seats.
Another quirk – the TD has no windows, which not only makes security a concern,
but could prove to be quite an issue if the sky suddenly decides to do a funny on
you and do what it does best in tropical countries. If that should happen (which
thankfully we were spared), it would be time to remember the crucial bits of the
demonstration on how to rainproof the car.
In the humid heat of KL, the TD looks archaic, sitting next to cars like Proton and
Toyota. Long of bonnet and skinny of tyres, the TD’s stance is part bon vivant, part
gaffer and part gentleman. It’s a car you would drive to your girlfriend’s house to
meet her parents.
Clambering through the almost too–small door cavity, it’s not difficult to see the
appeal of a car like this: the TD 2000 is an open–top roadster designed for two
passengers, and is 90% lifestyle/image, 10% performance.
Its Japanese–engineered 3S-FE 4-cylinder DOHC EFI 16-valve engine liberates
130bhp and promises an eager ride. Slot the large wooden gear knob into 1st and
you’ll find the movement is precise and satisfying. Let out the long travel clutch and
floor the throttle. The exhaust lets out a throaty, phlegm–filled roar and you’re off
down the road, rear a bit nearer the ground, as the weight shifts backwards.
You’ll find your mind drifting to images of a stengah for yourself, and a gin-and-tonic
for your missus. After that, a spot of croquet and perhaps steak and potatoes for
dinner… and then you have the horns blaring at your ear as you immerse yourself in
KL traffic.
With its bodywork being made of corrosion-resistant fibreglass and reinforced with a
rigid steel frame underneath, you’d think structural rigidity would be a small issue.
But, at high cornering speeds the body tends to flex. Combined with an abundant
dial of the steering, lock to lock, the drive of the TD takes some getting used to, and
a fair bit of concentration.
The pedals are far too close together, and set the limit on who gets to enjoy this car.
But what the TD lacks in performance, comfort or space, it more than makes up for
in atmosphere, for this is a car that is serious about its style. Cars, bikes, even
buses are wont to sidle up to you and have a good ‘ol gander.
That’s not such a bad thing if you’re training to be a performing monkey, but after
quite a bit of this it all becomes a little weary.
Neither a city car, nor a grand tourer, the TD, then, is a vehicle that sits somewhat
uncomfortably between novelty piece and weekend toy. It’s not even a car you’d take
all that seriously, with its Mattel Toy–like wording on the dash.
All of which may or may not dilute its appeal factor. After all, much more moolah has
been dished out on cars far less useful (a Lamborghini Diablo, a Ferrari F40), and
far less presentable (Rover 800). Fact is, history has shown us that there has always
been a niche for the niche.
The issue here, I think, is whether wealthy Malaysians are prepared to dish out
money for a car as potentially anti–utilitarian as this. That being said, most TDs are
earmarked for export anyway – and for markets far less concerned about the climate
than Malaysians. (Japan, for example, would be an ideal market for cars as quirky as
the TD 2000).
Nevertheless, purists worldwide would probably still sniff out the appeal of riding in
the leather lined, wood-clad cabin and dream of days gone by. Better still if they
were tootling along in some tree-lined glen, or by the beach, say in Port Dickson or
Penang, listening to that snuffling motor and smelling that leather.
All said and done, it would be nice to see cars like the TD populating our roads -
they’re much prettier and graceful than modern cars.
The cars are built at ACE (who had converted six units of bullet-proof Proton
Perdana limousines for the APEC Summit). TD Cars Malaysia is confident of the car’
s success, and expect to roll out 380 units in 2000 and almost 500 units in 2001. fang
And Mel Says...
There are two real values in owning the TD 2000: the enjoyment of driving it, and the
enjoyment of having a lot of people going crazy over it. Very few cars can elicit the
same sort of reaction from so many types of people as the TD 2000 is able to. The
Bufori can, to an extend, but that roadster gets the attention from its ‘weird-looking’
stance, while the TD accomplishes it as warmly familiar sight.
A lot of people mistake the car for the real thing - an MGTD - and are thrilled that the
car is in such a mint condition, and running so well. (Well can be as dramatic as
zooming along at 160km/h and still accelerating!) But the car is dramatic slowly
coming into sight or even parked. People of all ages love going through the car,
which is as open to scrutiny as any car can be. And the curiousity does not even
extend to the usual technical stuff, like DOHC, ABS, Variable Valves, etc. People are
just thrilled at the physical reality of a car of such retro leanings. They would
invariably want to know how it drives, not the speed and performance aspect but
more of whether it is like the cars of old - the full romantic nostalgic thing!
Hence, anyone demanding that the TD 2000 goes like the wind, handles like a 4WD,
and rides like a modern car, is obviously in the wrong car.
I did get tempted to blast along in this car. Even with the top up, it is able to run
along at 130-150km/h, on the highway. It was mayhem in the cockpit, and would
require a lot of determination to prolong. It was obviously not the car’s strong suit.
However, it is nice to know that it is up to the challenge. Likewise, the car’s behavior
in the twisty stuff. The dash-mounted mirror blocks the view for straffing apexes, but
it is something that can be gotten used to. The ‘openness’ of the car, especially from
the low door sills, adds a new dimension to driving.
That’s a lot of enjoyment in motoring around, looking to all the world like you have all
the time in the world. Driving around in a car like this, especially during working
hours, identifies you as a person of some means.
Everything about it adds colour and character. It is really easy to drive, with the
toprate Japanese power source and drivetrain. With the top up and the air-cond on,
the effect is like standing under an air curtain, perfectly acceptable. It is easy to be
‘cool’ in this car.
The main body tub and dash panel are from Australia. TD Cars intends to make
them locally, eventually. The engine, gearbox and steering rack are direct from
Toyota. The wire wheels are from India. The softtop material and the leather are
from Germany. Many components are specially made, with consideration for the low
volume. The frame is put together at the ACE plant in Glenmarie. On that is mounted
the rest of the car, with final assembly at the end of the line dedicated to making this
car. The effort is highly labour intensive, involving a high degree of crafting. 25 cars
had been made, at time of writing, with 12 already sold. mel
Review by J M FANG. 98
Trying to recreate the lazy, post-war colonial days that soaked Malaysia in the ‘50s,
a group of Malaysians have reincarnated the classic MG TD, a beautiful two–seater
that for a time ruled the roads of England and Malaysia.
Times must have improved: the 1997 economic crisis almost wiped out the car
industry, but now the good times are back, and KLSE–funded wealth is here again to
bolster extravagant car purchases.
The TD is one such extravagance. At a cost of a wallet–withering RM180k for this
hand-crafted motor, it’s accessible only to the rich and privileged.
Strictly a two–seater, the TD has a foldable cloth roof that collapses behind your
ears. Compared to other roadsters, the opening mechanism, as befits its classic
status, is quite archaic. Simply unclip the hood from its catch on either side of the
windscreen, fold the hood back, and there it sits, behind the seats. (There’s a cover
- Ed.)
Though an archaic design, it is an easy one to use, and going top–down or top–up
is an easy process. Which is fine, because the TD is a far more enjoyable drive top
down than up.
With the roof up, the cabin suddenly becomes a stuffy place to be in. That’s fine if
your sidekick is a luscious and leggy brunette with moist lips, but it’s quite another if
your mate is next to you and there’s a funny smell coming from him, and worse, is
seeping into the leather seats.
Another quirk – the TD has no windows, which not only makes security a concern,
but could prove to be quite an issue if the sky suddenly decides to do a funny on
you and do what it does best in tropical countries. If that should happen (which
thankfully we were spared), it would be time to remember the crucial bits of the
demonstration on how to rainproof the car.
In the humid heat of KL, the TD looks archaic, sitting next to cars like Proton and
Toyota. Long of bonnet and skinny of tyres, the TD’s stance is part bon vivant, part
gaffer and part gentleman. It’s a car you would drive to your girlfriend’s house to
meet her parents.
Clambering through the almost too–small door cavity, it’s not difficult to see the
appeal of a car like this: the TD 2000 is an open–top roadster designed for two
passengers, and is 90% lifestyle/image, 10% performance.
Its Japanese–engineered 3S-FE 4-cylinder DOHC EFI 16-valve engine liberates
130bhp and promises an eager ride. Slot the large wooden gear knob into 1st and
you’ll find the movement is precise and satisfying. Let out the long travel clutch and
floor the throttle. The exhaust lets out a throaty, phlegm–filled roar and you’re off
down the road, rear a bit nearer the ground, as the weight shifts backwards.
You’ll find your mind drifting to images of a stengah for yourself, and a gin-and-tonic
for your missus. After that, a spot of croquet and perhaps steak and potatoes for
dinner… and then you have the horns blaring at your ear as you immerse yourself in
KL traffic.
With its bodywork being made of corrosion-resistant fibreglass and reinforced with a
rigid steel frame underneath, you’d think structural rigidity would be a small issue.
But, at high cornering speeds the body tends to flex. Combined with an abundant
dial of the steering, lock to lock, the drive of the TD takes some getting used to, and
a fair bit of concentration.
The pedals are far too close together, and set the limit on who gets to enjoy this car.
But what the TD lacks in performance, comfort or space, it more than makes up for
in atmosphere, for this is a car that is serious about its style. Cars, bikes, even
buses are wont to sidle up to you and have a good ‘ol gander.
That’s not such a bad thing if you’re training to be a performing monkey, but after
quite a bit of this it all becomes a little weary.
Neither a city car, nor a grand tourer, the TD, then, is a vehicle that sits somewhat
uncomfortably between novelty piece and weekend toy. It’s not even a car you’d take
all that seriously, with its Mattel Toy–like wording on the dash.
All of which may or may not dilute its appeal factor. After all, much more moolah has
been dished out on cars far less useful (a Lamborghini Diablo, a Ferrari F40), and
far less presentable (Rover 800). Fact is, history has shown us that there has always
been a niche for the niche.
The issue here, I think, is whether wealthy Malaysians are prepared to dish out
money for a car as potentially anti–utilitarian as this. That being said, most TDs are
earmarked for export anyway – and for markets far less concerned about the climate
than Malaysians. (Japan, for example, would be an ideal market for cars as quirky as
the TD 2000).
Nevertheless, purists worldwide would probably still sniff out the appeal of riding in
the leather lined, wood-clad cabin and dream of days gone by. Better still if they
were tootling along in some tree-lined glen, or by the beach, say in Port Dickson or
Penang, listening to that snuffling motor and smelling that leather.
All said and done, it would be nice to see cars like the TD populating our roads -
they’re much prettier and graceful than modern cars.
The cars are built at ACE (who had converted six units of bullet-proof Proton
Perdana limousines for the APEC Summit). TD Cars Malaysia is confident of the car’
s success, and expect to roll out 380 units in 2000 and almost 500 units in 2001. fang
And Mel Says...
There are two real values in owning the TD 2000: the enjoyment of driving it, and the
enjoyment of having a lot of people going crazy over it. Very few cars can elicit the
same sort of reaction from so many types of people as the TD 2000 is able to. The
Bufori can, to an extend, but that roadster gets the attention from its ‘weird-looking’
stance, while the TD accomplishes it as warmly familiar sight.
A lot of people mistake the car for the real thing - an MGTD - and are thrilled that the
car is in such a mint condition, and running so well. (Well can be as dramatic as
zooming along at 160km/h and still accelerating!) But the car is dramatic slowly
coming into sight or even parked. People of all ages love going through the car,
which is as open to scrutiny as any car can be. And the curiousity does not even
extend to the usual technical stuff, like DOHC, ABS, Variable Valves, etc. People are
just thrilled at the physical reality of a car of such retro leanings. They would
invariably want to know how it drives, not the speed and performance aspect but
more of whether it is like the cars of old - the full romantic nostalgic thing!
Hence, anyone demanding that the TD 2000 goes like the wind, handles like a 4WD,
and rides like a modern car, is obviously in the wrong car.
I did get tempted to blast along in this car. Even with the top up, it is able to run
along at 130-150km/h, on the highway. It was mayhem in the cockpit, and would
require a lot of determination to prolong. It was obviously not the car’s strong suit.
However, it is nice to know that it is up to the challenge. Likewise, the car’s behavior
in the twisty stuff. The dash-mounted mirror blocks the view for straffing apexes, but
it is something that can be gotten used to. The ‘openness’ of the car, especially from
the low door sills, adds a new dimension to driving.
That’s a lot of enjoyment in motoring around, looking to all the world like you have all
the time in the world. Driving around in a car like this, especially during working
hours, identifies you as a person of some means.
Everything about it adds colour and character. It is really easy to drive, with the
toprate Japanese power source and drivetrain. With the top up and the air-cond on,
the effect is like standing under an air curtain, perfectly acceptable. It is easy to be
‘cool’ in this car.
The main body tub and dash panel are from Australia. TD Cars intends to make
them locally, eventually. The engine, gearbox and steering rack are direct from
Toyota. The wire wheels are from India. The softtop material and the leather are
from Germany. Many components are specially made, with consideration for the low
volume. The frame is put together at the ACE plant in Glenmarie. On that is mounted
the rest of the car, with final assembly at the end of the line dedicated to making this
car. The effort is highly labour intensive, involving a high degree of crafting. 25 cars
had been made, at time of writing, with 12 already sold. mel
COUNTERPOINT - CHRIS WEE
With one swipe across my forehead, the clean white Kleenex tissue
turned a darker shade of gray. Serves me right for driving it in the mid-
day traffic, heat and sun. With the top up and the A/C on at full blast,
the heat wasn’t really that bad. However, there was no stopping the dirt
and dust from entering the cabin. No way I was going to install the
removable ‘windows’.
The TD 2000 reminds me very much of the Bufori which I tested about
five years ago. In many ways, my experience with the TD 2000 and the
Bufori are very similar. First and foremost, both required me to perform
some amazing gymnastics and body contortions/yoga to get in and out.
In fact, I remember vividly that I could not get into the Bufori unless the
top was down. In this case though, the TD 2000 wins, I did manage to
get in with the top up! However, it wasn’t the most graceful of entrances,
that’s for sure.
Getting in
Looking like a mutant cow giving birth to an even more mutated
overgrown calf backwards, I managed to squeeze my 6’ 2” frame into the
TD 2000, much to the amusement of my colleagues, who had begun
placing bets to see if power tools would be required to extricate me from
the car later. Once inside I discovered Interesting Point Number One:
driving with shoes on would be a hazard, because just one of my size 11
shoes was able to press two of the three pedals at once. I’ve often had
to ‘heel and toe’, but this was ridiculous.
Off went the shoes, as I began to wonder what else would have to come
off before I got to drive this thing. Of course the seat had to be pushed
all the way back, as in many a car I test, but once this was done, I was
surprised to find that leg room wasn’t really as bad as I had initially
expected sans shoes. As luck would have it, I did not have to expel any
other articles of clothing.
Drivetime
From the inside the TD is as retro as they get. If the designers were
shooting for the ‘classic’ MG-type look, they get full marks, well almost.
The stereo head unit mounted dead-centre on the dash looks rather out
of place, even if it is half recessed. Also the slide switches for the A/C,
vent, temperature, etc. look quite cheap and plasticky. A set of gold-
chromed knobs would have matched the wooden dash and retro dials a
lot better.
Ah, the dials, here’s where the designers get the marks. The dials in the
TD look really, really nice. Gold chromed trim dials and indicator
needles within that look like they came off the meters found in an old
steam locomotive.
The seats are very comfortable, and quite good looking, wrapped in
light brown leather, as are the doors and dashboard.
Once settled, adjust the dash-mounted rearview mirror, turn the key,
and the TD bursts into life with a rather feisty roar. As far as retro goes,
forget about that when it comes to the engine department. This car is
powered by a 2.0 litre Toyota Celica engine! Acceleration from a
standstill is very quick, as is roll-on acceleration in second and third
gears.
However, while the engine is up to the task of pushing the TD into some
serious 3-digit speeds, the handling and brakes aren’t up to it, by a long
shot.
Hit the gas and do some serious spirited driving, and the TD shakes,
shimmies, and rolls like a true antique car. Hit the brakes and they feel
spongy and prone to fade. Hit them harder and the tyres lock up. Not a
very reassuring way to drive a test car.
Then it dawned on me, like a bulb over my head: I realised MY mistake. I
was driving the TD like a performance roadster (well, it is sort of a
roadster, actually) or a performance car, and that was why I was getting
so annoyed with it, the way the engine seemed to want me to push the
car harder, but the chassis not wanting to cooperate.
I had to seriously rethink my ‘test mode’. So I started to drive the TD like
how it was meant to be driven - easy and cool. My, my, my how the car’s
characteristics changed. Suddenly, the TD became calm, compliant and
a true joy to drive. I can’t wait to put the top down this evening and go
for a spin. Oh and if you’re thinking of keeping a ‘low profile’, DO NOT
drive the TD. It attracts attention like you won’t believe!
In a nutshell, the TD is a grown man’s toy, just like the Bufori before it. It
is a car for the weekend, to be driven when the weather is cool and dry,
especially in the evening with the top down, and to the country club for
hi-tea. (Sidetrack: Don’t you hate it when you see a convertible being
driven in the cool evening weather with the top up. Why buy a
convertible if you aren’t going to put the top down every chance you
get??)
You are not meant to go fast in a TD, it is not a performance car and it
doesn’t claim to be one (which means that the 2.0-litre engine is a bit of
an overkill) .
The TD reminds me very much of a ‘68 Triumph Vitesse which I used to
have. In the same respect, the TD brings out the nostalgic side of
motoring, of days gone by, days when on-board computers were
considered stuff of science fiction, and cars like this ruled the streets.
Chris Wee
With one swipe across my forehead, the clean white Kleenex tissue
turned a darker shade of gray. Serves me right for driving it in the mid-
day traffic, heat and sun. With the top up and the A/C on at full blast,
the heat wasn’t really that bad. However, there was no stopping the dirt
and dust from entering the cabin. No way I was going to install the
removable ‘windows’.
The TD 2000 reminds me very much of the Bufori which I tested about
five years ago. In many ways, my experience with the TD 2000 and the
Bufori are very similar. First and foremost, both required me to perform
some amazing gymnastics and body contortions/yoga to get in and out.
In fact, I remember vividly that I could not get into the Bufori unless the
top was down. In this case though, the TD 2000 wins, I did manage to
get in with the top up! However, it wasn’t the most graceful of entrances,
that’s for sure.
Getting in
Looking like a mutant cow giving birth to an even more mutated
overgrown calf backwards, I managed to squeeze my 6’ 2” frame into the
TD 2000, much to the amusement of my colleagues, who had begun
placing bets to see if power tools would be required to extricate me from
the car later. Once inside I discovered Interesting Point Number One:
driving with shoes on would be a hazard, because just one of my size 11
shoes was able to press two of the three pedals at once. I’ve often had
to ‘heel and toe’, but this was ridiculous.
Off went the shoes, as I began to wonder what else would have to come
off before I got to drive this thing. Of course the seat had to be pushed
all the way back, as in many a car I test, but once this was done, I was
surprised to find that leg room wasn’t really as bad as I had initially
expected sans shoes. As luck would have it, I did not have to expel any
other articles of clothing.
Drivetime
From the inside the TD is as retro as they get. If the designers were
shooting for the ‘classic’ MG-type look, they get full marks, well almost.
The stereo head unit mounted dead-centre on the dash looks rather out
of place, even if it is half recessed. Also the slide switches for the A/C,
vent, temperature, etc. look quite cheap and plasticky. A set of gold-
chromed knobs would have matched the wooden dash and retro dials a
lot better.
Ah, the dials, here’s where the designers get the marks. The dials in the
TD look really, really nice. Gold chromed trim dials and indicator
needles within that look like they came off the meters found in an old
steam locomotive.
The seats are very comfortable, and quite good looking, wrapped in
light brown leather, as are the doors and dashboard.
Once settled, adjust the dash-mounted rearview mirror, turn the key,
and the TD bursts into life with a rather feisty roar. As far as retro goes,
forget about that when it comes to the engine department. This car is
powered by a 2.0 litre Toyota Celica engine! Acceleration from a
standstill is very quick, as is roll-on acceleration in second and third
gears.
However, while the engine is up to the task of pushing the TD into some
serious 3-digit speeds, the handling and brakes aren’t up to it, by a long
shot.
Hit the gas and do some serious spirited driving, and the TD shakes,
shimmies, and rolls like a true antique car. Hit the brakes and they feel
spongy and prone to fade. Hit them harder and the tyres lock up. Not a
very reassuring way to drive a test car.
Then it dawned on me, like a bulb over my head: I realised MY mistake. I
was driving the TD like a performance roadster (well, it is sort of a
roadster, actually) or a performance car, and that was why I was getting
so annoyed with it, the way the engine seemed to want me to push the
car harder, but the chassis not wanting to cooperate.
I had to seriously rethink my ‘test mode’. So I started to drive the TD like
how it was meant to be driven - easy and cool. My, my, my how the car’s
characteristics changed. Suddenly, the TD became calm, compliant and
a true joy to drive. I can’t wait to put the top down this evening and go
for a spin. Oh and if you’re thinking of keeping a ‘low profile’, DO NOT
drive the TD. It attracts attention like you won’t believe!
In a nutshell, the TD is a grown man’s toy, just like the Bufori before it. It
is a car for the weekend, to be driven when the weather is cool and dry,
especially in the evening with the top down, and to the country club for
hi-tea. (Sidetrack: Don’t you hate it when you see a convertible being
driven in the cool evening weather with the top up. Why buy a
convertible if you aren’t going to put the top down every chance you
get??)
You are not meant to go fast in a TD, it is not a performance car and it
doesn’t claim to be one (which means that the 2.0-litre engine is a bit of
an overkill) .
The TD reminds me very much of a ‘68 Triumph Vitesse which I used to
have. In the same respect, the TD brings out the nostalgic side of
motoring, of days gone by, days when on-board computers were
considered stuff of science fiction, and cars like this ruled the streets.
Chris Wee