The TD2000 is a

retro Retro style is imitative or consciously derivative of lifestyles, trends, or art forms from history, including in music, modes, fashions, or attitudes. In popular culture, the "nostalgia cycle" is typically for the two decades that begin 20–30 ...

-classic roadster styled after the

MG TD The MG T-Type is a series of body-on-frame open two-seater sports cars that were produced by MG from 1936 to 1955. The series included the MG TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, and MG TF Midget models. The last of these models, the TF, was replaced by t ...

. It is produced by TD Cars (Malaysia) Pte. Ltd., a private limited company incorporated in 1998. The company acquired the rights, intellectual properties and trademarks associated with the production of the TD2000 Roadster. The car is assembled in Malaysia today and exported overseas. It is available in Japan, Australia, Brunei, New Zealand, India, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Scotland, Ireland, England and the Middle East.

History

The idea of creating a retro-classic to pay homage to the 1950s British entry-level sports car MG TD based on a modern Japanese drivetrain. The roadster originated in 1986 using Nissan components and original MG TD jigs, dies and moulds. Australian Classic Cars (ACC), under Westmex, created the chassis, improved on other technical aspects and creature comfort. Gason of Ararat, under contract with ACC, successfully produced and launched about 100 vehicles in Australia. However, sales were unprofitable so the car arm of the company changed ownership several times until TD Cars acquired it and moved the production to Malaysia. Under the new management, TD2000s expanded beyond its border.

Design

Today, the TD2000 roadster consists of 2 models, a Silverstone comes with a 5-speed manual shift and Gatsby with a 4-speed automatic gear. It sits on a steel chassis and is equipped with an independent

double wishbone A double wishbone suspension is an independent suspension design for automobiles using two (occasionally parallel) wishbone-shaped arms to locate the wheel. Each wishbone or arm has two mounting points to the chassis and one joint at the knuckle ...

front suspension, a leaf-spring back axle and all-round

disc brakes A disc brake is a type of brake that uses the calipers to squeeze pairs of pads against a disc or a "rotor" to create friction. This action slows the rotation of a shaft, such as a vehicle axle, either to reduce its rotational speed or to hol ...

, delivering better handling and smoother ride than the original. Many local

OEM An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is generally perceived as a company that produces non-aftermarket parts and equipment that may be marketed by another manufacturer. It is a common industry term recognized and used by many professional or ...

engineers were contracted to study and build a complete suspension system with softer absorbers and 3-leaf springs, colder air-conditioning unit, and integrate a double-core radiator into the cooling system. Its

fiber glass Fiberglass (American English) or fibreglass (Commonwealth English) is a common type of fiber-reinforced plastic using glass fiber. The fibers may be randomly arranged, flattened into a sheet called a chopped strand mat, or woven into glass cloth ...

bodywork incorporates side intrusion bars, is protected by stainless steel bumpers. With a 2-liter Toyota 3S-FE engine developing 130bhp, the

rear-wheel drive Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a form of engine and transmission layout used in motor vehicles, in which the engine drives the rear wheels only. Until the late 20th century, rear-wheel drive was the most common configuration for cars. Most rear-wheel ...

roadster delivers better performance than its predecessor. Power-to-weight ratio is superb as the roadster weighs less than 1 ton. Standard features come with spoked wheels, walnut-burr dashboard, mohair soft-top and integrated roll-over bar. Options include leather trims, air-conditioning, wooden Motolita steering wheel, stainless steel luggage rack and roll bar. The National Automobile Museum at

Sepang International Circuit The Sepang International Circuit ( ms, Litar Antarabangsa Sepang) is a motorsport race track in Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia. It is located approximately south of Kuala Lumpur, and close to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. It hosted the For ...

houses a pearl-blue Silverstone for public viewing.

References

External links

Vehicles of Malaysia Retro-style automobiles Malaysian brands Privately held companies of Malaysia {{Malaysia-company-stub