AutoRéplica AR50

While trolling the web this morning I found this webpage about a MG TD replica made in Spain in the early to mid 80s called the AR50.  This is the link to a photo of an ad for the car on Flickr that lead me to search the web for the AR50.

I lived in Barcelona between 81 and 83 and I never heard of it.  Supposedly there were only twelve made.  The link will lead you to a page in Spanish which I have translated for you below.  It's worth it to check the link because there are some nice pictures of the car at the bottom of the page.  The bottom two pictures were taken at a car show in Spain in 2011.

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The AR 50 was the product of a prototype made from an original MG TD, which was presented at the Barcelona Motor Show 1981.  Francisco Pueche, the maker of the prototype, embarked on an ambitious project founding the “Autoréplica” (AR) company in 1983. Its aim was to handcraft a small series of AR 50s, a magnificent replica of the legendary 1950 MG TD.

The body and mechanics of the AR 50 rested on a classic steel frame rail, it did not use a self-supporting structure, which was unusual in the making of replicas since usually they used the chassis of another car. The wheelbase was the same length as the original car, however its width was 7 cm wider to match the axles used.

All the mechanicals, engine, gearbox, axles, steering, brakes etc ..., like so many replicas of that age (in Spain), came from a Seat since they did not give too much trouble. Specifically chosen for the AR 50 was the Seat 1430 for its length, front engine, and rear wheel drive. The engine was the well-known 4-cylinder 1438cc, 77 hp at 5400 rpm. The gearbox was a 5 speed with rack and pinion steering. Originally it was equipped with regular wheels that could be optionally replaced with wire spokes wheels. The top speed was 137 km / h.

The dashboard of AR 50 was varnished burl wood, full of gauges. The wood and aluminum steering wheel, made by Motolita, was imported directly from England. The passenger compartment could be covered with an easy to install top.

Offered as optional extras were side curtains, heating, luggage rack, radio wiring, and additional color options for the leather upholstery, since originally it was offered as standard in white, black, red and green. The price (excluding taxes) was 2,160,000 pesetas.  (I was living in Barcelona at the time and I remember the exchange rate to be between 93 and 97 pesetas to the dollar making the price around $21,600 USD.)

According to the manufacturer, their intention was to also develop another version using a 1.6 liter Seat engine and later to make a replica of the 1955 MG TF.

The original production schedule for the AR 50 was 8 units per month, which would be built purely handmade.

At any rate, the project did not come to fruition possibly due to the high price for the time, so after making twelve units, the doors of Autoréplica finally closed in 1985.