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MG TD TF 1500 - The Red Car. Novel by Don Stanford

Hi Guys,

In about 1954, Don Stanford (U.S.A.) published a novel featuring an MG TC and a 16 year old lad from the back blocks near Denver. TDs also star in the book and there are also mentions of a supercharged TD, TF, XK120s etc.

The book is titled "The Red Car". I am curious to know if the book is commonly known in U.S.A, U.K, and Australia.

I originally read it in the mid 60s but borrowed it from the MG Club library a week ago. I think it is aimed at teenage readers but I enjoyed it.

Bob Schapel
R L Schapel

There's a paperback for sale on Amazon but it's $84.79. But there also is hardback on Amazon for (gulp) $449. I've heard many people here (USA) mention reading the book when they were young.

https://www.amazon.com/Red-Car-Don-Stanford/dp/1568497318/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1500377571&sr=1-4&keywords=Don+Stanford

Tim
TD12524
Tim Burchfield

Hello Bob,right behind me in my book shelf is my treasured copy of The Red Car, purchased some years ago on ebay I have read it several times. inside the front cover is a signature commencing with a capital D and another letter followed by something like tanks.
could it be a signed copy?
Gordon W
TD14716EXLNA
engine #XPAG TD215067
Gordon Wright

My now 18 year old son has had no interest in cars. Out of desperation, I tried to hook him with the red car. I bought a copy on Amazon, it was realitibely inexpensive. I think it was like $20. I gave it to him a year ago and... it worked. He read the book, then began asking questions. He just got his license last week, now owns two cars (a 1972 Datsu 240Z and a Saab 900 Turbo. He is hooked! Here he is driving the TF.

D. Sander

A few years ago one of our members began a lending library with a copy of The Red Car. Members would read the book and then mail it to the next member on the list. Was quite a successful venture. Bud
Bud Krueger

Bud - it was very successful, some 40 readings, until I didn't get the book back...

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

I was on that list Tom but I never received it. I mention this just in case the impression was created that I still have it. Still keen to read it though. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Charles Runyan from TRF is remaking copies of this book to give to the people that are coming to the TRF summer party. Maybe you could convince him to sell you a copy. I have a copy of the book, and originally read it in the fifties when I was in junior high school. I believe it was what started me in 60 years of LBC's
Gary
g parker

Absolutely not Peter; it never made it OZ. Sorry.

Tom
t lange

Thanks for the responses guys. Now I see it was featured in a fabulous lending thread that Tom initiated in 2012. Perhaps I should have searched the archives first, although it doesn't hurt to highlight these things to new Enthusiasts.

I Googled the book a few minutes ago and found several sources with prices ranging from $65 to ..... $713 for a copy! I Googled a few days ago and found a few reasonably priced copies in a New Zealand s/h bookshop but couldn't find the same site this time!

Gordon, you might be lucky! Research other books he signed?

Bob Schapel

R L Schapel

Peter-
I've got a paperback copy I would loan to you for reading. Send me your address via email (if you've still got my address.)

Cheers,
Roy

Roy Challberg

Hi Roy. Thanks, that would be great. I'll email you off line. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Just googled 'The Red Car' & Amazon have it new in hardcover for about $13 plus shipping. A bit less for used. This is by Marcy Dermansky. Also show used paperbacks for $2. Free shipping on orders over $25 with a two day turnaround. I'll order a couple & auction one off at the M.G. Restorers T Type Tech Day here in Sydney on November 6th. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

I think the Marcy Dermansky book is a different book published last year. It has the same title but it is not the same story. It comes up if you don't add Don Stanford to the search because it is recently written. No relationship to the T-Type story we refer to.

Bob Schapel
R L Schapel

Thanks Bob. Amazon have big shipping charges to Oz & no way of contacting them by phone here so it's a good thing I didn't order it. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

I had seen posts on the little Red Car, but had never read it. I purchased an original copy about 3 years ago and loved it. My daughter is reading it to my granddaughter.
Bruce Cunha

This thread was discussed between 18/07/2017 and 20/07/2017

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