Autoreplica

In 1983, Francisco Pueche founded Autoreplica (AR) after creating a prototype from an original MG TD, which was showcased at the Barcelona Motor Show in 1981. The aim of AR was to artisanally manufacture small series of the AR 50, an exquisite replica of the legendary 1950 MG TD.

Unlike typical replica production methods that utilized the monocoque of another car, the mechanics and body of the AR 50 were based on a classic chassis with steel spars that were not self-supporting. The wheelbase matched the original car, but the width was increased by 7 centimeters to accommodate the axles used.

The mechanics, including the engine, gearbox, axles, steering, and brakes, were sourced from Seat, a common practice for replicas at that time due to their reliability. Specifically, the AR 50 used a Seat 1430 longitudinal engine with rear-wheel drive, a 4-cylinder 1438cc engine producing 77 horsepower at 5400 rpm, a 5-speed gearbox, and a steering rack. The original configuration had disc rims, but wire spoke rims were available as an option. The top speed of the AR 50 was 137 km/h.

The dashboard of the AR 50 featured a varnished root wood finish with multiple clocks, and the wooden and aluminum steering wheel was imported from England's Motolita brand. The cabin could be fitted with an easy-to-install hood.

Optional extras for the AR 50 included door windows, heating, a luggage rack, and radio pre-installation, as well as alternative leather upholstery options in colors other than the standard white, black, red, and green. The pre-tax price for the AR 50 was 2,160,000 pesetas.

The manufacturer had plans to develop another version of the AR 50 with a 1.6-liter bi-tree Seat engine, as well as a later version modeled after the 1955 MG TF.

Although the initial production plan was to manufacture 8 units of the AR 50 per month using purely artisanal methods, the project did not achieve commercial success, possibly due to its high price for the time. As a result, Autoreplica ceased production after manufacturing only twelve units, closing its doors for good in 1985.