1954 MG TF 1250

Highlights

Only 14,760 miles since engine rebuild
Much-travelled TF with fascinating history
Well documented life back to first registration
Tidy cream car with retrimmed green leather cabin
Carburettors and gearbox rebuilt in 2006
Fitted with a MGA 4.3:1 final drive
Enthusiast long term current keeper

The Appeal

The TF was the last of the traditionally-styled MGs and for that reason is particularly beloved of enthusiasts. Many have fascinating histories but few, perhaps, quite like this one.

The chassis number confirms it started life as a black export-market car, originally sold new in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). In the hands of surprisingly few keepers, it subsequently spent time in the USA and Switzerland, before returning to the UK. Along the way it was restored in the late 80s, including an engine rebuild, with further work in 2006 covering rebuilds of the carburettors and gearbox and fitting a MGA 4.3:1 final drive.

The current enthusiast keeper acquired the car in 2012 and has cared for it very well. It has always been garaged and regularly home-serviced. Recent work has included attention to the brakes and a cylinder head rebuild. In lovely, patinated but usable condition, this smart ‘cream and green’ TF looks both characterful and tempting.

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1954 Ceylon (now Sri Lanka)
Detailed history file shown in photographs recording car’s life to current keeper
This includes time spent in Ceylon, USA and Switzerland
Highlights of that time summarised below
Acquired by current keeper August 2012
Last MOT in March 2013 with 12,674 miles showing on test
Now showing 14,760 miles
Serviced by the current keeper during its life
Always garaged by current keeper
Lots of history available
Six registered keepers since returning to UK in February 1992
Factory handbook
V5 in seller’s name
We are told that the odometer was zero’d when the engine was rebuilt in May 1990
Chassis number confirms this was built as a black export market car with cellulose body and synthetic painted wings

Notable history highlights:

Exported to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) where it remained until the 1980s
Moved to California by Ceylon owner
Subsequent USA keeper then moved the car to his home in Switzerland
Car reportedly travelled to Switzerland on the QEII
Restored between October 1989 and May 1990 in Switzerland including engine rebuild
Swiss owner returned the car to the UK when he moved here and re-registered the car in 1992
Carburettors and gearbox rebuilt in 2006
MGA 4.3:1 final drive gearbox fitted in 2006
Interior retrimmed in 2006
Brakes overhauled and cylinder head rebuilt during current keeper’s tenure

The Condition

Older restoration in cream dating to May 1990 and in fair, presentable condition
Paintwork is patinated but characterful and various marks to note in photos
Bodywork appears straight and tidy after older restoration
Exterior fittings including chromework and lights in good order
Fitted with an elephant grille mascot, perhaps referencing its time in Asia
Also fitted with a chrome rear luggage rack and smart badge bar
Beige roof, tonneau and side screens in good but aged order
Steel wheels with matching spare in good order with tyres in similar condition
Underside appears to be in good order with no issues reported by seller
Attractive green leather interior retrimmed in 2006 and remains well-kept
There are a few signs of age inside but these are typical of age of restoration
Green leather seats and dash roll are of good quality and finish
Fitted with lap belt seatbelts
Interior appears largely standard with smart octagonal dials
We have no reported of malfunctioning electrics or equipment
Black carpets in good order
Three-spoke, wood-rimmed steering wheel

The Mechanics

1,250cc ‘XPAG’ 4cyl MG engine
Engine rebuilt between 1989 and 1990 with under 15,000 miles since
Cylinder head recently rebuilt during current keeper’s tenure
New front brake cylinders recently fitted
4spd manual gearbox which was rebuilt in 2006, around 5,000 miles ago
Starting handle, jack and tool bag included
No reported running or driving issues
Vendor states that the car ‘drives well’

BEFORE YOU BUY

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