Highlights
- Meticulously restored in 2015 with careful use since
- Original factory colour combination
- Matching numbers car with full engine rebuild in 2015
- One of the last TFs from the ‘transition period’ before the TF 1500
- MOT exempt but usefully has MOT to February 2024
The Appeal
With work on the all-new MGA hit by delays, MG made one last roll of the T-Type dice with the TF of late 1953. With updated styling but still playing to the simple, fun aesthetic of the original helped maintain sales of this popular low cost car.
This gorgeous 1954 TF is one of the last XPAG-engined cars built from the ‘transition period’ when the new 1500 was starting to run through the factory. It was carefully restored to original factory specification between 2011 and 2015, so much so that there are six pages of parts for the work totalling over £15,000.
Used sparingly since the work was completed it presents in superb condition. This is a great opportunity to acquire a quintessentially British post-war classic with the reassurance of a long MOT too.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 6th August 1954
- Current owner since 20th March 2021
- Factory records provided by the T Register show this car is in factory specification and was built on 22nd April 1954
- VIN records confirm this car left the factory painted Birch Grey with cellulose paintwork and synthetic painted wings
- The chassis number corresponds to the transition period when MG was phasing out the XPAG car and introducing the 1500cc XPEG cars
- Six page carefully annotated record of the restoration work including £15,559 expenditure
- Of which £5,900 was spent restoring and repainting the bodywork
- Old MOTs and invoices dating back to 1970s
- DVLA records show one previous owner but the history files indicate at least eight owners, details of which are provided
- Original registration book
- Workshop manual and owners handbook
- Old invoice from Kimble Engineering in 1972
- Details of some club ‘gymkhana’ competition history from the late 1960s and early 1970s
The Interior
- Factory correct red leather interior fully refurbished and remaining in excellent condition
- Original octagonal Jaeger dials set into the beautiful TF dashboard
- Curvaceous dash roll also on well kept unmarked condition
- Optional Smiths heater fitted by a previous owner
- Smart MG Car Company chromed sill covers
- Dashboard in contrasting red finish and appearing unmarked
- Door cards carefully retrimmed during restoration and with no visible marks
- Chrome fittings and switchgear either replaced or original with very light patina visible
- Black carpets replaced during restoration and in very good condition
- Stylish three spoke cream factory steering wheel appears either refurbished or new
- Rear stowage area in red vinyl and with no visible marks
The Exterior
- Excellent Birch Grey bodywork is factory correct and in very good condition indeed
- Excellent panel fit and lines indicating the quality of the restoration work
- Bodywork restored between 2011 and 2015 at a cost of nearly £6,000
- Delightful touches abound like the suite of period grille badges and rear luggage rack
- We could not spot any obvious chips, marks or scuffs on the sculpted panels
- Sitting on refurbished steel wheels with undamaged chrome MG hubcaps
- 15in tyres have plenty of tread
- Chrome work in very good condition appears either refurbished or replaced
- Factory correct to a high degree including the Auster screen badge and under-bonnet plaques
- Tan roof and side screens in similarly good condition with no visible nicks, tears or marks
- Underside reflects the bodywork being free of surface or other corrosion and no advisories on MOT for structure
The Mechanics
- 1,250cc XPAG MG engine and one of the last of these built
- 4spd manual gearbox
- Full engine rebuild in 2015 with few miles since
- Vendor says that the engine would benefit from a tune up
- 2011-2015 rebuild included mechanical restoration with 6pages of documented parts purchases
Summary
The TF was of the classically styled MGs and is evocative of a certain joyful period in Britain’s post-war motoring history.
This late TF has been meticulously restored to its original factory specification, the work extending to six closely typed pages of parts and investment. It remains in superb condition and for enthusiasts looking for one of the best TFs available to buy, this is surely a strong contender.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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