Here we have a mechanically rebuilt 1954 MG TF Roadster midway through its body-off restoration. It now needs a few weekends to complete its re-assembly and eventual recommissioning to give it a new lease of life.
Once done, you will be the proud owner of one of Britain’s most sought after and much loved two seater sports cars – in the colour of your very own choice. More as likely, an abundance of assistance could well come from the knowledgeable chaps at the UK’s MG Car Club.
According to the data plate and factory build records for TF5753, this MG TF Roadster rolled off the Abingdon production lines on 24th May, 1954. Painted black and an original right-hand drive model, it was likely destined for export to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, etc.
However, three years later it made its way back to the UK and received its first registration in September, 1957. The current keeper acquired the MG in November, 2020, which had been owned by just two former UK keepers.
Accompanying the car will be the V5 certificate in the current keeper’s name, two original keys, a continuation log book from 1968, an MG TF & TD Operation Manual, a factory-supplied MG TF Workshop Manual and a small selection of recent parts purchase invoices.
In the accompanying gallery there is a picture of the vehicle on the day it was bought, showing the seats and chromed radiator grille fitted. A new body tub and pressed metal body pieces were sourced and sandblasted back to metal and primed ready for painting.
The chassis was fully refurbished and treated by the former keeper, who also rebuilt the engine, acquired the suspension parts and assembled the vehicle to a rolling chassis complete with its original instrument panel, the odometer of which reads just 55,369 miles.
While the parts were not laid out to photograph individually, this writer was shown all the necessary bits and bobs to put this iconic Humpty back together again. They included the car’s brightwork such as front and rear lights, mirrors, grille, badges, bumpers, etc., brand new red leather door cards, black tonneau cover, new carpentry, new red leather seats, new original steering wheel, rebuilt windscreen, wipers, door seals and rubbers, folding soft-top, fuel tank and body panels as included in the gallery.
The rolling chassis currently rides on a brand new set of five Firestone F-560 tyres fitted to a matching set of 15-inch original steelies.
At the photo location, the MG was started up and the rebuilt engine settled into an appreciative four-pot burble for around five minutes. With the engine switched off, the rolling chassis was manually located to its photographed position.
As may be seen in the photographs, the engine, suspension and running gear are all present. In addition, the current keeper has acquired a new Falcon stainless steel exhaust system.
Originally launched at the 1953 Motor Show, the MG TF was keenly greeted by enthusiasts and journalists alike.
All agreed that the car very pleasing to the eye. Interior wise and in keeping with the external modifications, the cockpit layout was radically reconfigured from that of its predecessor, resulting in a far more comfortable and pleasant place to spend some thrilling and engaging road time.
Individually adjustable seats were provided in place of the normal bench type seating and the facia panel was completely new with a welcome return to octagonal instrumentation.
In this MG TF Roadster, we have an ideal opportunity to acquire a sought-after British two-seater sports car for what will likely be nowhere near silly, Morgan-like money.
Once complete and volunteered to undergo an MoT, the new keeper will essentially own a new 70-year-old car personalised to his or her own specification to enjoy – and hopefully, not just on Sundays.
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As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1954 MG TF Roadster project
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