1971 NG TF Roadster
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Highlights
- Complete body off nut and bolt restoration carried out in 2011
- Full mechanical rebuild in 2019
- Three owners since restoration
- Impressive history file
- Tax and MOT exempt
The Appeal
The appeal of a classic 1940s sports car is easy to see – they’re charismatic, nostalgic and extremely involving to drive. Unfortunately, the reality is that they can be unreliable, tricky to master and require continuous maintenance. So the perfect solution is surely a more modern drivetrain, but with the aesthetics of a classic war-time sports car. Well this is where the NG TF comes in.
While some may refer to this as a “kit car”, in reality it’s so much more than that. While NG provided the bodyshell and kit, the donor vehicle was the classic MGB GT. Solid, reliable and well-known underpinnings for any roadster. With a light, GRP body and that fabulous B-Series engine, the TF is a brilliant proposition for anyone that loves the idea of classic, open-top motoring.
This particular example has been significantly restored and mechanically rebuilt in recent years. Coming with a vast history file and presented in superb condition, we think this is one of the finest vintage-style roadsters we’ve seen in a very long time.
The History and Paperwork
- Original car (MGB GT) first registered in June 1971
- Kit provided from NG in 1995
- First on the road as an NG TF in 1997
- Extensive “body off” restoration in 2011
- Comprehensive mechanical rebuild in 2019
- Enormous history file, including dozens of receipts and invoices
- 2x sets of keys
- Full independent service history
- Original assembly manual included
- Complete photographic record of the rebuild / restoration
The Interior
- Original grey vinyl upholstery
- Genuine Moto-Lita steering wheel
- Smiths Magnolia instruments
Trimmed in beautiful, soft grey vinyl, the seats are the first thing you notice in the cabin of this TF. Presented in excellent condition, with just one minor scuff to the rear of the passenger seat, they complement the deep blue paintwork very well. Matched with the deep blue carpets of the cabin, they create an elegant ambience.
There is no sign of any rips, tears or significant wear to any of the cabin’s upholstery, overall it is in top-notch condition. Behind the seats there is a well-trimmed luggage bench, which pulls forward to reveal a storage area, perfect for a toolkit and the tonneau cover or hood.
There is no sign of any rips, tears or significant wear to any of the cabin’s upholstery, overall it is in top-notch condition. Behind the seats there is a well-trimmed luggage bench, which pulls forward to reveal a storage area, perfect for a toolkit and the tonneau cover or hood.
The driving position is low-slung, with access via the traditional “step-over” method. Once ensconced in the cabin, the dashboard and that long, sporty bonnet fill your immediate view. The dash itself is beautifully finished, with metal toggles, lovely switchgear, classically styled Smiths Magnolia instruments and traditional wooden veneer. Everything is pristine, with no evidence of damage and no wear to speak of.
The vendor assures us that all of the car’s functions and switchgear work exactly as they should. Of course, one of the advantages of a vintage-style roadster is that everything is mechanical, so there’s not really anything in the way of electronics or gadgets to go wrong.
All in all, the interior is a lovely place to be, and offers the kind of snug, low-down, feet-forward driving position that is beloved of keen drivers everywhere.
The Exterior
- Volkswagen Marine Blue
- “Body off” restoration in 2011
- Soft top with side screens and tonneau
- Chrome luggage rack with vintage case
- Full set of chrome wire wheels
Finished in a gorgeous shade of blue (VW Marine) that contrasts perfectly with all the brightwork, this handsome little roadster is in exceptional condition externally. As part of its complete restoration, the chassis was stripped and repainted, and the body of the car treated to a full, bare metal respray. Therefore it presents very well.
Obviously, the body itself is GRP, so there is no corrosion evident at all on the bodywork. There is also no evidence of damage or significant wear, the paint in in very good condition, with just the odd minor swirl or tiny blemish. Complementing this, the car’s brightwork is similarly presented in fine condition, all complete and with no signs of corrosion, other than on the front headlight grilles, where there is some slight discolouration due to surface corrosion.
Underneath, the chassis, drivetrain elements and floor pans are in staggeringly good condition, looking almost new. Certainly, there was no corrosion, damage or evidence of repair that we could see. Everything is straight, clean and exceptionally well maintained.
When the car was restored, the hubs were replaced with splined items to allow the fitment of new 15” chromed wire wheels. They looks excellent, very much suiting the vehicle, and are in almost-new condition. All five wheels are shod with new Uniroyal 185/65R tyres, which have excellent tread on them and should be good for thousands of miles of happy motoring.
As a roadster the car features a manual fabric roof, complete with side screens, frame cover, full tonneau (with centre zip) and spare wheel cover. All of these fabric elements are in very good condition, with no signs of UV damage and no tears or splits we could see. For some added practicality, there is a chrome luggage rack installed to the rear, and the vendor is including a genuine vintage leather suitcase and straps with the sale, which suits the car perfectly. They’re also including an “Ultimate Outdoor” car cover with the sale, perfect if you don’t have room in the garage or need to park outside on occasion.
The Mechanics
- 1,798cc B-series engine
- Twin SU carburettors
- 4-speed manual transmission with overdrive
- Significant mechanical refurbishment in 2019
- Practical mechanical upgrades
- Fuel pump and battery isolation switches
As the donor vehicle for this roadster was an MGB-GT (overdrive version) the mechanical aspects of the car are very much known quantities – robust, reliable and with parts widely available. Nevertheless, many significant mechanical enhancements and improvements have been made to make the car as reliable and drivable as possible.
During the refurbishment process in 2019, the entire drivetrain was completely stripped and rebuilt. The work carried out includes:
• No. 3 cylinder had new liner fitted
• New "County" pistons fitted
• Crankshaft checked - all perfect
• Con rods checked - new No. 3 refurbished rod sourced and fitted
• New camshaft fitted
• Full set new bushes fitted and reamed to new shaft and fitted
• Cylinder head checked decoked, valves reground (previous conversion to unleaded)
• Engine had a full rebuild - every part checked and if not in tolerance were replaced
• Full stainless steel exhaust system
• Stainless Steel nuts and bolts used on engine and mounting where possible. • Bare chassis repaint • Complete bodywork respray - VW Marine Blue • Rear axle rebuilt
• Gearbox rebuilt
• New overdrive unit
• Suspension rebuilt - all polybushed
• 4 x Spax adjustable gas shock absorbers fitted
• New steering rack
• Genuine Moto-Lita steering wheel
• New master cylinders, calipers, wheel cylinders
• New copper brake/fuel pipes
• Solid grooved/drilled discs - green pads linings - servo - stainless hoses and dust shields
• New splined hubs - 5 chrome wire wheels with spin off fastenings ( Jack and large rubber hammer in boot)
• Complete bespoke wiring loom - modern fuse box - relays of 2019 ( 4 off Spare Bosch replacement relays)
As can be seen from this list and from the pictures, the level of work undertaken was extensive. This is evidenced not only by the huge file of invoices and receipts, but also by the quality of the car. The engine starts, idles and runs very well. The owner assures us that it drives beautifully, with no mechanical issues whatsoever.
In fact, they have taken the vehicle over to the Republic of Ireland to take part in the Gordon Bennett Rally Classic Car Rally, and it performed exceptionally well.
In fact, they have taken the vehicle over to the Republic of Ireland to take part in the Gordon Bennett Rally Classic Car Rally, and it performed exceptionally well.
Summary
It’s easy to see the attraction of this delightful little roadster. Meticulously maintained and thoroughly refurbished mechanically and aesthetically over the last few years, it presents beautifully. Benefitting from a fine specification and top-class finish, there can’t be too many vintage-style roadsters on the road that come close to the quality on offer here.
With the raft of upgrades that have been lavished on this car, it makes for a perfect usable classic. You get to enjoy all the style and open-air thrills of a wartime roadster, while having the performance and reliability of a much more modern drivetrain. Being MGB-GT based makes it a doddle to care for too, with parts and expertise widely available.
So whether you want a classic for summer weekends, a usable daily or simply something rare and pretty to add to an existing collection, this lovely NG TF definitely fits the bill. Few cars turn heads like this, and even fewer are as much fun to own and run. Give this superb little roadster a spin, we’re sure you won’t regret it.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
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.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1971
- Make NG
- Model TF Roadster
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 10,907 Miles
- Engine size 1798
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Prestatyn
- Location Wales
- Country United Kingdom
25
bids
- Le•••• £12,500 20/07/22
- gi•••• £12,500 20/07/22
- Le•••• £12,250 20/07/22
- gi•••• £12,000 20/07/22
- Le•••• £11,500 20/07/22
- gi•••• £11,250 20/07/22
- Le•••• £11,000 20/07/22
- gi•••• £10,750 20/07/22
- Le•••• £10,500 20/07/22
- ra•••• £10,250 20/07/22
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