Descrição
H and H Classics Auction on 14th Jun, 2023 13:00
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
1954 MG TF 1500
Entered from the Guinness Collection
Estimate
£16, 000 - £20, 000
Buyer's Premium applies (subject to a minimum charge and VAT)
Lot details
Registration No: SSK 743
Chassis No: HDC46/ 7593
MOT: Exempt
Desirable and rarer 1500 variant
Understood to boast matching chassis and engine numbers
Subject to a comprehensive restoration in the 1990s with minimal mileage in recent years
Offered directly from the Guinness Collection, in which it has resided since 1997
‘Of all the cars we have occasion to drive, there is one above all others which, by its every characteristic, clearly defines the term sportscar’ (Road & Track magazine on the MG TF, 1954).
The last of the MG T-series line, the TF was introduced in October 1953. Although mechanically near identical to its TD predecessor, the provision of a raked radiator, revised wing line, and faired-in headlamps lent it an altogether sleeker and sportier air. Powered by a revised version of the well-proven, four-cylinder XPAG engine but this time using larger valves, a higher compression ratio, and twin SU 1. 5in carburettors, the new model was reputedly capable of over 80mph. Equipped with both rack-and-pinion steering and independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension, it helped maintain the marque's 'Safety Fast' reputation. Around 6, 200 TF1250s were made, followed by 3, 400 examples with the 1500 engine.
Like many T-Series MGs, 'SSK 743' started life as a US export, being reputedly supplied new to California. This desirable 1500 XPEG engine variant TF is known to have been residing in Thousand Oaks, California by the late 1970s before being imported from California to the United Kingdom in 1988. Subject to a comprehensive restoration and converted to right-hand drive between 1989 and 1992, the MG was finished in the appealing colour combination of Cream paintwork with a complementary Red interior upholstery and a Tan hood and full-length tonneau cover. Upon completion, chassis number HDC46/ 7593 was UK road registered in 1992.
Passing briefly through another UK keeper, ‘SSK 743’ was acquired into the Guinness Collection in 1997, the MG has resided in the said collection ever since and is offered from directly there today. Understood to boast matching chassis and engine numbers, the MG started readily and ran well during our photography session. Accompanied by a history file that contains a registration card from 1979, a large collection of previous MOTs dating back to the 1990s, numerous invoices (mostly from the 1990s), and a current V5C registration document.
