Original right-hand-drive ‘home market’ example that has remained in single family ownership for 48 years
Exported to the USA before being later re-imported into the UK, where it was re-registered on its originally assigned plate of ‘UTV 519’
Fitted with modern rack-and-pinion steering, front disc brakes, and a five-speed gearbox
The Appeal
The MG TF 1500 was produced for just two model years, 1954 and 1955, and would prove to be the final iteration of the T-Series lineage that began with the TA in 1936. Featuring flowing front and rear wings, integrated running boards and reverse-opening doors, it remains an undeniably classic design, making the MGA that replaced it appear strikingly modern by comparison.
Interestingly, while 3,158 left-hand-drive examples were built for export, just 242 right-hand-drive TF 1500s were produced for the home market – among them this example, UTV 519.
Beyond its rarity, this car boasts an especially detailed and fascinating ownership history. Dispatched from the Abingdon factory to Nottingham on 25 January 1955, it was acquired by the current seller’s father in 1963 at the age of just 22 for the princely sum of £295. The MG subsequently accompanied him and his wife on their honeymoon through Scotland before later travelling ‘across the pond’ to the United States following their emigration in 1972.
Ownership then passed to his son in 1986, who retained the car for the next 25 years, enjoying it on the roads of Southern California while also carrying out a mechanical restoration. Now repatriated to its native UK, this charming TF 1500 is ready to begin its next chapter with a new custodian. image.png1.51 MB
Key Information
Mileage: 83,103 miles (indicated, unwarranted)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT-exempt (but reported to have been submitted)
Paperwork: Workshop manual, operation manual, history document from seller, receipts for mechanical work, V5C registration certificate, historic MOT certificate, State of California Certificate of Title, British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, US import paperwork and Californian numberplates
One of just 242 right-hand-drive, ‘home market’ examples
Dispatched from Abingdon to Nottingham in January 1955
Purchased by the seller’s father in 1963 and subsequently exported to the USA in 1972
Reportedly treated to a nut-and-bolt, chassis-off restoration in California in the 1980s before being passed to the seller in 1986, at which time it was mechanically overhauled
The 1980s restoration included renovating and shot-blasting the chassis, respraying in zinc-rich paint with an epoxy topcoat, replacing the doors and most of the ash frame, replacing the chromework, and applying new primer and synthetic paint
The mechanical restoration took place between 1989 and 2008, starting with the fitment of a correct-size and model-number 1,466cc engine to replace a previously installed 1,250cc unit
Engine reworked with line-bored and re-sleeved block, new crankshaft, JE pistons, blueprinted and balanced pistons/rods/crankshaft/flywheel, polished intake and exhaust manifold and ports, rebuilt oil pump, new oil cooler, electronic ignition, rebuilt SU carburettors, re-cored radiator, in-line petrol filter installed, aluminium heatshield between the carburettors and exhaust manifold, modern seals, and a stainless-steel exhaust
Gearbox rebuilt with new synchros
Brakes rebuilt
Petrol tank stripped and cleaned
New crown wheel and pinion set installed in rear axle
Additional restoration work undertaken in 2020, with details visible in the photo gallery
Synthetic light red paintwork (originally cellulose black bodywork and synthetic black wings)
Biscuit soft top and separate tonneau cover
Red leather cabin
Reverse-opening doors
‘The MG Car Company Ltd’ metal sill plates
Original 1955 banjo-style steering wheel, now with some cracks in the plastic
Twin storage recesses and octagonal dials set into the dashboard
Five-speed gearbox, rack-and-pinion steering, and front disc brakes fitted as modern upgrades
Replacement tyres fitted
The seller notes that the 1985 paintwork is no longer particularly glossy and displays some scratches and minor cracking, including on the bottom of the right rear wing
Front wings and running boards repainted with an imperfect colour match
New chrome wing strips supplied, though yet to be fitted
Area of rust on the lower passenger door
Interior dates from 1985 with wear noted on and behind the driver and passenger seats, slits on the door trims, and partial carpeting
Newly fitted soft top, but side screens noted to be fading
Non-original oil cooler and spin-on oil filter fitted, with original parts also supplied
Electronic ignition points installed, and original items included within a box of miscellaneous parts
Removable plastic insert fitted into petrol filler to avoid fuel spillage when fast cornering
Clock within speedometer is not currently installed
Rear bonnet catches are incomplete
Two small holes in front bumper where Californian numberplate was installed
Two rear light plinths are pitted
Non-original reflectors installed
Chip on the passenger side of the windscreen
Scissor jack (non-original), starting handle, and wheel nut box spanner also supplied
image.png1.27 MB BEFORE YOU BUY This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: ✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. ✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. ✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. ✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. ✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. ✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. ✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
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