Highlights
- Restoration to Concourse condition in 2014 and sparing use
- Early TF with 1,250cc XPAG engine
- Finished to a very high standard with excellent interior
- USA car repatriated in 2014 then restored and converted to RHD
- Matching numbers car
The Appeal
The TF was the final iteration of an illustrious line of classically styled post-war MGs that were key to the country’s export drive. The aesthetics were lightly updated and modernised but otherwise this was business as usual for carefree transatlantic buyers who valued the car’s fun and simplicity.
This early XPAG TF spent most of its life in America before being repatriated as a restoration project in 2014. Subsequently extensively restored by its then owner – a classic car garage owner – it has been little used since. That gives the buyer a chance to acquire a virtually new TF finished in a fetching colour scheme.
History and Paperwork
- VIN records confirm this car was built as a black LHD car for the North American market
- Originally factory finished with Cellulose body and synthetic wings
- Car number 1,465 of 6,200 1,250cc TFs
- This places it as a late 1953 or early 1954 car
- DVLA and other records state this is a 1954 car
- Valuation certificate dated 11th May 2011 for £26,495
- Just two owners since arriving in the UK on 1st September 2014
- Current owner since 23rd April 2021
- Last MOT expired 4th February 2022 with 90,587 showing on test and no advisories
- Certificate of Title from Miami dated 7th January 2014
- Handwritten record of extensive servicing and maintenance work undertaken January and February 2021
- Photographs of restoration that appears to have taken place from arrival in the UK in 2014
- Typed record of restoration by previous owner with highly detailed outline of work
- We have summarised this for you below
- Acquired by this owner as a sight unseen project requiring extensive work
Summary of restoration from circa 2014:
- Body removed from chassis
- Engine stripped and fully professionally rebuilt
- Gearbox, propshaft and rear axle stripped and professionally rebuilt including differential
- Chassis cleaned and painted in red oxide then black paint
- Front suspension stripped and replaced including new springs and shock absorbers
- New timber and panels including wings, doors and bonnet
- Brakes fully overhauled including all cylinders, drums, adjusters, wheels and tyres
- New wood floor panels and running boards
- New generator, starter motor, large core radiator, SU carbs, fuel tank and fuel pump
- New lights
- Stainless steel exhaust
- Vehicle prepped and repainted in factory correct black
- New wiring loom
- Interior retrimmed in light tan including new hood, side screens and tonneau
The Condition
- Attractive black over tan colour scheme in very good order reflecting quality restoration
- Paintwork well kept and would likely respond well to a machine polish
- Virtually everything you can see – and some you can’t – is new as of 2014
- Usefully converted to RHD
- Rear chrome luggage rack
- New chromework in good order, likewise the lighting which is also new
- Very well presented interior trimmed to a high standard to factory correct level
- Painted wire wheels with vintage specification tyres in good condition
- Roof, tonneau and side screens well kept with no visible marks or deterioration
- Well detailed interior reflects quality of the work, with octagonal Jaeger dials a highlight
- Underside presents very well reflecting extensive restoration by knowledgeable owner
- No structural advisories – or other advisories – on last MOT
The Mechanics
- XPAG 1,250cc 4cyl MG engine fully rebuilt in 2014 with few miles since
- Matching numbers car
- Gearbox, suspension, rear axle and propshaft professionally rebuilt during restoration
- Brakes overhauled during restoration work
- Stainless steel exhaust also fitted during this work
