When it was introduced at the 1953 Earl’s Court Motor Show, the MG TF was a much more streamlined version of the T-Series Midgets that preceded it – a car introduced as a stop-gap to maintain MG sales until the debut of the MGA in 1955, and which would become the last of the ash-framed sports cars with a square-ridged chassis.
 
Initially, it was based on the same chassis and mechanical components as the TD Mark II, with the same central body tub, but an angled nose and swoopier, more aerodynamic wings and fared-in headlights, as opposed to the TD’s separate items.

It was originally launched with the faithful 1,250 cc XPAG engine that made its debut in the TB Midget back in 1939. Many enthusiasts were disappointed with this as they had hoped for more power, particularly as the Triumph TR2 was capable of over 100mph, but in late 1954 a new 1,466 cc engine was introduced, designated XPEG. It was based on the XPAG, but with a larger bore in the same block and bigger pistons, stronger con rods and a higher compression ratio, lifting the power to 63bhp.
 
It was a very pretty car, and by far the best of the T-Series to drive, but this wasn’t reflected in the sales volumes, with just 9,600 produced, the majority exported across the Atlantic.

This one made its way back in 2014 – a left-hand-drive ex-Canadian car that was restored there and sold to its first UK owner, the vendor and only keeper on the V5, by a well-known MG specialist. He has enjoyed the car over the past 11 years and has toured Europe in it, proving its reliability, but has bought a more practical and classic Jaguar that he can take the grandkids out in, so the TF is sadly surplus to requirements. Whoever buys it will get a lovely, well cared-for and stylish example of a fantastic British sports car.
 

 

The TF is in lovely overall condition, with just a few very small marks and paint chips from its 11 years of use, for the majority of which it has been kept in a garage by the vendor.

The cream paintwork and painted wire wheels are in fine order and the chrome is all smart and well-presented. The vendor reports that the beige hood is in excellent condition but has rarely been up, and that there are also weather panels for the sides of the car.
 
Underneath, it appears to be in excellent condition with no signs of any structural corrosion.

The green leatherette seats are in superb condition, as is the rear stowage panel, while the dash and its ornate, octagonal art-deco dials are also in lovely condition.

The 1,466cc XPEG engine starts on the button and sounds great, settling to a steady idle and with any exhaust smoke soon clearing. The vendor reports that it drives brilliantly, with no known issues, and that the five-speed gearbox conversion makes a huge difference to touring cruising and economy.

The car has been well-serviced, with invoices documenting a partial steering and suspension rebuild and a carburettor overhaul, as well as regular servicing during the vendor’s ownership. It is believed that the 6,114 recorded miles date back to when the car was initially restored.

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