Highlights
- Cherished and rare TF 1500 in classic red with tan roof
- Enthusiast-owned by long term current keeper
- Recent trim repairs and replacements
- Tidy, very presentable and very characterful car
- Runs well and is a pleasure to drive, with engine, brakes and gearbox seemingly in good condition
- Acquired by the current keeper after a lengthy search to find this endearing and robust example
- Vendor states this is an original right hand drive model, with matching numbers and paperwork
The Appeal
The TF updated the T-Type aesthetics and was the final iteration of MG’s classically styled cars. For modern enthusiasts, it is the traditional roadster that is easier to drive, with decent power to keep up with modern traffic. Those are all very good reasons to want one.
Here is a particularly lovely example. It was acquired in 2017 by the current keeper after a very long search to find the best available. As an MG enthusiast and experienced classic car owner, he could clearly spot a good car. When he bought it, the car had recently been brought home to the UK, from the dry climes of California, where it was sent when new in November 1954.
Classically finished in red with matching interior and complementary tan roof, this is a really lovely example of these hugely characterful cars. It has clearly been cherished. It is for sale by the current keeper’s family, who have looked after it since he died, because it holds deep sentimental value as the last car he worked on.
Today it presents very well. There are some light signs of age to the paintwork and interior, but rather than detract, they argue add to the personality of a car that is, after all, as much about its charisma as its driving appeal.
This pretty TF is said to be in great running order. We have included the vendor’s description in the listing because it is a clear hint at how loved and cherished this car has been. We hope it finds an equally caring new keeper.
The vendor writes:
Overall, this car is a true head-turner, with an impressive presence that commands attention. Hearing the engine roar to life is an unforgettable experience, and taking it on a short drive feels like embarking on a delightful adventure.
“As the last car our father ever worked on, it holds a deep sentimental value, and parting with it is a bittersweet decision. However, we believe it deserves to be cherished by true enthusiasts who can continue to care for it and appreciate its heritage. While the paint and bodywork bear some imperfections, the car's overall appearance remains strong and captivating. Witnessing this 70-year-old beauty in all its glory is a genuine thrill—a reminder of the timeless appeal of classic motoring.”
The History and Paperwork
- Rare TF-1500 built in Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 30th November 1954
- Exported to California, USA, retaining original right-hand drive
- Acquired by vendor’s father in September 2017 for £25,000 after years of searching
- Two UK keepers since first registration here in September 2016
- Vendor states that there was one keeper in the USA
- Securely stored since current keeper’s passing in late 2019
- Car started regularly and taken on short drives since father's passing
- Started frequently and driven occasionally, most recently in February 2025
- Current keeper was a vintage car enthusiast and bought the car because he was impressed by mechanical condition
- Holds deep sentimental value as the last car father worked on
The Condition
- Striking MGTF presented in eye-catching red
- Paintwork reflects a rich history with authentic patina
- Paint microblistering and imperfections visible upon close inspection
- Touch-ups made over the years to address chips and scratches
- Chrome/metal work in reasonable condition with small blemishes
- Chips, minor scratches, and small dents on wings and rear near spare wheel
- Paint chips around edges and underside of the bonnet
- Steel painted wheels in good order with chrome hub caps
- Vintage style tyres in good condition
- Passenger door partially resprayed with slight colour inconsistency
- Doors require gentle upwards lift to close securely as is typical of the TF
- Visual inspection of the underside shows good condition with slight surface rust in places
- Interior in good condition with new leather MGTF trim around doors
- Red leather seats show signs of age but are functional and comfortable
- Two small patch repairs on driver’s seat and slight tear near backrest bottom
- Tidy and presentable dashboard with working instruments and switches
- Black carpeted cabin with storage space behind front seats
- Professionally cleaned tan hood looks nearly new
- Metal structures supporting hood could use fresh paint
- Paint and bodywork bear imperfections, but overall appearance remains strong
- All dials and switchgear work correctly
- Lights present well with no functional issues advised
- Includes side screen/curtains in matching tan colour
The vendor writes:
“This striking MGTF, presented in an eye-catching red, exudes character and timeless charm. Its paintwork reflects a rich history, with an authentic patina that showcases its age gracefully. While close inspection reveals some paint bubbling and imperfections, these details speak to its heritage and storied history. Over the years, certain touch-ups have been made to address chips and scratches, and maintain its presentable look. However, these are noticeable in places. The chrome/metal work is in reasonable condition, but shows small blemishes and signs of age in places. There are some chips, minor scratches and small dents on the wings and rear near the spare wheel. There are also paint chips around the edges and underside of the bonnet.
“The passenger door appears to have undergone partial respraying in places, with a slight inconsistency in colour, particularly around the edges. As is characteristic of the T-Series, the doors require a gentle upwards lift to close securely, a quirk that enthusiasts will appreciate. Whether you’re looking for a stylish vintage ride to enjoy as is, or a rewarding venture to refine further, this T-Series is ready to begin its next chapter with the right owner. Where accessible, we have conducted a visual inspection of the underside.
“Based on our observations, it appears to be in good condition, which was a key factor in encouraging our late father to purchase the car back in 2017. While there are some signs of age and slight surface rust, the overall condition seems to reflect careful preservation over the years.
“The interior of the car is in good condition, recently enhanced with new leather MGTF trim around the doors, adding a touch of refinement. The seats, though showing some signs of age, have cleaned up nicely, retaining their charm. There are two small patch repairs on the driver’s seat, as well as a slight tear near the bottom of the backrest, but overall, they remain functional and comfortable.
“The dashboard is tidy and presentable, with all instruments and switches appearing to work as intended. The cabin is carpeted in black, offering a sleek finish, and there is convenient storage space available behind the front seats. The hood has undergone professional cleaning and now looks nearly new, adding to the car's overall appeal. However, some of the metal structures supporting the hood could benefit from a fresh coat of paint to restore their appearance.”
The Mechanics
- 1,466cc 4cyl XPEG engine
- 4spd manual gearbox
- Mechanically in very good shape, starts easily, and drives smoothly
- Car pulls well and performs impressively
- Brakes in good working order; handbrake slightly stiff
- Small amount of oil residue around gasket, typical for T-Series
- Clean and well-maintained engine bay
- New battery fitted for reliable starting
- Stored since 2019 but regularly started and run
- Most recently started and driven in February 2025
- No reported running or driving issues
The vendor tells us:
“Although the car has spent some time standing since our father’s passing, it has been started regularly and taken out on short drives to keep it in good running condition. Mechanically, it appears to be in excellent shape, and it starts easily and drives smoothly. The 1500 engine sounds fantastic, delivering a rich, sporty purr that’s truly satisfying. When driven, the car pulls well and performs impressively.
“The brakes are in good working order, although the handbrake can be a little stiff. As is common with T-Series cars, there is a small amount of oil residue around the gasket, but this is minimal and widely regarded by enthusiasts as a typical characteristic of the model. The engine bay presents well, appearing clean, well-maintained, and indicative of the care it has received.
“A new battery has also been fitted to ensure reliable starting. Our late father, a passionate vintage car enthusiast with significant expertise, was particularly impressed by the car’s mechanical condition, which played a major role in his decision to purchase it. He saw this as a standout example, and it remains a testament to his discerning eye and appreciation for fine classic automobiles.”
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