Original right-hand-drive “home market” example that’s remained in single-family ownership for 48 years
Sent to the USA before being later re-imported into the UK, where it was re-registered on its originally assigned plate, “UTV 519”
Fitted with modern rack-and-pinion steering, front disc brakes, and a five-speed gearbox
The Appeal
The MG TF 1500 was built for just two model years, 1954 and 1955, and would go on to become the final iteration of the T-Series line that began with the TA in 1936. With its flowing front and rear wings, integrated running boards, and doors that open in reverse, it remains an undeniably classic look—making the MGA that replaced it seem strikingly modern by comparison.
Interestingly, while 3,158 left-hand-drive cars were built for export, only 242 right-hand-drive TF 1500s were produced for the home market—among them, this example, UTV 519.
Beyond its rarity, this car also has an especially detailed and fascinating ownership story. Dispatched from the Abingdon factory to Nottingham on 25 January 1955, it was acquired by the current seller’s father in 1963, when the car was just 22 years old, for the princely sum of £295. The MG then joined him and his wife on their honeymoon across Scotland, before later “crossing the pond” to the United States after their emigration in 1972.
Ownership then passed to his son in 1986, who kept the car for the next 25 years—enjoying it on the roads of Southern California while also carrying out a mechanical restoration. Now back in its native UK, this charming TF 1500 is ready to start 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 point 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, beginning with fitting 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, aluminum 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 carried out 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 tires fitted
The seller notes that the 1985 paintwork is no longer particularly glossy and shows some scratches and minor cracking, including at the bottom of the right rear wing
Front wings and running boards repainted with an imperfect color match
New chrome wing strips supplied, though not yet 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 in a box of miscellaneous parts
Removable plastic insert fitted into petrol filler to prevent fuel spillage during fast cornering
Clock inside speedometer is not currently installed
Rear bonnet catches are incomplete
Two small holes in the front bumper where the Californian numberplate was installed
Two rear light plinths are pitted
Non-original reflectors installed
Chip on the passenger side of the windshield
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 motorcycles 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 provide helpful 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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