With work on the all-new MGA hit by delays, MG made one last roll of the T-Type dice with the TF of late 1953. With updated styling but still playing to the simple, fun aesthetic of the original helped maintain sales of this popular low cost car.
This gorgeous 1954 TF is one of the last XPAG-engined cars built from the ‘transition period’ when the new 1500 was starting to run through the factory. It was carefully restored to original factory specification between 2011 and 2015, so much so that there are six pages of parts for the work totalling over £15,000.
Used sparingly since the work was completed it presents in superb condition. This is a great opportunity to acquire a quintessentially British post-war classic with the reassurance of a long MOT too.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
First registered 6th August 1954
Current owner since 20th March 2021
Factory records provided by the T Register show this car is in factory specification and was built on 22nd April 1954
VIN records confirm this car left the factory painted Birch Grey with cellulose paintwork and synthetic painted wings
The chassis number corresponds to the transition period when MG was phasing out the XPAG car and introducing the 1500cc XPEG cars
Old MOTs and invoices dating back to 1970s
DVLA records show one previous owner but the history files indicate at least eight owners, details of which are provided
Original registration book
Workshop manual and owners handbook
Old invoice from Kimble Engineering in 1972
Details of some club ‘gymkhana’ competition history from the late 1960s and early 1970s
THE INTERIOR
Factory correct red leather interior fully refurbished and remaining in excellent condition
Original octagonal Jaeger dials set into the beautiful TF dashboard
Curvaceous dash roll also on well kept unmarked condition
Optional Smiths heater fitted by a previous owner
Smart MG Car Company chromed sill covers
Dashboard in contrasting red finish and appearing unmarked
Door cards carefully retrimmed during restoration and with no visible marks
Chrome fittings and switchgear either replaced or original with very light patina visible
Black carpets replaced during restoration and in very good condition
Stylish three spoke cream factory steering wheel appears either refurbished or new
Rear stowage area in red vinyl and with no visible marks
THE EXTERIOR
Excellent Birch Grey bodywork is factory correct and in very good condition indeed
Excellent panel fit and lines indicating the quality of the restoration work
Bodywork restored between 2011 and 2015 at a cost of nearly £6,000
Delightful touches abound like the suite of period grille badges and rear luggage rack
We could not spot any obvious chips, marks or scuffs on the sculpted panels
Sitting on refurbished steel wheels with undamaged chrome MG hubcaps
15in tyres have plenty of tread
Chrome work in very good condition appears either refurbished or replaced
Factory correct to a high degree including the Auster screen badge and under-bonnet plaques
Tan roof and side screens in similarly good condition with no visible nicks, tears or marks
Underside reflects the bodywork being free of surface or other corrosion and no advisories on MOT for structure
THE MECHANICS
1,250cc XPAG MG engine and one of the last of these built
4spd manual gearbox
Full engine rebuild in 2015 with few miles since
Vendor says that the engine would benefit from a tune up
2011-2015 rebuild included mechanical restoration with 6pages of documented parts purchases
The TF was of the classically styled MGs and is evocative of a certain joyful period in Britain’s post-war motoring history.
This late TF has been meticulously restored to its original factory specification, the work extending to six closely typed pages of parts and investment. It remains in superb condition and for enthusiasts looking for one of the best TFs available to buy, this is surely a strong contender.