Vehicle Description
Before World War II, MG built exotic and powerful small-bore sports
cars that were practically unheard of on this side of the pond. But
that began to change in the late 1930s when MG adopted the robust
and affordable XPAG engine from Morris into their new T-series.
When production resumed post-war, MG's formula of charming pre-war
styling in a light and nimble package struck a chord with buyers,
particularly American servicemen who caught the sports car racing
bug while serving in Europe. The small Abingdon-based sports car
company suddenly found plenty of Americans eager to get one of
their spindly Midget TC roadsters, which was the antithesis to the
typical underpowered, overweight American car of the late 40s. In
1950, the TC evolved into the TD, which maintained elements of the
pre-war look but with modernized details and a host of
improvements. The TD offered a roomier cabin, and thanks to the
independent front suspension and low weight, it still had sharp
handling and performance. At places like Watkins Glen, Elkhart
Lake, and Pebble Beach, MGs packed the grids of small-bore classes
and were a dominant force on the track. As competition increased,
MG sales began to slip as buyers leaned toward more modern cars.
The new fully enveloped MGA was in the works, but it was not ready
by the time TD sales slumped. In 1953, MG introduced the stopgap TF
Midget, which had sharp new styling with faired-in headlamps and a
rakish, laid-back radiator grille, albeit masking the TD body tub.
The TF was fun, pretty, and full of character. Mechanically, it
represented a simple evolution of the TD, with independent front
suspension, sharp rack and pinion steering, and the famously robust
XPAG OHV four-cylinder engine. Later TFs got a bump in compression
and displacement to make 63 horsepower from 1466 cc. Despite some
contemporary criticism (Tom Mc Cahill ofMechanix
Illustrateddeclaring it"Like Mrs. Casey's dead cat, slightly warmed
over"), the TF is a collectible and significant model in MG
history. Just 9602 TFs were produced between 1953 and 1955, making
them the rarest of the post-war Midget series and paving the way
for the game-changing MGA and MGB to follow. This lovely MG TF is a
desirable late production 1500 model, beautifully restored and
presented in the original shade of MG Red. This car is one of just
9,600 TFs produced, of which only 3,400 got the 1500 engine.
According to the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate,
this car was built on the 10th of September, 1954, and dispatched
three days later for the USA. It shows the original colors are MG
Red over a red interior and biscuit hood. It wears a high quality,
well-detailed restoration worthy of display in club events or
regional concours. The MG red paintwork is excellent, with clean,
even reflections in the finish. Chrome bumpers, radiator shell, and
exterior trim are all in excellent order. Unlike the TD, the TF
featured knock-off wire wheels, and this car rides on
factory-correct 15-inch painted wires with period-appropriate
Michelin XZX radials for predictable handling. The restorers took
the liberty of changing the interior color from the original red to
the arguably more attractive biscuit, using correct materials and
fittings. The tan upholstery provides a pleasing contrast against
the red paint and ties in beautifully with the tan soft top and
boot. The seats are taut and show only the slightest signs of use,
and the carpets, door panels, and dash upholstery are all
excellent. The cockpit features the factory-style banjo steering
wheel, octagonal Jaeger instruments, and correct switchgear. The
tan canvas top boot doubles as a full tonneau cover and a complete
set of matching side curtains stow behind the seats. Beneath the
split, center-hinged bonnet sits the ultimate evolution of the XPAG
inline-four. This example retains its numbers-matching engine per
the Heritage Certificate and features correct hardware, clamps, and
plumbing. The block is painted the proper shade of dark red, with
silver-painted valve cover, alloy carb bodies, and satin black
pancake air filters. The quality of the paint is excellent, and the
detailing superb throughout the engine bay. A spin-on oil filter
adapter provides some additional security, discreetly integrated as
not to spoil the period-correct feel. The same quality continues
underneath the car, which shows light road use, but is very clean
and tidy, including a correct wiring harness and stainless steel
exhaust system. The MG TF 1500 is the rarest of the postwar
T-series MGs, and arguably the most stylish. This charming TF is a
superb example, restored to a level we rarely encounter on these
cars. It is a marvelous choice for touring and club events and is
sure to provide years of joyful motoring to its next owner. Offers
welcome and trades considered