To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVEEstimate:
$30,000 - $40,000
- Subject of a nut-and-bolt restoration
- Finished in Autumn Red over Biscuit interior
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- Equipped with chrome wire wheels
In the late 1930s, MG adopted the robust and affordable XPAG engine
from Morris for the new T-series. The change wasn't necessarily
welcomed by traditional MG fans of the time, but the new management
at Morris forced them to abandon their high-strung, exotic overhead
cam engines in favor of the vastly less expensive, production-based
Morris unit. When motorcar production resumed post-war, MG's
charming pre-war styling and light, nimble handling struck a chord
with buyers, particularly among the many Americans serving
overseas.
Soon, the little Abingdon-based sports car company found a steady
stream of Americans eager to get one of their spindly TC "Midget"
roadsters. The TC's success spurred on its replacement, the TD in
1950. That car retained elements of the pre-war look but with
modernized details and a host of refinements, including independent
front suspension and a roomier cabin. In time, MG sales lagged as
more practical alternatives to the T-series emerged on the scene.
The modern MGA was in the works, but still several years away, so
in an effort to claw back sales, MG bridged the gap with the
heavily revised TF Midget, introduced in 1953.
Sharply styled with faired-in headlamps and a rakish, laid-back
radiator grille, the TF's new sheet metal cleverly masked the TD
body tub. Mechanically, the TF was a simple evolution of the TD,
sharing its independent front suspension, crisp rack-and-pinion
steering, and the famously robust XPAG OHV four-cylinder engine.
Only 9,602 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.
The 1954 TF roadster offered here is a wonderful example of the
spirited T-Series. It is the subject of a high-quality nut-and-bolt
restoration, finished in the attractive colors of Autumn Red over a
Biscuit interior. Equipment includes chrome wire wheels, wind
wings, and a correct-type vinyl top with side curtains and a
tonneau cover. The biscuit interior looks particularly attractive
against the dark red paintwork and features authentic materials,
fittings, and details, including the gold banjo-style wheel and
signature octagonal instruments. Similar attention to detail was
paid to the engine bay and undercarriage. The XPAG pushrod inline
four-cylinder engine displays high-quality finishing in the correct
shade of MG red and is topped with a period accessory polished
alloy valve cover with flip-top oil filler.
In the true spirit of the T-series, this TF rewards with its
charming good looks and delightful road manners. It is very well
detailed inside and out and is sure to please the veteran
enthusiast or newcomer to the marque alike.To view this car and
others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM
website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo20.
