Vehicle Description
1954 MG TF Roadster
Coachwork is the body of an automobile, bus, horse-drawn carriage,
or railway carriage. ... "Coachbuilt body" is also the British
English name for mass-produced vehicles built on assembly lines
using the same but simplified techniques until more durable
all-steel bodies replaced them in the early 1950s.
For consignment, only one of a few example to ever grace the
Hallowed Halls of our beloved Classic Auto Mall, an original
coach-built MG TF. Restored prior to our consignor's ownership
which started 6 yearsago and garage kept since,this car was
purchased tocompete in road races. Due to unforeseen medical issues
with our consignor's wife the car was parked, races never happened
and a mere 200 miles have been logged during the tenure of
ownership. It has not been further restored and remains
mechanically sound and has no rust or rot on its wood/metal
framing. A real British classic with it's Heritage Certificate is
ripe for the picking and to sweeten the pot, our consignor is
including the side curtains, fuel dip stick, and tools
Exterior
Drenched in the deep end of the pool black, the current condition
of the paint would be best described as gracefully aged and well
cared for. It retains its shine but is not without a few stone
chips and light scratches. Slightly controversial for its time, MG
engineers were forced to redesignthe body because the parent
company BMC was focusing on the Austin Healey, and this car had to
be rushed out as a stopgap between the aforementioned and the MGA.
With its laid back grille and flared in headlamps, cowled hood in a
V shape and the curvaceous fenders that are joined by a running
board, this short door car is now a desirable classic with an ever
increasing value. The chrome is all excellent including the rear
luggage rack that is begging for a picnic basket or your overnight
gear. Chrome wire wheels with knockoff hubs are on all 4 corners as
well as a spare on the back sloping rear deck/fuel tank. A canvas
convertible top in beige, (Biscuit), comes attached to the car, and
the rear plastic window is just a bit cloudy. The canvas remains in
very good condition and theside curtains, again in Biscuit, are
included with your purchase. Decidedly British and wonderfully hand
crafted!
Interior
More Biscuit for the leather that drapes the 2 bomber style low
back buckets whose backs join together on their uppers now with
seatbelts added. With the top down, the canvas covers the small
storage area behind the buckets and neatly conforms to the shape of
the seat backs. An beige octagon themed instrument cluster is
within a central dash front and the dash top has a padded Biscuit
eyebrow design thathovers above the instrument cluster. The
remainder of the dash is painted metal in the body matching black
and has an open glove box on either side. Fronting the dash is a
cream bakelite large round banjo style steering wheel. Black
carpeting covers the floors and door panels are Bisquit vinyl
complete with a pocket for storage.
Drivetrain
Under the cowled hood neatly slipped in the bay is a 1250cc inline
4-cylinder engine which has 2 SU H4 carburetors to feed the precise
amount of air and fossils. A 4-speed manual transmission is on back
and a 4.875 rear axle is on. The engine and bay all make a nice
presentation by being highly detailed and all clean throughout. The
electrical system is 12-volt and I cannot get enough of the ribbed
and polished valve covering and engine side cover.
Undercarriage
The undercarriage shows nicely with some road dirt, surface rust,
and slight patina. Some wood framing along with steel chassis can
be seen all in good solid condition. Rockers and body hangers are
rust free. The original 4 wheel drum brakes provide the stopping
power and an independent coil spring front and leaf spring rear
provide the ride. A stock style single exhaust system handles the
exhale.
Drive-Ability
A fun driver for this writer who adores any British sports car and
this one was special for me as it's a rare opportunity to drive one
of these. We noted that the electric parking brake must be turned
off to allow the car to start, but after that things were just spit
spot. It performed nicely, handled well, and was a hoot to tool
around in with the top down. Bias free braking, and you get the
real feel of the road in this car, a few frowns crept up on our
drive with those being headlightsand turn signals that didn't
function and an odometer that stopped counting the miles, but
otherwise all was well in Jolly Old England land.
Precision and near perfection are the name of the game for this
little British skate, all the while still retaining its handcrafted
charm, it's hard to pass this sports car by. Certainly not perfect,
however for its rarity, and originality as to the exterior panels,
along with an all buttoned up engine, certainly worthwhile looking
into if you have any penchant for a classic Brit sports car.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
