Vehicle Description
Chassis no. HDP46/3463
Engine no. TF9085
1466cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin S.U. Carburetors
63bhp at 4,600rpm
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
Independent Front Suspension, Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*The final evolution of the beloved T-Series
*Appealing red over tan livery
*Well-maintained restoration with a pleasing character
*The archetypal 50s British sports car
THE MG TF
A rushed development program meant that there was little
difference, mechanically at least, between the MG's new TF and the
outgoing TD Mk II. The chassis and 1,250cc, 57bhp, XPAG engine from
the late TD were retained and the TF was, in essence, a restyled
version of the TD. The TF retained its predecessor's body center
section but featured a reworked front end with a shortened,
sloping, radiator grille and headlamps faired into the wings, plus
an improved interior with separately adjustable seats. While it
retained the "old world" charm that endeared so many enthusiasts
(Americans, particularly) to MG, it was notably sleeker and more
stylish. While essentially a stopgap model produced pending the
arrival of the MGA, the traditionally styled TF nevertheless sold
well, with 9,600 units being produced between October 1953 and May
1955.
THE CAR OFFERED
This 1955 MG TF is a desirable final-year model with the improved
"big block" 1500 XPAG engine, boosting output from 57bhp to 63bhp.
Finished in red over biscuit tan leather trim, it wears a
pleasingly mellowed older restoration, and has been in the care of
one collector for the past 15 years, benefitting from recent
servicing including new brake hydraulics (master and wheel
cylinders) and a tune up. Details include original-type steel disc
wheels (wires were optional on the TF), twin Lucas driving lamps,
Lucas wing mirrors, a three-spoke Nardi steering wheel, and folding
windscreen for the ultimate bugs-in-the-teeth driving
experience.
Proving that you don't need triple-digit horsepower output to have
the time of your life, the MG TF delivers a pure and joyful
experience that few other sports cars can match. This cherished
example is ideal for a wide array of driving events and club tours
and is certain to put a smile on the face of all those who
encounter it.
In a nutshell, the car. is a 1250 updated with a factory 1500
engine. Below is the report from the MG CarClub T Register.
Report on MG TF3436 produced for Charles Crail on 4th January
2024.
Following receipt of the requested photographs I have now received
enough information from you to make sense of it all. My findings
are:
I believe that you are the owner of TF3463
1) Your chassis (frame) is stamped TF3463.
2) The MG Factory records show that TF3463 was built on 23rd
February 1954 and originally fitted with a 1250cc engine, number
XPAG/TF/33592.
3) The full VIN number of TF3463 was HDP46/3463.
4) The Warranty plate is a reproduction item, originally stamped
with all the correct details for TF3463.
The engine now fitted to TF3463 is a genuine TF1500 engine
originally fitted to TF9085
1) It has a genuine XPEG block stamped 2788 and badged
XPEG/2788.
2) It also has a genuine XPEG cylinder head stamped AEF118.
3) The MG Factory records show that TF9085 was originally built on
26th January 1955 and fitted with engine number XPEG/2788.
I would guess that a previous owner lost the original Guarantee
plate and had a reproduction plate stamped with the original data.
This is not unusual where the original plate has been lost.
At a later date a genuine 1500 engine was obtained and fitted to
the car,
"TF1500" badges were applied to the bonnet (hood) side panels,
and
the reproduction Warranty plate was then crudely over-stamped with
the details of the new engine.
My advice to you is to obtain a new plate and have it stamped with
the original details, keeping the old plate as a historical
record.
I would also advise you not to advertise this vehicle as a 1955 MG
TF1500, but as a 1954 MG TF subsequently fitted with a genuine
TF1500 engine.
Barrie Jones
TF Registrar
MG Car Club T Register
Registered Office: Kimber House, 12 Cemetery Road,Abingdon,
Oxfordshire, OX14 1AS Reg. No 962227: England VAT No 194 7172
35.
