THE MG TF 1500 - THE LAST OF THE T-SERIES
Riding high on the postwar success of the TC, MG's TD was a direct
response to America's growing appetite for nimble, stylish sports
cars. Many U.S. servicemen returned from Europe with T-series
"Midgets" they had fallen in love with overseas, sparking a
transatlantic romance with British motoring that would last for
decades.
The TD marked a significant evolution from its prewar predecessor.
It featured a longer chassis and wheelbase for improved passenger
comfort, while handling and road feel were vastly improved thanks
to rack-and-pinion steering, smaller wheels with larger tires, and
independent front suspension. It was also the first of the T-series
cars to be factory-built in left-hand drive-an important upgrade
for U.S. buyers-alongside a more user-friendly four-speed gearbox.
Optional "all-weather" accessories like heaters, tonneau covers,
and side curtains broadened the TD's appeal, particularly in cooler
climates.
Production of the TD continued until September 1953, when MG
introduced its successor: the TF-the final evolution of the
T-series Midget.
Stylistically, the TF broke new ground for MG. It was the first
model to integrate the headlamps into the front fenders, and the
grille was shorter with a dramatically rearward rake. The dashboard
was completely redesigned, featuring recessed glove compartments
and three centrally mounted, octagon-shaped gauges that reported
engine RPM, oil pressure, water temperature, and vehicle speed.
Beginning in July 1954, buyers could choose between the standard
1250cc engine carried over from the TD, or a higher-performance
1500 model. The TF 1500, named for its 1466cc "XPEG" engine,
boasted a higher compression ratio and 63 horsepower. It solidified
MG's position in the booming sports car market and served as a
crucial bridge between the TD and what would become MG's first
postwar clean-sheet design, the MGA.
Production of the TF ended in April 1955, with just 9,602 cars
built-the lowest of all T-series production figures. Of those, only
about 3,400 were TF 1500s, making them a rare and desirable variant
today.
THE EXAMPLE OFFERED - NUT & BOLT RESTORED, FULLY SORTED WITH
MATCHING NUMBERS PROVENANCE
The 1955 MG TF 1500 offered here is finished in striking MG "Deep
Red" over a Biscuit interior, complemented by a matching canvas
convertible top, full tonneau cover, and removable side
curtains.
Per the accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust
Certificate, chassis TF 6976 was completed at the Abingdon,
Oxfordshire works on September 10, 1954, and dispatched to the U.S.
market just three days later. While little is known about its early
history, records on file date back to 2019. At some point in the
past 15 years, the car underwent a full nut-and-bolt restoration to
a very high standard. Attention to detail throughout suggests the
goal was a concours-quality finish, right down to the preservation
of the original chassis number stamping on the frame-a detail often
overlooked even by seasoned restorers.
The current owner acquired the TF in January 2020 from a
well-respected dealer specializing in classic European sports cars.
In the past five years, the car has traveled fewer than 1,100
miles, yet over $10,000 in receipts have been documented.
In March 2020, the car received a $2,000 service covering all
fluids, battery, brake adjustment, and a comprehensive tune-up.
Later that year, a brand-new set of 48-spoke chrome wire wheels and
165HR15 VREDESTEIN Sprint Classic tires were installed as part of a
$3,800 service. In May 2021, the SU carburetors were removed,
rebuilt with new throttle shafts and bushings, then reinstalled and
tuned by a respected regional marque specialist.
Tasteful upgrades include a racing-style lap belt for the driver
and a triple-spoke, cross-drilled wood-rimmed steering wheel-two
subtle nods to MG's motorsport heritage.
Under the bonnet rests the exceptionally well-detailed XPEG
1.5-litre engine, complete with its matching-numbers block and
original octagonal tag. The engine is in a fine state of tune,
benefiting from the recent servicing previously described. On a
recent test drive, IT'S ALIVE! owner Mr. Jeff Homsher marveled at
how TF 6976 performs even better than it presents, calling it the
best-restored TF he has ever encountered. An ideal candidate for a
vintage rally or tour, the next owner can either enjoy it as-is or
reinvest in the finish to return it to competition-level
presentation with a thorough detail.
IT'S ALIVE! is pleased to represent what is simply one of the
finest examples of a TF 1500 to be found on the market today. If
you think you might be the next caretaker, give us a call at
314-710-6600 or email
[email protected] to learn more.
