TRUSTED NATIONWIDE • CALL 01926 293530

REGISTER TO BID
REGISTER TO BID
Account Login

Please login to bid on an auction or manage your account.

Login Details
SIGN UP
Keep up to date
Keep up to date with all things Trade Classics, along with new cars.
Curated Auction

1954 MG TF

At a Glance

2012 Californian Import | Fully Restored since 2024, Including Engine Rebuild | Characterful Classic

  • Mileage~58,969 on the clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.25-litre
  • LocationRedditch

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

Days
HRS
MIN
SEC
CURRENT BID£1,000
See Bidding
Register TO BID

AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,000

See Bidding
Video #2

Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

This pre-war design was something special to come from the British archives – it revived the archetypal pre-war sports car look, with a long bonnet, rear wheel drive, and swooping running boards.

The last of the square riggers, the TF earned its name from its strong resemblance to the pre-war Midgets. The TF launched in 1953 with production lasting two years, during which time 9,600 cars were built. These TFs have a vintage feel that matches their sporting looks, with better road-holding than their early T-Series siblings. This was partly achieved through the fitting of revised suspension to better handle corners.

This lovely example has been fully restored from start to finish by Michael over the past two years. From the bodywork and engine rebuild, to the interior, he has done it all; and it’s now ready to be enjoyed.

Michael would be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Michael the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

“I just love a project – it's what keeps me going!”

Michael is no stranger to restorations; since he retired, he has taken on numerous unfinished projects and made it his speciality to buy a car, usually in boxes, and restore it himself into a usable classic that's ready to enjoy.

By his own admission, he much prefers working on them than actually driving them, so when they are completed, he tends to move them on quite quickly - hence your opportunity to buy this British classic.

Michael
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Marking an end to the pre-war T-Series design, the MG TF was a beauty to look at.

Wheels and Tyres

The wire wheels are in good condition, with no apparent signs of corrosion. The knock-offs are in good order, with a bright finish to the chrome. The tyres are matching and in like-new condition, having not covered many miles since being fitted.

Please take the time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels and tyres, so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn or over 10 years old.

image

Bodywork

The MG TF's bodywork is in great shape. There are no dings or dents, and the doors and bonnet align well and open and close precisely. If you’ve been in a TF before, you will know this is quite a task to perfect, but Michael has got it down to a fine art.

The removable roof has been replaced, and it fits nice and tightly, along with the side screens - which are also in excellent condition.

We’ve highlighted our observations in more detail through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take the time to review all media files to assess the car’s condition for yourself.

image

Paint

Michael has finished the MG in the original MF Red, and the paintwork presents well. Some areas would benefit from a flat and polish, but overall, the finish is very good.

The images are taken from a range of angles to show the car as you would see it in person, so please take the time to fully assess the high-resolution photos and videos before forming your own opinion of the paintwork

image

Glass and Trim

The windscreen is in good condition, with just a few minor age-related marks. As mentioned, the side screens are new, and the plastic windows in those are free from scratches. The chrome work has a bright finish, with no real signs of tarnishing.

The headlights, fog lights, and rear lights are all in excellent condition, with no damage to the lenses.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

image
VIEW ALL
INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Red exterior and red leather interior – a classic look for a British classic.

Seats and Carpets

Michael has re-covered the red leather seats: they are fit for many miles of motoring, and are presented in excellent condition. The matching red door cards are also in the same condition, with no damage.

The carpets throughout are in excellent condition - having been replaced - and show very little use since completion.

image

Dashboard

The main fascia of the dashboard has been painted red and gold, with a leather section across the top; both are in excellent condition.

The instruments are original and show ~58,969 miles, but please note that a full engine rebuild has been carried out.

The instruments do work as they should, although the speedometer and tachometer needles do have a slight bounce to them, as is often the case on cars of this era

image

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The MG steering wheel is in excellent condition, is finished in gold, and shows no signs of heavy use or age.

The wooden MG gear knob is also in good shape, again with no real signs of age.

image
VIEW ALL
'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Originally fitted with a 1250cc engine, the MG has received a slight upgrade to 1305cc.

Engine and Gearbox

When Michael rebuilt the engine, he used oversized pistons to make the engine 1,305cc, giving it a welcome improvement on the road.

The engine fires up with ease and quickly comes to a smooth idle, with no unwanted rattles or noises, which in turn is reflected in how superbly it runs and performs on the road. Michael told us it does have small oil leak from the rear scroll seal but this is common in old cars, and he has had no issue with overheating even on hot summer days.

The four-speed gearbox has precise changes, and the gears are very easily selected, with no issues.

image

Suspension and Brakes

Driving the MG is great fun. It handles well, feels nice and tight, and there are no knocks or bangs coming from the suspension. The brakes work well and bring the car to a stop in a straight line, with no issues.

image

The Drive

There's no doubt: the MG TF offers pure, mechanical British motoring nostalgia. Sitting low behind the large wheel, with the eager engine humming through a crisp gearshift, every winding road becomes an engaging, open-air experience.

This car is not about achieving modern speeds; rather it's entirely about enjoying timeless, mid-century character.

image

Electrics and Other

The MG's electrics are minimal, as you would expect from a vehicle of this age. Michael told us the only small wiring job is the main head light beam warning to be fitted.

The light and wiper switches work correctly, and their condition is good, with only minor wear consistent with the vehicle's age.

image
VIEW ALL
Video #2

History and Paperwork

When restoring a classic, it’s probably best not to add up the receipts.

There is a nice collection of receipts for many parts purchased during the restoration, though some parts were purchased from club members, so receipts weren't given. Michael also has photos on his phone that he took at various stages of the restoration.

This is a fantastic opportunity for any fan of the classic pre-war MG T-Series design to step up and sit behind the wheel of a fully restored, more usable British classic.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including photo ID and V5 verification, as well as a history check on the vehicle. This is a professional HPI check that will highlight if the car has previously been stolen, recorded as being involved in an accident or has any outstanding finance. Please note that this does not include a mileage history check.

We’ve summarised our own view of the car based on information provided by the seller; however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video each car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own assessment from the comfort of your home. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are also welcomed on all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a suitable time; we just need to speak to you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments section before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car, just like at a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
2024-2026 Full restoration carried out by Michael
2024 Purchased by Michael
2012 Imported to the UK from California
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Model TF
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 1954
  • First UK Reg. Date 01.10.2025
  • CC 1250, bored out to 1300
  • Mileage ~58,969 on the clock
  • Colour MG Red
  • Interior Colour Red
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # TF3991
  • Engine # XPAG/TF/33150
  • Restored Yes
  • Engine Rebuild Yes
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned 2 years
  • Key Feature Restored, highly usable example
  • Vehicle Registration 909 XWG
  • Auction ID 4073
VIEW ALL
VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Redditch

Request A Delivery Calculation



    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £1,000
    £
    REGISTER TO BID
    1954 MG TF
    AUCTION STATUS AT STARTING BID
    RESERVE NOT MET RESERVE MET
    Countdown Timer
    0 Days
    0 HRS
    0 MIN
    0 SEC
    Auction Ends Thu 5th Nov at 7.40pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  0
    SEE MORE BIDS SEE MORE BIDS
    73
    Ask Owner
    Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
    0 Comments
    MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a MG TF like this is £TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Autumn 2026.

    Delivery Calculator


    Vehicle Location

    Redditch

    Key Bidding Facts

    What is your reserve policy?

    A reserve is the minimum price a seller is willing to accept for their vehicle. We work closely with sellers to set realistic reserves that reflect current market values — we don’t take on vehicles with inflated or unrealistic expectations.

    If the reserve isn’t met when the auction ends, we’ll work with the highest bidder to try and agree a deal with the seller.

    Whether the reserve has been met may / may not be disclosed during the auction — just like a traditional auction house. Bidders usually find out if they’ve won only when the auction ends.

    As a guide:
    – If you’re able to place a second bid, the reserve hasn’t been met.
    – If you attempt to outbid yourself and the system blocks it, then the reserve has been met.

    Why shouldn’t I leave bidding to the last minute?

    Auto-Extending Bidding – we’ve developed auto-extending auctions that mimic traditional auction house bidding; it’s a key feature to make sure classic vehicles achieve their true worth. Bids placed in the last one minute automatically extend the auction by two further minutes. So there is no need to leave bidding to the last second.

    Security – we operate higher levels of security, so you may need to enter further authorisations against your stored card after you select ‘Place Bid’. All this takes time and may mean you miss the end of the auction by the time the authorisation passes. To guarantee your bid, we recommend at least five minutes are active on the auction when you place your bid.

    Network Connection – your device may lose connection and you’re not able to bid, or see the latest bidding history.

    Register Account

    Please create an account to bid on our auctions and stay up-to-date by receiving our weekly auction update.

    Complete Form