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Sold

1954 MG TF 1500

Sold Price

£17,225

  • Mileage~3,200
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.5L
  • LocationBexhill-on-Sea

SOLD

1954 MG TF 1500

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Introduction

Alan Stuart
Professional Consigner

A nostalgic classic which oozes traditional British style and charm, today a rare sight on the roads.

The last of the square riggers, the TF gained its title due to the strong resemblance to the pre-war Midgets. The TF was originally launched in 1953 and production lasted for 2 years, whereby 9,600 cars were produced. These TF's have a vintage feel to match their sporting looks, with better road holding than its early T-series siblings. The car was fitted with the revised suspension to handle better in the corners, combined with much lighter steering and a larger 1.5L engine makes for a great usable vintage car.

This example is coming to market from 15 years ownership. It's been dry stored in a garage, and presents very well for a classic from the 50s. It comes with a decent history file, with particular attention to an extensive restoration the car had in the early 90s, and even an original period MG TF advertisement, very quaint.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Alan after meeting Tom the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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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.

Meet the owner

15 years of joyful motoring - I've found love for classic MG's with this TF 1500.

Tom is an MG enthusiast through and through, this classic TF 1500 has given him his fix of vintage motoring, enjoying the car on sunny days. The car's main attraction is the rarity and usability. Finished in classic "Old English White" and with its long body, this TF is certainly a head-turner.

Due to lack of use over the pandemic and now requiring more space in his garage, Tom has decided to let the car go to a like-minded MG enthusiast, and so the car comes to auction. Tom will be happy to answer any questions you may have in the comments below.

Tom
Vehicle Owner

Tom saved £3,060* when they
sold their MG with us.

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Exterior

With its fully integrated headlights and redesigned front fenders, the TF maintains its traditional T-series style and charm.

Wheels and Tyres

The car is fitted with 15" spoke wheels with MG chrome spinners on each corner of the car. The wheels suit the classic style of the vintage roadster, but they are showing signs of age with light signs of surface corrosion and flaking to the silver paint. A quick refurb would improve the appearance we think.

The tyres are tubeless Pneumant cross-plys, which all appear to have a usable amount of tread. However, are showing signs of age in the form of side wall cracking. Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the wheels and tyres.

Bodywork

All the T-series cars relied on wooden framing, however, the TF utilised more metal than the earlier examples for increased rigidity.

The bodywork on this example appears in good condition, especially for a car from the 50s. The panels appear straight with the gaps and shut lines looking good, and in line with MGs' built quality from this era. When getting very close to the car, we noticed a crack on the rear nearside wing and a small dent in the drivers door.

We have taken hi-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in traditional "Old English White" which suits the lines of the car very well. Each panel presents good lustre along with even coverage and colour throughout. Being an older restoration, there are signs of age across the panels, some paint cracking in areas etc but generally a beautiful vintage presentation.

The images taken are from different angles and reflections to show the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. Please take the time to fully assess the condition.

Glass and Trim

The glass looks good, with no signs of cracking or discolouration noticed. The car features a soft-top coloured in biscuit which Tom reports closes and opens easily. Some slight signs of pitting are present on the chrome trim found around the car.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed tour of this MG TF 1500.

Interior

Gracefully draped in red leather throughout, it pairs very well with the biscuit steering wheel and soft top convertible roof.

Seats and Carpets

The TF's cabin features red leather seats with pleasing patina in the form of light creases. The seats present well, in line with the age and mileage of the car. When leaning the seats forward two holes have been created on either sides due to wear against fittings.

A similar story is told with the headlining, door cards and carpets, all look good. Please have a look at the interior gallery and video for a detailed tour.

Dashboard

A classic and attractive hexagonal trio of dials take centre stage within the interior, surrounded by biscuit trim and various switchgear. Tom reports the speedo is faulty so would benefit from being refurbished.

Take a look at the video review to see the detail.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Fitted with a classic MG styled steering wheel, allowing the driver easy manoeuvring of this roadster.

Both the gear stick and steering wheel appear in good condition, classic items.

Mechanics

A new TF engine increased power by 10.5% allowing this classic to comfortably keep up with modern traffic of the time.

Engine and Gearbox

Late in 1954, the new 1466cc engine was introduced to the TF designated XPEG. It was very similar to its predecessor however siamesing of the cylinders allowed for a larger bore in the same block, along with larger pistons, stronger con rods and an increase in compression ratio to 8.3:1. The new engine produced ~83BHP.

We captured a cold start video, showing after a few turns of the key this MG started from cold and drove smoothly along the road. The ignition light switched off shortly after capturing the video. Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold, driving around the street, and for a closer look underneath. The car had some maintenance actioned recently in the shape of tuning of the ignition.

Suspension and Brakes

Tom reports the performance is of the brakes and suspension is up to a good standard for a car of this era.

While on the move the car soaks up the road well, corners and brakes without any issues or noises.

The Drive

A sporty feeling 50s classic, the drive of this vintage TF will require your attention to extract the best from the chassis and engine, however it'll never fail to put a smile on your face, especially with the roof down. Appreciated by MG fans worldwide, the TF is for those who want a sheer fun of driving a roadster.

Electrics and Other

The equipment in the TF was relatively minimal, and Tom has kept this as intended.

The hood and side screens are in good shape with minor signs of age but are intact with no rips. As mentioned, the speedo is not working correctly currently.

History and Paperwork

Becoming a rare sight, we know this Old English White TF 1500 will attract a lot of attention from MG fans, a UK home market RHD example.

A charming MG TF 1500 finished in Old English White coming to auction. This car, as confirmed by the CoA was a home market built car, it was exported and then repatriated back to the UK in 2003. Since then it has had 4 keepers. Restored in the early 90s and careful ownership since, it's a good quality example thats ready to be used by a new custodian, take a look below to see all the previous service work carried out.

Tom will be happy to answer any questions you may have in the comments below.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
17.08.2012 MOT 2,520
16.08.2011 MOT 2,340
12.08.2010 MOT 2,193
28.08.2009 MOT 1,899
28.08.2008 MOT 1,011
02.06.2007 MOT 962
Key Details
  • ModelTF1500
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date04.07.2003
  • CC1,466
  • Mileage~3,200
  • HistoryGood
  • ColourOld English White
  • Interior ColourRed
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #HDA268533
  • Engine #XPEG/2344
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers3
  • Security SysYes
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~15 years
  • Key FeatureCondition







Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions
Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
GraRich
Member
GraRich

My experience with the T range is a constant problem with the doors not closing securely without being lifted. Do the doors close firmly on your vehicle?
On the video it took a very long time for the oil pressure light to switch off. My experience is to see the light go out in a very short time. Is there a problem with the bearings or oil pump? Thank you

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Vehicle Location

Bexhill-on-Sea

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