1955 MG TF-1500

I think the MG TF is the most beautiful MG ever made! If you don’t think so, please take another look at the photographs of my car.

Not only is my car gorgeous looking, it is numbers-matching with certification from the British Motor Industries Heritage Trust. She’s in the original MG Dark Red color with the original red leather interior trim. The indicated mileage is 36,816 and, although, I can’t substantiate this, I have no reason to disbelieve it.

The TF came into being when sales of the TD slumped with the introduction of the faster, more modern-looking and similarly priced Triumph TR2. Morris Garages, makers of MG cars, had merged with the Nuffield Organization to form the British Motor Corporation (B.M.C.). Considerable funding had gone into the Austin-Healey and, although designs for the MG-A existed, there was a shortage of liquid capital with which to put it into production.

As a cost-efficient alternative, in 1953, the TF was introduced. Among the many changes; it had a sleeker nose and a more graceful tail. The radiator was sloped back and the hood-line inclined downwards to meet it. The headlights were partially faired-in and the front fender profile was modified. At the rear, the exposed fuel tank and spare wheel carrier were made more rakish with the rear fenders sporting a shapelier flare to match. Individual, adjustable seats replaced the previous bench seat and there was a new, centrally located instrument panel featuring handsome octagonal gauges. Overall, the TF was 3.5 inches longer, an inch wider and half an inch lower.

It was initially well received but times had moved on. In late 1954, in an effort to further bridge the gap, the engine capacity was increased to 1,466 ccs with an increase in power from 57 bhp to 63 and a 17% increase in torque.

Production ceased in mid 1955 with B.M.C. needing to devote its time and energy towards production of the MG-A. Only 3,400 TF’s were manufactured with the majority coming to America to Canada and into Europe.

Now about my car:-

She was built between February 24th and March 1st, 1955. It had then, as it has now, Car/Chassis Number HDC36/9553, Engine Number XPEG/3433 and was exported to a dealer in the U.S.

Although she is a remarkable 59 years old, I believe she has only had three previous owners; 18 years, 23 years and 18 years since new. As mentioned, the odometer shows 36,816 miles. I have no way of knowing whether this is true or not but, frankly, I believe it given her excellent condition.

However, she is not a concours car or a “trailer queen” and is by no means perfect but if you’re looking for a car that you can confidently enter in your local car show, she is it! Completely rust-free with the undercarriage in excellent condition (please see photographs) including all the visible wooden components.

The paintwork has the minor scars of being driven then touched up but there are no dents. The chromed parts and the cars badges, etc., are original. The clock doesn’t work (they never do!), the horn works but won’t scare anyone and the wipers work but are mainly for entertainment value! She has the minor fluid leaks that just go with the era. You know what they say, “if it doesn’t leak, it’s because there’s no oil in it”!

The engine starts instantaneously from cold with minor and short-lived use of the choke and runs smoothly, idling at around 800 rpm and enthusiastically awaiting your use. Oil pressure is 40-50 lbs/sq in. She accelerates willingly with that gorgeous sound from the exhaust. She changes smoothly through the gears provided you are not too quick with your changes. Down-changes need some “heel and toe” action. First and reverse are typically noisy, MOSS, straight-cut, non-synchromesh gears.

There is virtually no play in the steering but remember the driving position is in the old “hit the horn button with your chest” style. The “emergency” brake works as it should and the cars brakes are also good but do require much more pressure than one is used to with modern cars. Similarly heavy, the clutch can give you wheel spin at the start if you wish. All the Jagear gauges and switches work as they should.

She has just been comprehensively serviced including:-

All new fluids.

Water hoses replaced and the radiator back-flushed and refilled. If you live anywhere but the tropics you will need to refill with anti-freeze.

Entire fuel system professionally checked. Fuel tank emptied and cleaned. Pipes blown and new filter fitted. Fuel pump replaced. Carburetors cleaned and checked. Air cleaners cleaned.

New points, condenser and plugs fitted.

Generator and voltage regulator professionally checked.

Other items of interest:-

New battery fitted December 2013.

Recent new starter motor.

Recent new wiring harness.

Four new Michelin X tires fitted recently with a good Continental tire spare.

Brand new Tonneau and Spare Wheel Covers.

New badge bar with working, vintage Lucas SLD576 spotlights.

Twin, fender-mounted wing mirrors and twin, vintage windscreen wings.

Vintage Eames “Safe-Flex”, 12-volt, twin-speed, rubber-bladed fan newly fitted to transmission tunnel under the dash – for those hot, summer days we get in South Florida!

She has the original crank handle, twin hood stays, an MG jack and crank and the correct, Thor, brass-headed hammer for the wire wheel knock-ons.

There is a full MG toolkit, a spare fan belt and a spare water hose (with clamps). Why the latter two – I don’t know!

The hood is a recent canvas (important) replacement. It’s black where the original was biscuit. The frame is in good condition. All four side screens have new, black canvas and transparent vinyl windows (again, please see the photos).

None of the older MG’s came with fuel gauges (!?) but she has a proprietary, aluminum, fuel dipstick so you can check how far you can drive before you go!

She also comes with the correct Workshop Manual, an old-style (i.e. comprehensive) Driver’s Handbook and several publications which will interest you.

I am asking $34,500 or near offer. Typically of classic cars, she is offered on the basis of “AS IS, WHERE IS” and in strict accordance with the terms of the SALE/PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND THE BILL OF SALE.

You’ll probably have some questions so please don’t hesitate to contact me – or maybe you just want to “car-chat”?

Thank you for your interest and I hope to hear from you, IAN

(954) 463-5300 (Ft Lauderdale, Florida) or ian@thegailgroup.com