Lot 826: 1954 MG TF 1500 Roadster

MG’s TF is the final example in the T-series stretching back to the TA of 1936. The inherent rightness of MG’s concept when designing the TA is evident in the long life of the T-series and in the effect which it had in the years just after World War II in forming the foundation for the sports car movement in America.

The TA was introduced with a 1,292cc engine derived from the current Wolseley, replaced in 1939 by the 1,250cc XPAG engine in the TB and subsequent TC, TD and TF. Although the early postwar TC was basically the same as the prewar TB, the TD was significantly upgraded. The TF, introduced in 1953, brought significantly more changes including a lower hood, raked radiator, sleeker rear fenders and a more steeply inclined fuel tank and spare.

The TF’s appearance was much sleeker than its predecessors, but lagged behind competition from the likes of Triumph and Austin-Healey. It received a lukewarm reception at the time but later generations of collectors have enthusiastically received its streamlined treatment of the traditional MG radiator, separate fenders and cutdown roadster doors, particularly with the larger 1,466cc 63hp engine in the second series of MG TF known as the TF 1500 introduced in mid-1954.

The Paine Collection’s example is black with green upholstery and a beige cloth top. Equipped with silver painted wire wheels, wind wings and translucent green sun visors, it appears to have been repainted some time ago and has been preserved in the Seal Cove Museum without having been restored.

It is powered by the highly desirable 63hp XPEG 1500cc engine but does not have the “1500” identification.

One interesting feature, particularly with present gasoline prices, is the “Hydro-Power” water injection unit which is installed behind the passenger’s seat. Its feed pipe to the intake manifold has been disconnected but could be easily re-installed to see if water injection does anything to improve the fuel economy or performance of its 1,466cc engine.

This MG TF 1500 will be a rewarding restoration project or it can be returned to usable driver condition for years of enjoyable touring.