Well Restored/1250cc I4/Dual SU Carbs/Heritage Certificate/4-Speed Manual
Make: |
MG |
Model: |
T-Series |
Type: |
Roadster |
Trim: |
Roadster |
Year: |
1954 |
Mileage: |
9999 |
VIN: |
HDA465169 |
Color: |
Black |
Engine: |
1250cc |
Fuel: |
Gasoline |
Transmission: |
Manual |
Interior color: |
Tan |
Vehicle Title: |
-- |
Item location: |
Morgantown, Pennsylvania, United States |
1954 MG T-Series Roadster Additional Info:
1954 MG TF Roadster
For consignment, only one of a few example to ever grace the Hallowed Halls of our beloved Classic Auto Mall, an original coach-built MG TF. Restored prior to our consignor's ownership which started 6 years ago and garage kept since, this car was purchased to compete in road races. Due to unforeseen medical issues with our consignor's wife the car was parked, races never happened and a mere 200 miles have been logged during the tenure of ownership. It has not been further restored and remains mechanically sound and has no rust or rot on its wood/metal framing. A real British classic with it's Heritage Certificate is ripe for the picking and to sweeten the pot, our consignor is including the side curtains, fuel dip stick, and tools
Exterior
Drenched in the deep end of the pool black, the current condition of the paint would be best described as gracefully aged and well cared for. It retains its shine but is not without a few stone chips and light scratches. Slightly controversial for its time, MG engineers were forced to redesign the body because the parent company BMC was focusing on the Austin Healey, and this car had to be rushed out as a stopgap between the aforementioned and the MGA. With its laid back grille and flared in headlamps, cowled hood in a V shape and the curvaceous fenders that are joined by a running board, this short door car is now a desirable classic with an ever increasing value. The chrome is all excellent including the rear luggage rack that is begging for a picnic basket or your overnight gear. Chrome wire wheels with knockoff hubs are on all 4 corners as well as a spare on the back sloping rear deck/fuel tank. A canvas convertible top in beige, (Biscuit), comes attached to the car, and the rear plastic window is just a bit cloudy. The canvas remains in very good condition and the side curtains, again in Biscuit, are included with your purchase. Decidedly British and wonderfully hand crafted!
Interior
More Biscuit for the leather that drapes the 2 bomber style low back buckets whose backs join together on their uppers now with seatbelts added. With the top down, the canvas covers the small storage area behind the buckets and neatly conforms to the shape of the seat backs. An beige octagon themed instrument cluster is within a central dash front and the dash top has a padded Biscuit eyebrow design that hovers above the instrument cluster. The remainder of the dash is painted metal in the body matching black and has an open glove box on either side. Fronting the dash is a cream bakelite large round banjo style steering wheel. Black carpeting covers the floors and door panels are Bisquit vinyl complete with a pocket for storage.
Drivetrain
Under the cowled hood neatly slipped in the bay is a 1250cc inline 4-cylinder engine which has 2 SU H4 carburetors to feed the precise amount of air and fossils. A 4-speed manual transmission is on back and a 4.875 rear axle is on. The engine and bay all make a nice presentation by being highly detailed and all clean throughout. The electrical system is 12-volt and I cannot get enough of the ribbed and polished valve covering and engine side cover.
Undercarriage
The undercarriage shows nicely with some road dirt, surface rust, and slight patina. Some wood framing along with steel chassis can be seen all in good solid condition. Rockers and body hangers are rust free. The original 4 wheel drum brakes provide the stopping power and an independent coil spring front and leaf spring rear provide the ride. A stock style single exhaust system handles the exhale.
Drive-Ability
A fun driver for this writer who adores any British sports car and this one was special for me as it's a rare opportunity to drive one of these. We noted that the electric parking brake must be turned off to allow the car to start, but after that things were just spit spot. It performed nicely, handled well, and was a hoot to tool around in with the top down. Bias free braking, and you get the real feel of the road in this car, a few frowns crept up on our drive with those being headlights and turn signals that didn't function and an odometer that stopped counting the miles, but otherwise all was well in Jolly Old England land.
Precision and near perfection are the name of the game for this little British skate, all the while still retaining its handcrafted charm, it's hard to pass this sports car by. Certainly not perfect, however for its rarity, and originality as to the exterior panels, along with an all buttoned up engine, certainly worthwhile looking into if you have any penchant for a classic Brit sports car.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is and our phone number is 610-901-3804. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.