1954 MG TF Five-Speed

Description

The 1954 MG TF was the final evolution of MG’s T-Series Midget line, which began in 1936. Introduced in late 1953 after the release of the new MGA was delayed, the TF was essentially a facelift of the MG TD. It retained its traditional body-on-frame construction and pre-war styling cues, but with notable refinements like a sloping bonnet, faired-in headlamps, and a raked grille, giving it a more streamlined and modern appearance. 

Initially powered by a 1250cc XPAG inline-four engine producing around 58 horsepower, a 1466cc engine was introduced mid-year. All 1954 TF models received a four-speed manual gearbox. Only 9,602 TFs were produced between 1953 and ’55, making it one of the rarer T-Series models. 

This 1954 MG TF underwent a full restoration in 2015-17 under previous long-term ownership, which included an engine rebuild, a transmission upgrade to a five-speed Ford Type 9 manual, fresh MG Red paint, new soft top, and new interior (while keeping the original steering wheel and gauges). The car has been driven only 177 miles since it was restored. 

Highlights 

• Complete restoration by G&R Autoworks of Keene, New Hampshire, from 2015-17 (243 labor hours) included: 

  • Rebuilt 1250cc XPAG inline-four engine 

  • Ford Type 9 five-speed manual transmission from a 1983-91 Ford Sierra (referred to as N type in Haynes Owner's Workshop Manual: Ford Fiesta) 

  • Lighting and wire-up 

  • New windshield glass 

  • Refinished in original Dark Red (MG Red) paint 

  • New beige convertible soft top 

  • New beige leather upholstery, dash, carpet, red paint, seat belts 

  • “The MG Car Company Ltd.” chrome door sill plates 

  • Painted wheels 

  • New Blockley 165VR15 tires 

• The chassis number (HDC461309) decodes as: 

  • H – MG (Morris Garages) 

  • D – Two-seat open roadster 

  • C – Dark Red (MG Red) paint 

  • 4 – LHD for North American market 

  • 6 – Cellulose paint on body, synthetic finish on fenders and splash pans 

  • 1309 – Serial number 

• The engine number (XPAG/TF/31116) decodes as: 

  • H – XPAG – 1250cc engine with oval water holes and eight-inch clutch  

  • TF – MG TF series  

  • 31116 – Serial number  

Features 

• Original three-spoke steering wheel 

• Original instrumentation: 100 mph speedometer, 5,000 rpm tachometer, and gauges for water temperature, oil pressure, and amps 

• Original 15-inch wheels and hubcaps 

Known Imperfections 

• Small blemish on clear plastic rear window due to improper folding 

• Light pitting on rearview mirror chrome 

Included 

• Spare tire mounted on rear 

• 2 keys and 2 new spare keys 

• 2 New England MG T Register grille badges 

• New England MG T Register cloth patch 

• Complete restoration file from G&R Autoworks 

Ownership History

According to the New York state seller of this 1954 MG TF, the car was previously owned by Thomas L. Hoy, ex-President, CEO, and Chairman of The Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company and its parent, Arrow Financial Corporation. Hoy, who passed away in 2023, loved this MG and drove his wife, Sally, around Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks whenever the weather cooperated. The well-maintained roadster underwent many improvements over the years, including a full restoration — it has been driven only 177 miles since being restored. The car was last on the road in 2023.