1954 MG TF

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE 

“MGs are the backbone of all sports car interest in America,” wrote famed road tester Tom McCahill in 1951. Servicemen returning from Europe after World War II had become infatuated with the sports car, the most popular and recognizable being the MG T-Series.  

In 1949, the MG TC gave way to the TD; in 1953, the TD then gave way to the TF, the last of the “Square Rigger” cars. With its introduction, the more modernized TF served as the perfect steppingstone to the all-new MGA that would be introduced later in 1955. The TF sat three inches lower than its predecessor and had a sportier sloped grille surrounded by swooping fenders with integrated headlights. Early TFs were powered by MG’s 1,250 cc XPAG four-cylinder engine offering spirited performance in the lightweight roadster. This TD is finished in its original Ivory color as per the MG’s “Guarantee Plate,” with a contrasting red leather and vinyl interior. Why was the MG the backbone of early American sports cars? This 1954 MG TF is ready to remind us.

Highlights  

• Last of the “Square Rigger” MGs 

• 1,250 cc XPAG inline four-cylinder engine producing 57.5 horsepower 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• Finished in Ivory paint as per the “Guarantee Plate” 

• Red leather and vinyl bucket seat interior  

• Wire wheels with knock-off hubs 

• The chassis number (HDP46/2652) decodes as: 

  • HD – MG 2-seater 

  • P – Ivory paint 

  • 4 – North America left hand drive 

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

  • 2652 – Serial number 

• The engine number (XPAG/TF/32299) decodes as: 

  • XPAG – 1,250 cc engine with oval water holes and eight inch clutch 

  • TF – MG TF series 

  • 32299 – Serial number 

• This 1954 MG TF is offered with the five-digit odometer currently showing just over 31,158 miles at the time of listing; however, the true mileage is unknown   

Features 

• Brakes have been adjusted this month

• New floor mats

• Fog lights 

• Mesh headlight and fog light guards 

• Octangular gauges, dash knobs, and radiator cap in the shape of the MG logo 

• Fold-down style windshield 

• Two leather bucket seats 

• Two dashboard storage receptacles 

• Aftermarket wood rimmed steering wheel 

• Floor-mounted gear selector 

• Clock 

• Dual exterior mirrors 

• Reverse-hinged doors 

• Chrome bumpers 

• Handle-style parking brake 

• Bumper overriders 

• Full-sized spare wheel and tire 

• Electric windshield wipers 

 Known Imperfections 

• Minor paint blemishes  

• Some rust on top of driver’s door 

• Missing top mechanism and canvas 

• Some stitching needs to be redone on top edge of driver’s seat 

 Included 

• Spare tire and wire wheel 

• Canvas convertible top and mechanism

• Spare keys  

• Owner’s manual 

Ownership History  This 1954 MG TF was purchased in San Diego, California, in 2002. The MG has been preserved by the temperate climate of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge mountains and has been lovingly cared for by the consignor and his mechanic friend.