1954 MG TF

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

“MGs are the backbone of all sports car interest in America,” famed road tester Tom McCahill wrote in 1951, and he didn't have to look far for evidence to back his claim. Servicemen returning from Europe after World War II had become infatuated with the fun little MG TB Midget, and their love for these T-Series open roadsters continued upon their return to the U.S. 

The MG TC arrived in 1945, followed by the TD in ’49, and finally the TF — the last of the “Square Rigger” cars — in 1953. 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. The TF was powered by MG’s 1250cc XPAG four-cylinder engine, which offered spirited performance in a lightweight roadster.

Why was the MG the backbone of early American sports cars? This 1954 MG TF is here to remind us. One of 9,602 built between 1953 and ’55, it is finished in its original Dark Red paint with a contrasting tan vinyl interior and features a number of mechanical upgrades. 

Highlights 

• This 1954 MG TD is among the last of the “Square Rigger” MGs 

• Powered by a 1250cc XPAG inline four-cylinder engine producing 57.5 horsepower 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• Finished in Dark Red paint over tan vinyl interior  

• Chrome wire wheels with knock-off hubs

• Upgrades since 2019 include: 

  • New canvas top 

  • New tonneau cover 

  • New wiring loom 

  • Rebuilt carbs, suspension, and fuel system 

  • New stainless-steel exhaust 

  • New wooden floorboards beneath carpet 

• The chassis number (HDC461465) decodes as: 

  • HD – MG two-seater 

  • C – Dark Red (MG Red) paint 

  • 4 – North America left hand drive 

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

  • 1465 – Serial number

• The engine number (XPAG/TF/31565) decodes as: 

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

  • TF – MG TF series 

  • 31565 – Serial number 

Features 

• Rear-wheel-drive, two-door roadster 

• Fold-down style windshield 

• Stainless steel exhaust 

• Driver’s side exterior mirror  

• Reverse-hinged doors 

• Chrome bumpers 

• Bumper overriders 

• Nankang CX-668 165/80R15 tires (2017) 

• Vinyl bucket seats 

• Three-spoke, wood-rimmed steering wheel 

• Floor-mounted gear selector 

• Octangular-shaped instrumentation: 

  • 100 mph speedometer and odometer  

  • Tachometer  

  • Water temperature / Fuel level / Amps 

• Dash-mounted rearview mirror  

• Seat belts 

• Storage pockets in the doors 

• Like-new carpeting 

• Floor mats 

• Electric windshield wipers 

Known Imperfections 

• Patina and paint imperfections 

• Original chrome shows minor aging 

Included 

• Rear-mounted spare tire and wire wheel 

• Car cover 

• Fire extinguisher 

• New spare parts: Ignition coil, ignition points, carburetor, oil filter 

• Maintenance records 

Ownership History 

The Hawaii owner of this 1954 MG TF purchased the sports car in July 2019 from the owner of a repair shop in Wisconsin and has meticulously maintained it for more than five years. The previous owner upgraded the trim, and upgrades during the current ownership include a new wiring loom, canvas top, and tonneau cover and rebuilt carbs, suspension, and fuel system. Of note to enthusiasts: The doors do not sag, and they close tightly, which is often a problem with T-Series cars.