1955 MG TF 1500

Description

The MG TF was the final iteration of the classic MG T-series sports cars, produced by the British automaker MG (Morris Garages). Introduced in 1953, the TF was a facelift of the earlier TD model, blending traditional styling with modest modern updates. It retained the body-on-frame construction and the signature sweeping fenders, but featured a more sloped grille, integrated headlamps, and a slightly lower stance, giving it a sleeker, more contemporary look. 

Initially powered by a 1250cc XPAG engine, the TF was later upgraded in 1954 to the TF 1500, which used a 1466cc XPEG inline-four engine producing 63 horsepower — a bump in performance over the earlier TF 1250’s 57 hp. The TF 1500 also had slightly better acceleration and top speed. 

MG produced just over 9,600 TFs in total, with around 3,400 of those being TF 1500s. Production ceased in April 1955, and the TF was succeeded by the MGA, a completely redesigned car that embraced modern styling and engineering. 

This 1955 MG TF 1500 has been in the same family since the mid-1960s. It underwent a full restoration in the early 2000s, but the engine failed shortly thereafter and was replaced. The car received additional mechanical work and upgrades in Spring/Summer 2025. 

Highlights 

• Full restoration in the early 2000s 

• Finished in MG Red paint with white/cream soft top over tan leather upholstery 

• Powered by a 1466cc XPEG inline-four engine (No. XPEG/778) rated at 63 hp 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• Maintenance and upgrades in Spring 2025 ($6,000 in parts/labor): 

  • New master cylinder 

  • New Super Start battery 

  • New fuel pump 

  • New plugs 

  • New points 

  • New condenser 

  • New sending unit 

  • New fuel lines, fuel warning lamp, tank backboard, and wooden strip 

  • 5 new tires and tubes (Nexen SB-802 165/80R15) 

  • Top back rail 

  • Additional miscellaneous parts 

• The chassis number (HDC466979) decodes as: 

  • H – MG (Morris Garages) 

  • D – Open 2-seater 

  • C – MG Red paint 

  • 4 – Paint finish: Cellulose body with synthetic wings (fenders) 

  • 6 – LHD / North America 

  • 6979 – Production number (6951 began the 1500 engine transition, so this car was built between 10 September 1954 and April 1955) 

Features 

• Headlights integrated into front fenders (a change from earlier T-series) 

• Bucket seats 

• Storage bin behind seats 

• 100 mph speedometer, 6,000 rpm tachometer, and tri-gauge for water temperature, oil pressure, and amps 

• Optional 15-inch wire wheels 

• Independent front with coil springs; live rear axle with leaf springs 

• Drum brakes front and rear  

Known Imperfections 

• Paint imperfections (particularly chips on underside of front fenders and scrapes along interior door post and sill) 

• Paint bubbles/imperfections on bottom of driver’s door 

• The top and side curtains need to be replaced (top has a patch and underside is stained; windows are fogged/yellow from age; and the rear driver’s side window was removed and saved to see if replacement material was feasible/available) 

• Paint scrapes on engine valve cover 

• Pitting on chrome of dash-mounted rearview mirror 

• Top of door upholstery is scraped on passenger side 

• Windshield wipers do not work (but they wear new blades) 

• Horn does not work well 

Included 

• Rear-mounted spare tire 

• Jack and hub mallet 

• New Permatex vinyl and leather repair kit 

• Oil 

• Rear driver’s side window 

Ownership History 

This 1955 MG TF 1500 has been in the same family since the mid-1960s and (according to the title) with its current owner since May 1998. The seller says, “This vehicle was purchased by my father in the mid-’60s and has been in our family ever since. The color when purchased was black, and my father had it repainted red (which, according to the VIN, is its original color). I have many fond memories as a passenger with my dad when I was a child. The car has been kept in a garage and had a complete restoration in the early 2000s. We drove it some but then not at all for several years. We had some more restoration work done this spring (2025) to get it up and running again.” 

Additional Notes  

Sales Tax Notice to Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia Bidders: Because this car is located in Florida, Hagerty Marketplace may be required to collect and remit Florida sales tax on your purchase, even if you plan to register it outside of Florida.  Unlike most other states, the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia may not provide a full credit against sales taxes paid to Florida.  For additional information, please consult this this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Florida that are sold to residents of another state.