1955 MG TF-1500

Description

“It’s fun to drive” was the universal response Popular Mechanics magazine got in 1952 when surveying American owners of MG sports cars. Servicemen returning from the 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 flanked by swooping fenders with integrated headlights. The later TF-1500 variant was powered by the larger 1,466 cc XPEG engine offering the improved performance the American market wanted, but just 3,400 were built before the MGA arrived. Finished in its original Birch Gray color as per the MG’s “Guarantee Plate,” with the red leather and vinyl interior and a tan mohair top as a delightful contrast, this 1955 MG TF-1500 is ready to provide the traditional British open-air experience and pure driving fun.

Highlights

• Last of the “Square Rigger” MGs

• One of only 3,400 MG TF-1500 produced

• 1,466 cc XPEG inline four-cylinder engine producing 63 horsepower

• Four-speed manual transmission

• Rare Birch Gray paint as per the original “Guarantee Plate”

• Red leather and vinyl bucket seat interior

• Tan mohair top and side curtains

• Enamel “TF-1500” badges

• The chassis number (HDB467901) decodes as:

  • HD – MG 2-seater

  • B – Birch Gray paint

  • 4 – North America left hand drive

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

  • 7901 – Serial number

• This 1955 MG TF-1500 is offered with the five-digit odometer currently showing no miles at the time of listing and the true mileage is unknown

Features

• 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

• Bakelite rimmed steering wheel

• Floor-mounted gear selector

• Dual exterior mirrors

• Reverse-hinged doors

• Chrome bumpers

• Handle-style parking brake

• Bumper overriders

• Steel wheels with chrome hubcaps

• Full-sized spare wheel and tire

• Electric windshield wipers

• Clock

Known Imperfections

• Minor paint imperfections, solvent pop present

Included

• Original jack and handle

• Original lug wrench

Ownership History

This 1955 MG TF-1500 has spent much of its life in the Greater Chicago area before moving to Ohio and then back to Illinois