Available for auction is this 1954 MG TF Midget finished in Mercedes-Benz Tobacco Brown over a tan leather interior. The last of the T-Type body-on-frame sports cars from MG, the TF Midget was a facelifted version of the prior TD model, fitted with the TD Mark II engine, revised styling, and a new pressurized cooling system. The restoration of this 1954 example began under prior ownership and was completed under the care of the current owner. It features chrome bumpers, a folding windscreen, a new canvas soft top with side curtains, and a rear-mounted spare wheel. This charming 1954 MG is now being offered for auction by its seller out of California.
The exterior is finished in Mercedes-Benz Tobacco Brown with a matching brown soft top and is characterized as a TF Midget by headlights blended into the front fenders, a sloping front radiator grille, and a simulated external radiator cap. The seller reports that any visible paint chips have been filled-in and that a new canvas soft top and side curtains have been installed. Additional images can be found in the gallery. Features include a chrome luggage rack, running boards, chrome bumpers with overriders, and 15” chrome wire wheels with knock-off hubs. A matching full-size spare is mounted in the rear and the wheels come dressed in a set of Avon Radial tires.
Inside, you will find a tan leather-trimmed interior with matching door panels and brown carpets protected by black MG-branded floor mats. The driver is supplied with a wood-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel, centrally mounted octagonal Jaeger instrumentation and a dash-mounted rearview mirror. All gauges and lights are said to remain fully functional except for the mechanical tachometer which has been disconnected as the car has been converted from a generator to an alternator. The tachometer can be updated to an electronic unit and made operational by the next owner.
Power comes from a 1,250cc XPAG inline-four dual-carbureted engine derived from the MG TD. For the MG TF, this engine featured a higher 8.1:1 compression ratio, extra-large valves with stronger springs, and larger carburetors for an output of up to 57 HP. The rear wheels are driven by way of an upgraded 5-speed manual transmission. The seller reports that the car has received standard routine service throughout their ownership.
This sale will include a set of keys, an original operation manual, and a clean title. A classic two-seater open-top roadster, this 1954 MG TF offers the quintessential vintage British motorcar experience.
Comments (31)
Sold for $22,500
@kimi Hi there. Sorry, I got sidetracked! Yes the MG is still available, but I really need to get in the mid 20,000's for it. I have over 22,000 in it and one not as nice as mine just sold at auction for $31,000. You're not that far away from me; I'm in South Orange County. If that's still within your budget, why don't you come down and check the car out in person. I just bought a '38 Chevy and can't keep 3 cars in a 2 car garage! haha. (I also have a Porsche)
Larry
Is your vehicle still available? I would like to make an offer. Please let me know. Thanks
Offer in the amount of $19,500
Bid in the amount of $17,500
Bid in the amount of $14,000
Bid in the amount of $13,000
Bid in the amount of $12,000
@howard0490 The side curtains are not in need of restoration. I keep a pan under the car just for preventive maintenance, and there are minor drips.
Bid in the amount of $10,000
Bid in the amount of $6,050
Bid in the amount of $5,770
Bid in the amount of $5,520
Are you able to post a photo of the side curtains? have they been restored or are they in need of restoration? Also, you haven't mentioned anything about oil leaks, are there significant leaks? thanks
Bid in the amount of $5,251
@lab123 Oil filter has been converted to a spin on cartridge type for ease of maintenance.
Does anybody (including the seller) know if a vintage appearance tachometer for a negative ground (with alternator) is available anywhere?
@Blackpony I have the original side curtains and engine crank. I do have the original transmission and generator and cable that runs the tach, and any miscellaneous parts that were taken off when it was upgraded to a 5 speed. All spare parts will go with the car.
Bid in the amount of $5,000
Way preferable to black!
As beautiful as this car is, I doubt it's reasonable to get all the old parts and restore it it to "stock" condition. And why would one want to?
I see this as a great driver to enjoy. The negative ground, the five speed transmission, etc.; all upgrades to enhance the driving experience.
Bid in the amount of $4,250
Chassis No. HDA46/2270, the "A" proves this TF was Black from the factory. The Tobacco Brown looks preferable to Black.
Do you have original bits, i.e. steering wheel, wire wheels painted grey, side curtains with chrome strips, engine crank, etc.?
Pictures of side curtains and storage compartment would be helpful. Thanks.
Bid in the amount of $3,800
Bid in the amount of $3,500
MGTF original color should be easy to determine:
Starting with the MGTF the car ID plate indicated the color scheme for each car shipped from the factory. The first two letters for the TF were HD, H for MG Midget and D for open two-seater bodywork.
The third letter indicated the body color from the following codes:
A Black
B Light Grey (Birch Grey)
C Red
E Green
H CKD (Primer only)
P Ivory
Bid in the amount of $2,500
Bid in the amount of $2,000
@KeithDSimon Hey Keith. I'm not sure. When I bought the car, it had already been restored and repainted. I liked the color, so I wasn't thinking of repainting it. (Original colors were black, red, green or ivory. Hope that helps.
Larry
LAB123 do you know the original color?
@Jackbowser Yes. I have the generator, the cable going to the tachometer and the original transmission and miscellaneous parts
Do you still have the generator?