1954 MG TF 1500

1954 MG TF 1500

Coachwork is the body of an automobile, bus, horse-drawn carriage, or railway carriage. ... "Coachbuilt body" is also the British English name for mass-produced vehicles built on assembly lines using the same but simplified techniques until more durable all-steel bodies replaced them in the early 1950s.

For consignment, a first for the halls of Classic Auto Mall, an original coach-built MG TF 1500. Originally imported to San Diego, the first owner's son took the car over from his father, and proceeded to respray it from original black to Autumn Red. It went through a few more hands one of which proceeded to give it a frame off restoration in 1979. It has not been further restored since then but remains mechanically sound and has no rust or rot on its wood/metal framing. A real British classic ripe for the picking.

ExteriorRetaining the respray from 1979 of Autumn Red, the current condition of the paint would be best described as gracefully aged. It retains its shine, but several areas of cracking and crazing, a few chips, some touch ups and scratches can be seen in the photographs. Slightly controversial for its time, MG engineers were forced to redesign at the time because the parent company BMC was focusing on the Austin Healey, and this car had to be rushed out as a stopgap between the aforementioned and the MGA. With its laid back grille and flared in headlamps, cowled hood in a V shape and the curvaceous fenders that are joined by a running board, this short door car is now a desirable classic with an ever increasing value. Chrome is all excellent including the rear luggage rack that currently sports a picnic basket. Wire wheels with knockoff hubs are on all 4 corners as well as a spare on the back sloping rear deck/fuel tank. A canvas convertible top in black comes with the car, and the rear plastic window is just a bit yellowed. Also, upper door panels, and a smaller rear storage exterior panel make driving possible in cooler weather. The back panels may be original to the car; however the top is newer, possibly from the 1979 restoration. Also, for foul weather motoring the side curtains are included with the car.

InteriorBiscuit beige vinyl drapes the 2 bomber style low back buckets whose backs join together on their uppers. A very nice tonneau covering also in the biscuit beige covers the entire rear portion of the cockpit and neatly conforms to the shape of the seat backs. An octagon themed instrument cluster is within a central black leather covered dash front. The dash top has a padded biscuit eyebrow design and hovers above the instrument cluster. The remainder of the dash is painted metal in the Autumn red and has an open glove box on either side. Fronting the dash is a marbled bakelite large round banjo style steering wheel. Black carpeting covers the floors and door panels are beige vinyl complete with a pocket for storage.

DrivetrainUnder the cowled hood neatly slipped in is a 1466cc inline 4-cylinder engine which has 2 SU H4 carburetors. A 4-speed manual transmission is on back and a 4.875 rear axle is on. The engine and bay all make a nice presentation by being highly detailed and all clean throughout. The electrical system is 12-volt.

UndercarriageThe undercarriage shows nicely with some road dirt and slight patina. Some wood framing along with steel chassis can be seen all in good solid condition. Rockers and body hangers are rust free. New hydraulic drum brakes are on all 4 corners, and independent coil spring front and leaf spring rear provide the ride.

Drive-AbilityA fun driver for this writer who adores any British sports car and this one was special as I've never had the opportunity to drive one of these. It performed nicely, handled well, and was a hoot to tool around in with the top down. Bias free braking, and you get the real feel of the road in this car.

Certainly not perfect, however for its rarity, and originality as to the exterior panels, along with an all buttoned up engine, certainly worthwhile looking into if you have any penchant for a classic Brit sports car.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.