1954 MG T-Series

Straight 4

HDE 42/2707

Clear

Gasoline

1954 MG TF Excellent Restoration Project - No ReserveThis is a 1954 MG TF, HDE 43/2702, engine XPAG TF / 32586 (1250cc). Originally, it was manufactured in January, 1954. The engine and chassis numbers match factory records. The car chassis number 2702 is stamped into the left front frame extension and the engine number 32586 on the bronze plaque on the engine. I have a clear Kentucky Classic Title. History: The car was in running condition when the previous owner purchased it in 1978. He began a restoration effort two years later. The restoration effort did not progress past the disassembly phase, although the body tub was completely rebuilt with new wood by William Thompson of Greensboro, North Carolina. New door latches and handles were fitted. The replacement wood floor boards are unused. The car and all its parts have been stored in a garage since 1980. They are now located in Lexington, Kentucky. Looking ahead: The MG-TF is an excellent restoration project that with diligent work could be accomplished in the next 9 months just in time for the 25th Annual Convention of the North American MCG Register in summer 2016, Louisville, Kentucky. The TF's are incredibly fun to drive and this past summer at the 2015 Greenwich Concours Europa, a beautifully restored and "driven to all events" 1954 MG TF was awarded both "Best English Sports Car 1954-1960" and "People's Choice" award in competition amoungst 125 of the most professionally restored and expensive European foreign cars invited to display at the show, beating out Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Jaguars, Porsches and even a Cistitalia. (credit to "Meshing Gears Newsletter - August 2015, MG Car Club Central Jersey Centre".)Condition: All instruments are present. The tachometer and speedometer were tested for operation. The white paint on the needles and numbers is somewhat yellow and cracked in spots. The odometer has 78,549 miles on it. I have no way to verify that this is accurate. The windscreen wiper system is complete including the motor. The windscreen itself is complete with the chrome in excellent condition. The generator and starter bench tested good. The original interior panels are absent, the seats are presently black vinyl and have obviously been recovered. The hood is a black AMCO replacement, as are the four side curtain coverings. These are in fair-to-good condition and would probably be useable, but are far from show condition. The plastic windows are slightly yellowed with age. The engine can be turned with the hand crank, but it appears to have been rebuilt shortly before the previously owner purchased the car. My impression is that the gaskets are in too good shape to be original and that the engine did not have substantial miles put on it after the rebuild. The transmission shifter moves smoothly between all gears. 1-1/2 inch SU carbs with low profile chrome air cleaners are present. The left wing has been inexpertly leaded along the outside edge of the headlamp protrusion as well as an area toward the front outside of the wing. The front outside of the right wing has a few minor dents. My local body shop stated it would take them about 15 hours of labor to correct the wings and get them ready for final painting. There are no creases or tears in the wing sheet metal. The rest of the sheet metal is in excellent shape - great shape actually. All of the sheet metal has been cleaned and primed - albeit years ago - except for the gas tank which retains what may possibly be the original dark green paint color. There is no evidence of rust or pitting except for very minor surface rust where the primer has been scratched by handling over the years. All the sheet metal appears to be original. The tires are worn and must be replaced; they hold air but are suitable only for moving the vehicle around the shop or for slow-speed towing. The muffler has a hole in it and will require replacement. The radiator and gas tank appear to be in good shape, but both have been empty for nearly 30 years. There is just a wee bit of oil in the engine sump, not enough to register on the dipstick. Overall, the car is 98 % - 99% complete. In general all the big pieces and most of the little ones are present. However, the following items are absent: - Front and Rear Bumpers – Available from Moss Motors - Rugs - Rear bumper backbar - Cowl dashboard trim rail (wood) and cowl rubber pad – Available from Moss Motors - Miscellaneous nuts, bolts and spacers NOTES: 1 - Shipping to be paid by buyer, but we will gladly help coordinate arrangements to facilitate a smooth transaction. 2 - Available to see anytime. Onsite inspection always preferred. Located in Lexington, KY close to the airport. Please call, email, or text David Trapp for any additional information at 859-983-2500. Thanks for looking!