1954 MG T-Series

TF Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

Clear

Gasoline

Few things in life are as intoxicating as a vintage sports car. I read a comment last week that said something to the effect of “all the good ones have been found and over-restored; the ones that remain are junk”. I would beg to differ. This car is a gem; it’s truly one of the good ones that has been off the radar for many years. This 1954 MG TF currently shows just over 38,000 miles – I believe that mileage is correct. Also, as far as I can tell, it’s a two-owner vehicle. The first owner had the car about 20 years and put the first 28K on it – the second owners bought it in the fall of 1974, and since then put about 10K on it. The last inspection sticker on the car shows the mileage of 37,442 in July 1988. With only about 600 miles since then, the car was just kept in a dry garage and driven to parties and on nice summer days. It’s a very original car with only one repaint in a soft yellow/ivory with red seats and an excellent black top (rear soft window in perfect condition). This was originally an ivory car. We have driven it up and down our street, and other than a tune up and bleeding the brakes, it doesn’t need much. Now for the negatives – the paint has some chips and scuffs, but it’s certainly worth touching up rather than doing a whole repaint in my opinion. The worst areas are the back edge of the hood on the driver’s side and the front edge where it hinges. I have pics of both those areas included so you can get a better look. There’s also a big paint chip on the lower front of the driver’s side front fender. The driver’s seat bottom shows some wear and cracking - the seat covering on that lower part could either be restitched or replaced. Otherwise seats are in good shape. In the center gauge cluster, two of the gauges have been removed – the temperature and ammeter sections. For now, you can see two newer gauges mounted at the bottom of the dash. I have both of the originals so they can be repaired and put back in the car. The steering wheel is not original, but is a nice replacement. I have the original steering wheel, which needs restoration, so you’ll have a good core with the correct banjo style spoke wheel and MG logo center. The air cleaners are not original, but I have the originals to go back on the car once they have new filter elements. Shifter knob is a replacement – I think I saw the original one down in one of the parts boxes. It is missing one of the side emblems – in among the spare parts is a TF1500 side badge, however I do not think its original to the car, so you can either use it or replace it with the correct one. In addition to the parts mentioned above which go along with the car, I have a spare wire wheel, so you’ll have the four on the car, a fifth for the spare and the extra one for a total of six. There is also an extra knock off spinner. Even a set of rallye style headlight wire covers which would look perfect on this TF. It does have the wind wings which you see in the picture, along with a tonneau cover and the original jack. And again, all of these parts are included in the purchase. Chrome – the front bumper is perfect, looks to have been rechromed. The front grille and slats are in excellent condition with only minor scratches. Rear bumper has some dings and would need to be redone. The chrome trim on the sides of the gas tank would also need to be cleaned up or redone. The metal frame around the windshield hasn’t been cleaned up but should be very nice with a little metal polish. Windshield is nice, mirrors are nice, glass in gauges is good, lenses in all lights are good, just missing one of the small top inserts in one of the front running lights. Tires are also good; I do not know how old they are, but have good tread and no evidence of dry rot. The wood floorboards were replaced when new carpet was laid in, so they are in great shape along with the black carpeting. Interior door panels with pockets are also excellent. Rust? There are one or two small spots where the paint has chipped and you see a spot on the surface, but honestly this thing is as solid as the day it was made. It may have been sold new on the west coast (oil change sticker in the tool box from LA), the second owner purchased it in Florida, then it made its way here to NC so it was never in the rust belt, and it shows. Here are the numbers on the car - body # HDP 46/1586. The build date is 09 December 1953. Original engine number is 30374. The engine in the car is XPAG TD2 23624. Apparently it was switched out early on, so the engine is a late 52 or early 53 with the 8” clutch. The car starts up and runs well. The brakes would need bleeding – as I’ve driven up and down the street, I just pump them twice and they stop fine. Gearbox is tight and shifts well. Carbs would need tweaking I’m sure – it idles OK but I think it’s running rich. Bottom line, this car is perfect for one of two types of enthusiasts. One, you clean it up, tune it up and drive the wheels off it. Or two, if you want to restore one, this car would be a cakewalk because you’re starting with a complete running machine that you don’t have to spend months replacing sheet metal and hunting down parts. Believe me – I just spent almost 3 and a half years doing a car that needed a lot of metalwork; I won’t go there again! It’s got a very reasonable buy it now, and a reasonable reserve. Any questions, please ask before bidding. I can also assist in transporting within a 200 mile radius or so of central NC – I have an enclosed trailer and could bring it your way as long as you help feed my gas sucking tow vehicle. Otherwise, you are responsible for transporting the MG to your location. High bidder will send a $500 nonrefundable deposit within 48 hours of auction close to hold the car. The remainder is due within 10 days of auction close. I can hold the car a bit longer if needed - up to 30 days if you need to arrange transportation. However payment in full must be made within 10 days. Payment will also be made by a method that’s mutually agreeable to both parties. If you cannot meet any of those criteria, please do not bid. I’m a serious seller and I hope this car finds a good home with a serious buyer.