2010 MG TF 135 LE 500

This 2010 MG TF LE500 is number 95 of 500. It has covered some 44K miles to date.

It has a ‘TF 135’ designation because the number refers to the bhp output of its 1.8 litre mid-mounted engine.

This particular LE500 is a very tidy example and presents well externally, internally and underneath. It is similarly true to its word in terms of the driving experience, which is as tight and taut and responsive as you’d want it to be.

It has been fortunate enough to enjoy ownership in the hands of people who know the marque and know what to do with a torque wrench.

The current vendor has spent some time and money getting the car into the fine condition you see today and has been well placed to do so because he works for a dealership and workshop that lists MG among its various franchises. He took the car in PX for an Abarth from a friend of his who has 30-40 cars at any given time and races historic MGs for fun.

So, some important boxes ticked right there.

This is a solid, sorted, low mileage car with, we’re confident, no nasty surprises waiting to leap out and terrify your wallet.

All it needs now is someone who’s ready to enjoy some affordable sporty fun in an underrated limited edition example of one of the last TFs ever built.

Someone, perhaps, very much like you?

The white paintwork (all apparently original, with the possible exception of the front bumper) is in excellent overall condition and has retained its pearlescent shine and lustre.

All the panels are smooth and free of any ripples, kinks, dinks, dents, creases or folds. The shut lines and door gaps are even and consistent. There is no rust that we can see anywhere on the bodywork. Even standard stone chips and road rash are barely in evidence anywhere. This car is in great nick even for its low mileage, let alone its age.

The hood, too, is in top condition both mechanically and aesthetically, although it would look even better if shown some soapy water and a chamois leather. There is a light bloom of rust dust visible on the hinge mechanism, but absolutely nothing to worry about.

Keen-eyed readers will have noted that the LE500 is meant to come with a hard top. Not this one. Somewhere along the line, the car and its hard top have parted company.

Everything that’s meant to be silvery and shiny is. All badges and trim are present and correct. On an almost absurdly minor note, we noticed some condensation inside the indicator lens on the n/s/f wing.

The wheels have been refurbished by the vendor and look very fine. They are shod in matching Falken rubber with plenty of life left in it.

The good news extends to the inside of this well looked-after vehicle. The black leather upholstery is comfortable, supportive and free of any nicks, scuffs or all but the very lightest of creasing.

The door cards, carpets and mats are in fine fettle, as is the roof lining.

As far as we can ascertain, everything works as intended and all switches, buttons and knobs prompt the right things into life as and when required.

The rubber seals at the bottom of the doors are a little dusty and are of their age, but there’s nothing of any note to worry about.

All the ‘LE’ features appear to be present and correct - gearknob, chrome plated parts, badges etc - and the dashboard and centre console both contribute to what is a good-looking cockpit.

We didn’t find any cracks, scuffs, holes or blemishes to speak of anywhere on the inside - including the storage spaces under the bonnet and behind the engine. Lifting the carpets anywhere on this car reveals….no rust.

The undersides of the car look solid and honest. The vendor replaced or repaired any damaged underguard trays. There’s no rust other that the standard rust dust you’d expect to see on a few pipes and suspension components.

The engine bay is pretty much hidden from view, but what we can see hasn’t made us faint or call for a priest. Everything seems to be where it should be.

The vendor tells us that as part of the general tidying-up job carried out on the car, a new windscreen washer pump was fitted and some rogue wiring was shown the error of its ways.

The rear suspension recall (with a front suspension check while the car was in for its recall work) was done in 2013. The car had a full LE 500 cambelt service in February 2019.

The vendor has just spent around £800 on a comprehensive inspection and sorting out anything that needed sorting out. The car is now in turn-key, ready to go condition and needs nothing doing to it other than whatever minor cosmetic bits and bobs you feel you’d like to address. And those are really very few and far between.

The car comes with its original owners wallet, a couple of brochures/manuals, a service book with 5 stamps in it and an MoT certificate (with no advisories) valid until 2.2.22.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of this and other paperwork to support our claim that this car has been maintained to a very good standard.

We think this is a very authentic, honest, clean example of a rare and underrated car that’s great fun to drive and own.

It is in very fine overall condition and has the stamps and provenance to make it an entirely credible, sound and sensible buy.

What’s not to like?

We’re happy to offer this vehicle for auction with no reserve and an estimate in the range of £4,000 - £7,000.

Inspection is always encouraged, within Govt. guidelines of course, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.