1955 MG TF 1500

Originally an American-spec left-hand-drive car, this lovely example came back to the UK in 1990 at which point it was converted to a right-hand-drive layout during a major renovation. It was then reconverted back to LHD by the current owner who bought the car near the end of those major works. This means the car will be supplied with the carefully preserved RHD steering rack and pedal box, and swapping it back (again!) would be very straightforward given the mechanical simplicity of the MG TF and the fact that the dashboard isn’t handed.

It was fully, and expensively, restored ten years ago by marque expert Bernard Broadhurst, after which time it has been driven for fewer than 400 miles in total. In the care of the current owner for the past seven years, it has been kept and (very lightly) used in Spain, the dry climate having preserved it wonderfully, a state of affairs further improved by a recent mechanical refresh to get it fully sorted prior to being sold.

It needs a decent valet but this is a chance for the new owner to spend time bonding with the car, and the need for this work is reflected in both our guide price and the reserve.

The restoration included having the bodywork completely refurbished, and the work was clearly done to a very high standard as it still looks utterly fabulous. Age has taken its toll in that it could do with being machined polished and detailed but the need for this is purely cosmetic as the underlying finish is very good bar a small blemish on the front edge of the passenger door. 

This blemish is restricted to one small area, and it looks like the door has been opened onto a hard surface, chipping a little piece of the paint away and rubbing the paint lightly over an area about the size of your hand. Given the solid black colour, localised repairs should be easy and straightforward.

The tan hood is in fabulous condition, still being taut and free of damage. It’s a bit dusty and grimy after having been stored for the past decade but deep-cleaning it would be an easy and satisfying job, and the result would look utterly splendid either up or down.

It’s much the same story with the car’s chromework; there’s plenty of it and it is all in good condition. Sure, it could do with a few hours of polishing with some Autosol but this would be an easy and satisfying job for the new owner to spend a day or so doing. Alternatively, the services of a small boy could be engaged to do it on their behalf; it’s never too early to piqué their interest in semi-vintage machinery and a car with the MG TF’s pedigree and classic vintage looks would be the ideal car to start with.

The spoked wheels are painted rather than chromed, a choice we applaud. They’re in good condition and are shod with matching tyres, all of which have good tread. 

The only other job we can see that would need doing is to realign the two doors, both of which need a small lift to latch them securely. We don’t think it’s a problem with the A-pillars, just an alignment issue that was never resolved during the car’s post-restoration shakedown.

The underside, as you can see from the photographs, is in fabulous condition and still looks nearly new.

Beautiful details abound inside: the exposed handbrake adjuster mechanism, for example; or the three octagonal dials in the centre of the dashboard that ape the MG logo; or the roller foot throttle and floor-hinged brake and clutch pedals; and, best of all, the view along that wonderful, centre-hinged, louvered bonnet. 

The cream leather interior looks wonderful and is in great condition being free of rips, tears and other damage. The seat leather is a bit dry, but we think a period of intensive cleaning & feeding would bring it back to its former glory; storage in hot, dry countries might do wonders for a car’s bodywork but it can be a bit harsh on leather and other interior fabrics.

The whole interior looks fabulous and is in similarly good condition. Some of it is a bit grubby, but it’s all there and it’s all in good condition bar a small crack in the rim of the steering wheel. We don’t think it affects the integrity of the wheel and there are plenty of chaps in sheds around the UK who would be able to mend it for a very reasonable sum.

The TF has been gently fettled to bring the mechanical components back into good health after lying largely unused for the past ten years. This work includes replacing the gearbox and crankshaft oil seals with new ones as the originals had dried out. This was a hideously expensive job but is indicative of the owner’s desire to present the car in the best possible mechanical condition for its new owner. 

The engine starts immediately and settles into an even tickover straightaway. It is instantly smooth and eager, n fact feeling surprisingly modern for such an old car and perhaps the ideal way to get into a genuine classic with a vintage feel.

Speaking of which, it features a Ford type 9 5-speed gearbox, as well as an electric fan and fuel pump. These are common modifications that help make the MG a genuinely usable vintage classic in modern traffic and road conditions.

It really does run and drive very well indeed and we’d welcome potential bidders here at The Market headquarters to come and appreciate just how good it is for themselves.

Supplied with a V5 registration document (it was never re-registered in Spain) and a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust build certificate, this MG TF is road-registered here in the United Kingdom.

The car comes with a number of expired MOT certificates plus a reasonable sheaf of invoices and bills to confirm the work that has been done to it in recent years.

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 restored and maintained to a very high standard.

The price being asked for MG TFs has softened slightly in recent months, and while we’re starting to see a bit of a recovery, we’re only seeing it for the very best cars. Bad cars, and even mediocre ones, are still struggling to find a home at the sort of prices many owners still think they’re worth. This is further proof that anyone with an eye to their car’s future value must buy the very best example of a model they can afford.

Like this one. Fully restored and only very gently used since then, this example is fighting fit and ready to move on to its new owner, where we would expect it to serve faithfully for another five decades or so.

And that’s not the end of the good news because the need for some deep-cleaning and valeting means there is value to be added; the cost of the work will be recouped several times when the car is finished – and this is something the owner understands and acknowledges in the reserve he’s agreed for the vehicle.

So, we expect this to sell for between £18,000 and £22,000, at which point it sits at the bottom end of what they’re going for these days despite the fact that it is one of the very best on offer today.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this car can be seen here at The Market HQ in 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’.

If needed, please remember we have a network of trusted suppliers we work with regularly and can recommend: Classic & Sportscar Finance for purchase-financing, Thames Valley Car Storage for storing your car, AnyVan for transporting it, and Footman James for classic car insurance.