Drivetrain
Chassis
Body
Dealer Info
http://www.charlescrail.com/
Santa Barbara CA, 93108
1954 MG TF 1250/1500 Roadster
NOW BEING AUCTIONED at HEMMINGS.COM, running until 5:45 PM EST on 3/26/24
https://www.hemmings.com/auction/1954-mg-tf-montecito-ca-943430.
Chassis no. HDP46/3463
Engine no. TF9085
1466cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin S.U. Carburetors
63bhp at 4,600rpm
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
Independent Front Suspension, Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*The final evolution of the beloved T-Series
*Appealing red over tan livery
*Well-maintained restoration with a pleasing character
*The archetypal 50s British sports car
THE MG TF
A rushed development program meant that there was little difference, mechanically at least, between the MG's new TF and the outgoing TD Mk II. The chassis and 1,250cc, 57bhp, XPAG engine from the late TD were retained and the TF was, in essence, a restyled version of the TD. The TF retained its predecessor's body center section but featured a reworked front end with a shortened, sloping, radiator grille and headlamps faired into the wings, plus an improved interior with separately adjustable seats. While it retained the "old world" charm that endeared so many enthusiasts (Americans, particularly) to MG, it was notably sleeker and more stylish. While essentially a stopgap model produced pending the arrival of the MGA, the traditionally styled TF nevertheless sold well, with 9,600 units being produced between October 1953 and May 1955.
THE CAR OFFERED
This 1955 MG TF is a desirable final-year model with the improved "big block" 1500 XPAG engine, boosting output from 57bhp to 63bhp. Finished in red over biscuit tan leather trim, it wears a pleasingly mellowed older restoration, and has been in the care of one collector for the past 15 years, benefitting from recent servicing including new brake hydraulics (master and wheel cylinders) and a tune up. Details include original-type steel disc wheels (wires were optional on the TF), twin Lucas driving lamps, Lucas wing mirrors, a three-spoke Nardi steering wheel, and folding windscreen for the ultimate bugs-in-the-teeth driving experience.
Proving that you don't need triple-digit horsepower output to have the time of your life, the MG TF delivers a pure and joyful experience that few other sports cars can match. This cherished example is ideal for a wide array of driving events and club tours and is certain to put a smile on the face of all those who encounter it.
In a nutshell, the car. is a 1250 updated with a factory 1500 engine. Below is the report from the MG CarClub T Register.
Report on MG TF3436 produced for Charles Crail on 4th January 2024.
Following receipt of the requested photographs I have now received enough information from you to make sense of it all. My findings are:
I believe that you are the owner of TF3463
1) Your chassis (frame) is stamped TF3463.
2) The MG Factory records show that TF3463 was built on 23rd February 1954 and originally fitted with a 1250cc engine, number XPAG/TF/33592.
3) The full VIN number of TF3463 was HDP46/3463.
4) The Warranty plate is a reproduction item, originally stamped with all the correct details for TF3463.
The engine now fitted to TF3463 is a genuine TF1500 engine originally fitted to TF9085
1) It has a genuine XPEG block stamped 2788 and badged XPEG/2788.
2) It also has a genuine XPEG cylinder head stamped AEF118.
3) The MG Factory records show that TF9085 was originally built on 26th January 1955 and fitted with engine number XPEG/2788.
I would guess that a previous owner lost the original Guarantee plate and had a reproduction plate stamped with the original data. This is not unusual where the original plate has been lost.
At a later date a genuine 1500 engine was obtained and fitted to the car,
"TF1500" badges were applied to the bonnet (hood) side panels, and
the reproduction Warranty plate was then crudely over-stamped with the details of the new engine.
My advice to you is to obtain a new plate and have it stamped with the original details, keeping the old plate as a historical record.
I would also advise you not to advertise this vehicle as a 1955 MG TF1500, but as a 1954 MG TF subsequently fitted with a genuine TF1500 engine.
Barrie Jones
TF Registrar
MG Car Club T Register
Registered Office: Kimber House, 12 Cemetery Road,Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1AS Reg. No 962227: England VAT No 194 7172 35.
1954 MG TF
1954 MG TF 1250/1500 Roadster
NOW BEING AUCTIONED at HEMMINGS.COM, running until 5:45 PM EST on 3/26/24
https://www.hemmings.com/auction/1954-mg-tf-montecito-ca-943430.
Chassis no. HDP46/3463
Engine no. TF9085
1466cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin S.U. Carburetors
63bhp at 4,600rpm
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
Independent Front Suspension, Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*The final evolution of the beloved T-Series
*Appealing red over tan livery
*Well-maintained restoration with a pleasing character
*The archetypal 50s British sports car
THE MG TF
A rushed development program meant that there was little difference, mechanically at least, between the MG's new TF and the outgoing TD Mk II. The chassis and 1,250cc, 57bhp, XPAG engine from the late TD were retained and the TF was, in essence, a restyled version of the TD. The TF retained its predecessor's body center section but featured a reworked front end with a shortened, sloping, radiator grille and headlamps faired into the wings, plus an improved interior with separately adjustable seats. While it retained the "old world" charm that endeared so many enthusiasts (Americans, particularly) to MG, it was notably sleeker and more stylish. While essentially a stopgap model produced pending the arrival of the MGA, the traditionally styled TF nevertheless sold well, with 9,600 units being produced between October 1953 and May 1955.
THE CAR OFFERED
This 1955 MG TF is a desirable final-year model with the improved "big block" 1500 XPAG engine, boosting output from 57bhp to 63bhp. Finished in red over biscuit tan leather trim, it wears a pleasingly mellowed older restoration, and has been in the care of one collector for the past 15 years, benefitting from recent servicing including new brake hydraulics (master and wheel cylinders) and a tune up. Details include original-type steel disc wheels (wires were optional on the TF), twin Lucas driving lamps, Lucas wing mirrors, a three-spoke Nardi steering wheel, and folding windscreen for the ultimate bugs-in-the-teeth driving experience.
Proving that you don't need triple-digit horsepower output to have the time of your life, the MG TF delivers a pure and joyful experience that few other sports cars can match. This cherished example is ideal for a wide array of driving events and club tours and is certain to put a smile on the face of all those who encounter it.
In a nutshell, the car. is a 1250 updated with a factory 1500 engine. Below is the report from the MG CarClub T Register.
Report on MG TF3436 produced for Charles Crail on 4th January 2024.
Following receipt of the requested photographs I have now received enough information from you to make sense of it all. My findings are:
I believe that you are the owner of TF3463
1) Your chassis (frame) is stamped TF3463.
2) The MG Factory records show that TF3463 was built on 23rd February 1954 and originally fitted with a 1250cc engine, number XPAG/TF/33592.
3) The full VIN number of TF3463 was HDP46/3463.
4) The Warranty plate is a reproduction item, originally stamped with all the correct details for TF3463.
The engine now fitted to TF3463 is a genuine TF1500 engine originally fitted to TF9085
1) It has a genuine XPEG block stamped 2788 and badged XPEG/2788.
2) It also has a genuine XPEG cylinder head stamped AEF118.
3) The MG Factory records show that TF9085 was originally built on 26th January 1955 and fitted with engine number XPEG/2788.
I would guess that a previous owner lost the original Guarantee plate and had a reproduction plate stamped with the original data. This is not unusual where the original plate has been lost.
At a later date a genuine 1500 engine was obtained and fitted to the car,
"TF1500" badges were applied to the bonnet (hood) side panels, and
the reproduction Warranty plate was then crudely over-stamped with the details of the new engine.
My advice to you is to obtain a new plate and have it stamped with the original details, keeping the old plate as a historical record.
I would also advise you not to advertise this vehicle as a 1955 MG TF1500, but as a 1954 MG TF subsequently fitted with a genuine TF1500 engine.
Barrie Jones
TF Registrar
MG Car Club T Register
Registered Office: Kimber House, 12 Cemetery Road,Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1AS Reg. No 962227: England VAT No 194 7172 35.