A RARE, UNIQUE AND BEAUTIFUL 1955 MG TF1500

1955 MG T-Series

1955 MG TF-1500

I think the MG TF 1500 is the most beautiful MG ever made and I sincerely believe my "TF-1500" is the most beautiful of them all! If you don't think so please take another look at the photographs. Although not in her original color (almond green) in her MG Red paintwork she looks absolutely fabulouslooking quite like the Jaguar SS-100 which can now fetch between $300000 and $500000.

Not only is my car gorgeous looking it is NUMBERS MATCHINGas confirmed by British Motor Industries Heritage Trust certificate number 2014/1581 (please see photo). The MG TF’s were manufactured between July 13th 1954 and April 4th 1955 with Body Numbers TF-6501 – TF-10100 a 14 month production run of 3600 cars.

It’s pretty obvious when looking at my Car that a Very Extensive Restoration has been carried out as evidenced by the Car's really good condition and which the photos ably confirm. The indicated mileage is 1927 which I believe to be the mileage covered since the restoration. While I have no real reason to disbelieve it I can't substantiate it either.

As mentioned the car’s original color was Almond Green with a Green Interior. A previous ownerhad the sense to change it to MG Red and the paintwork is in exceptional condition save for the very few stone chips etc. that unavoidably come with use. The interior was also changed toFactory Matching Red Leather with White Piping which also shows beautifully and is also in excellent condition.

The TF came into being when sales of the TD slumped with the introduction of the faster more modern-looking and similarly priced Triumph TR2. Morris Garages makers of MG cars merged with the Nuffield Organization to form the British Motor Corporation (B.M.C.). Considerable funding had just gone into the newly introducedAustin-Healey and although designs for the MG-A existed there was a shortage of liquid capital with which to put it into production. As a cost-efficient alternative in 1953 the TF was introduced.

Among the many changes; it had a sleeker Nose and a more graceful Tail. The Radiator was sloped back and the Hood-line inclined downwards to meet it. The Headlights were partially faired-in and the front Fender profile was modified. At the rear the exposed Fuel Tank and Spare Wheel Carrier were made more rakish with the rear Fenders sporting a shapelier flare to match. Overall the TF was 3.5 inches longer an inch wider and half an inch lower.

Individual adjustable Seats replaced the previous Bench Seat and there was a new centrally located Instrument Panel featuring the now famous and handsome MG Octagonal Gauges. It was initially well received but times had moved on. Production ceased in mid 1955 with B.M.C. needing to devote its time and energy to theinitial production of the MG-A. Only 3400 TF-1500's were manufactured with the majority coming to America to Canada and into Europe.

Now about my car:-

Per the B.M.I.H.T. certificate she was built between the 8th to the 12th of October 1954. She had then as now Car/Chassis (V.I.N.) Number HDE43/7418 Engine Number XPEGTF1274 Body Number TF18013 and the factory optional chromed wire wheels. It was shipped from the factory to the U.S. on October 13th 1954

Although she is a remarkable 60+ years old she is in great restored condition.

During her history many parts were chrome-plated that weren’t so plated by the factory.You’ll find these plated parts in all sorts of places including the Gas Tank sides andbelieve it or not all the Brake Drums and even the Prop Shaft etc. etc. and especially under the hood. So if you're looking for a car that you can confidently drive to and successfully enter in your local car shows she is it! Please remember she should not be a "Trailer Queen" as she wants to be driven.

Completely Rust-Free with the Undercarriage in excellent condition including all the recent visible Wooden Components.

Although she has obviously been repainted during her 60 year life; the Paintwork has only the minor scars of being driven and there are no dents. The original Chrome-plated Parts and the Manufacturer's Badges etc. are original and in excellent condition. The Clock doesn't work (they never do!) and the Horns both work. She has the very minor fluid leaks that just go with the era. I actually think I solved a problem by tightening the Oil Filter Housing another seems to be the Gearbox Oil Discharge Plug. But you know what they say about the British sports car "if it doesn't leak it's because there's no oil in it"!

The Engine starts instantaneously from cold with minor and short-lived use of the Choke and runs smoothly idling at around 800 rpm and enthusiastically awaiting your use. She accelerates willingly with that gorgeous sound from the new Stainless Steel Exhaust with a Polished Muffler. She changes smoothly through all the Gears. First and Reverse are the typically noisy Moss straight-cut non-synchromesh gears.

There is virtually no play in the Steering but please remember that the driving position is the older "you can almost hit the horn button with your chest" style. The Steering is quite heavy at slower speeds compared with modern day cars as in those days there was no power assistance. The "Emergency" Brake works as it should and the car's Brakes are also good but do requiremore pressure than one is used to with modern cars (again no power assistance).

Similarly comparatively heavy the Clutch can give you wheel spin at the start in First Gear if you wish -proof that the Clutch is good. All the Gauges Switches and Lights have been checked and/or repaired/replaced and work as they should except the Clock as mentioned.

She has been comprehensively serviced including:-

All Fluid levels checked.

The Radiator back-flushed and refilled with water. If you live where winters are a problem please refill with Anti-Freeze.

Fuel System checked.

Carburetors checked. Air Cleaners cleaned.

New Points Distributor Cap Condenser and Plugs fitted.

Generator and Voltage Regulator checked.

Other items of interest:-

Chrome Wire Wheels and Brake Drums.

Plenty of Chrome-Plated parts under the Hood Fenders and at the rear.

Four new Tires and a spare.

A new full Tonneau Cover still in the supplier’s box un-opened.

New twin vintage lap-type Safety Belts.

New Lucas PL700 headlights similar to those fitted to Rolls Royce and other British super luxury cars of the era.

Working Lucas SLD/SPF576 Spot/Fog Lights of the era and a wired/switched/working Reversing Light have been fitted.

A brand new Badge Bar with brand new B.R.S.C.C. B.A.R.C. and MG Abingdon Badges.

New Twin fender-mounted Wing Mirrors and twin new and of the era vintage Windscreen Wind Wings etched with “1955 MG TF 1500”

New battery cut-off switch for security.

She has the original Crank Handle (properly secured behind seats); twin Hood Stays (unusual); an MG Jack with Crank; an of-the-era working Hand Air Pump and the correct Thor Brass-headed Hammer for the Chromed Wire Wheel Knock-on Hubs.

On the Passenger-side Interior Valance a genuine antique of-the-era Polished Brass "Presto" mini Fire Extinguisher has been fitted in the original bracket. As the retardant is now illegal the contents have been evacuated so the Extinguisher is for decorative purposes only.

There is a full MG Toolkit in a new Embroidered-Logo Toolroll.

The Hood or Top is White and in good condition as is the rear transparent window and the Hood's Frame-work. All four White Side Screens including the transparent vinyl are in good condition. However you surely don’t intend to take her out in the rain so I suggest you wrap them securely and put them in the attic where they belong.

She also comes with a new Workshop Manual an old-style but new Driver's Handbook (i.e. comprehensive) and Driver's Routine Service Manual and several publications which will interest you.

A physical inspection by you and/or your agent is cordially invited but by appointment please.

I am asking $38950 but I'll certainly look at your reasonable offer. Typically of classic cars she is offered on the basis of "AS IS WHERE IS" and in strict and sole accordance with the terms of a mutually agreed written SALE/PURCHASE AGREEMENT and a formal BILL OF SALE.My Florida title for the car is clean and unencumbered.

You'll probably have some questions so please don't hesitate to contact me - or maybe you just want to "car-chat"?

My car is being advertised locally and this listing can be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

Thank you for your interest and I hope to hear from you IAN

(954) 463-5300 (Ft Lauderdale Florida) or ian@thegailgroup.com

Ian Gail

532 N.E. 17th Way

Fort Lauderdale

Fl. 33301-1352

U.S.A.

Ph: (954) 463-5300

Cel: (954) 593-0034

• Make: MG
• Model: T-Series
• Type: sports convertible
• Trim: TF-1500 ONE OF ONLY 3,600 BUILT
• Year: 1955
• Mileage: 1,927
• VIN: HDE43/7418
• Color: MG Red
• Engine size: 1.5 liter, 4 cyl, in line.
• Number of cylinders: 4-cyl.
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: 4-speed manual
• Drive type: R.W.D.
• Interior color: Red leather with whitew piping
• Options: Leather Seats, Convertible
• Vehicle Title: Clear
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