From the Classifieds: MG TF 1500

Although some purists don’t rate it with earlier models such as the live-axled TC produced from 1945 as the first post-war MG, the TF model, introduced in 1953, expressed the same bare-bones styling themes, but in a rather more elegant way.

A development of the TD model that replaced the TC in 1950, the TF initially adopted the TD’s 1.2-litre engine (which dated back to the TC) but in 1954 expanded the capacity to 1.5 litres, bringing more power (from 43kW at 5500rpm to 47kW at 5000rpm) and torque to what was a relatively lethargic powerplant.

Sportscars of the era relied on nimble handling and light weight rather than sheer power to produce quick point-to-point times. Twin camshafts, disc brakes and more aerodynamic styling were still to come for MG in 1953.

The TF, with independent coil-spring front suspension, rack and pinion steering and a lower-slung front end (integrating the headlights into the mudguards), had a sleek, lithe look that contrasted with its more angular predecessors. It was a pretty effective restyle and with its 15-inch wire wheels and tapering bonnet it looked altogether different to the boxy, steel disc wheeled TD. And radically different to the 19-inch, narrow wire-wheeled TC.

Even with more power, the MG TF was hardly a quick car. Indeed, it was challenged in outright acceleration by many a family sedan of the time. The new generation MGA that followed it in 1955 was an abrupt break from the cars that had followed a consistent styling theme connecting back to the first MG in 1924 and was quicker off the mark as well.

Partly because fewer MG TFs were built than TDs (a total of 9600 compared to nearly 30,000) the model seems a little harder to come by today. A small number are listed on carsales.com.au (don’t get confused with the designation’s reappearance with the mid-engined TF in 2002), however.

This fully restored, red 1955 TF 1500 from the beachside Victorian suburb of Mornington is a good example of what you could expect if price is not a major restraining factor. The car was restored in Tasmania about three years ago and is described as being in concourse condition. It has done approximately 400km since the complete rebuild. Service book, full, felt-lined tool kit and a roadworthy certificate are all part of the deal at an asking price of $54,000.

The current owner is no stranger to MGs having owned TFs and TCs in the past and is currently in a clean-out phase with some of his fleet which also includes a rare twin-cam MGA.

Purists may not agree, but the TF was the last of the traditionally styled MGs and this one is probably about as good as it gets.