1954 | MG TF

The MG T-series Midget first appeared in 1936 and production of the model ran until 1955, passing through a number of iterations, from the TA to TF. As might be expected, with each new series launched the car was improved with better mechanicals, a little more power and grew in size and (relative) sophistication. Always a good seller, by the mid ‘50s however, the pre-War origins were obvious and the model was as replaced with the new – and thoroughly modern – MGA. A little over 50,000 T-series cars were constructed.

The TF series was launched in October 1953 and was largely a continuation of the previous TD model, albeit with a noticeable facelift. For the first time, the headlights were now faired into the wings and a lowered bonnet line was fitted with a sloping radiator grille, giving the car more modern, sleek, front-end styling. At the back, all appeared much as before, but the tail received more sloped lines as well, adding to the sleeker profile.

Mechanically, the 1250 cc engine was retained with a slight power increase over the TD – higher compression ratio, bigger valves and larger carburettors yielding a claimed 57.5 bhp. The running gear was carried over from the TD – a box section chassis with independent wishbone front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. The car continued to run on 15 inch wheels, albeit these were now available as wires, rather than just steel. The TF was superseded by the TF1500 in mid-1954, by which time around 6,000 had been built.

This TF Midget was manufactured in February 1954 as a LHD, North American export model, finished in red with a red interior – as confirmed by the BMIHT certificate held for the car. We believe it was despatched to California later that year (the Operation Manual carries a Californian distributors name) but know nothing further of its history until 1988, when it was imported and re-registered in Guernsey. The current mechanic owner bought the car in 1999 and carried out a professional conversion to right hand drive.

More recently, ill health has seen the Midget in storage for a few years and, although it is in working order, it would benefit from a little work to return it to a first-class condition.

The car runs and drives well but, given it has been unused for a little while, some light re-commissioning work would be advisable. The conversion to right hand drive looks very well executed and the Midget has a brake servo fitted, making it easier to use in modern traffic conditions.

The chassis is sound with just a little surface rust visible in places. We don’t know when the change to a Cream colour scheme was carried out, but it still looks good, showing just a few marks and blemishes here and there. The chrome wire wheels are in good condition, as is all the external brightwork and the folding hood.

We believe the interior must have been extensively refurbished at some point and it remains in good condition today. A Moto-Lita wood-rimmed steering wheel is fitted.

This is a very tidy and presentable TF Midget, which runs and drives well and could, with a little cosmetic and mechanical TLC, become a first-rate example.

The car is currently Guernsey registered and the Guernsey registration number is not included in the sale. We can assist with shipping and importation processes if required.