We first had this early 1250 TF quite a few years back when it had black bodywork and a replacement tan vinyl interior, both past their best, and with scant paperwork. The chassis and engine numbers indicated it had been a US export model in dark red originally, sporting the newer, streamlined TF bodywork but with the earlier, smaller engine inherited from the TD. Clearly it had been repatriated to the UK this century, as well as being converted to RHD and re-painted at some time in the past. The engine had also been replaced at some point.
Subsequently, we sold it as a project to a local motor trade entrepreneur. He had the car completely restored in his own workshops from early 2014 to late 2016. It now sports beautifully subtle dark green metal flake deep paintwork, a new mohair hood and screens, a lovely new cream leather interior and dark green carpets and as new pierced wheels with chrome hubcaps and new tyres all round. The colour change to green is correctly recorded on the V5C. The chromework is very good. Besides significantly improving the appearance of the TF, all the wiring was checked and repaired where necessary and flashing indicators were added, the brakes were overhauled and new wheel cylinders, brake shoes, flexi hoses and a master cylinder were fitted. Overall, work to the value of more than £11k at customer rates was carried out.
The owner has now asked us to sell the car on his behalf and so we have it back again, looking much, much better than when we had it the first time. Having sat in a showroom for a few years it needed a certain amount of work to get it running smoothly again and we are in the process of doing that.
There is a little detail about the history of this car. Information provided by the MG Car Club indicates the car was originally manufactured on 30 December 1953, at the very end of the first year of TF production, the model having been introduced in October that year. An authentic copy of the original manuscript factory production records is included in the paperwork. At one stage it was registered to Lady Lindsay Forbes Paterson in Caithness in the far north of the mainland of Scotland. No doubt further research could reveal more information, but what this car lacks in terms of a complete history it makes up for in its stunning appearance.
This is a lovely looking early example of the much-loved TF.
Original build details:
Chassis no. HDC 462098
Engine no. XPAG 31950 (replaced with 91587)
Body no. 11697
PRICE – £23,850
