Highlights
- Only 14,760 miles since engine rebuild
- Much-travelled TF with fascinating history
- Well documented life back to first registration
- Tidy cream car with retrimmed green leather cabin
- Carburettors and gearbox rebuilt in 2006
- Fitted with a MGA 4.3:1 final drive
- Enthusiast long term current keeper
The Appeal
The TF was the last of the traditionally-styled MGs and for that reason is particularly beloved of enthusiasts. Many have fascinating histories but few, perhaps, quite like this one.
The chassis number confirms it started life as a black export-market car, originally sold new in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). In the hands of surprisingly few keepers, it subsequently spent time in the USA and Switzerland, before returning to the UK. Along the way it was restored in the late 80s, including an engine rebuild, with further work in 2006 covering rebuilds of the carburettors and gearbox and fitting a MGA 4.3:1 final drive.
The current enthusiast keeper acquired the car in 2012 and has cared for it very well. It has always been garaged and regularly home-serviced. Recent work has included attention to the brakes and a cylinder head rebuild. In lovely, patinated but usable condition, this smart ‘cream and green’ TF looks both characterful and tempting.
History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1954 Ceylon (now Sri Lanka)
- Detailed history file shown in photographs recording car’s life to current keeper
- This includes time spent in Ceylon, USA and Switzerland
- Highlights of that time summarised below
- Acquired by current keeper August 2012
- Last MOT in March 2013 with 12,674 miles showing on test
- Now showing 14,760 miles
- Serviced by the current keeper during its life
- Always garaged by current keeper
- Lots of history available
- Six registered keepers since returning to UK in February 1992
- Factory handbook
- V5 in seller’s name
- We are told that the odometer was zero’d when the engine was rebuilt in May 1990
- Chassis number confirms this was built as a black export market car with cellulose body and synthetic painted wings
Notable history highlights:
- Exported to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) where it remained until the 1980s
- Moved to California by Ceylon owner
- Subsequent USA keeper then moved the car to his home in Switzerland
- Car reportedly travelled to Switzerland on the QEII
- Restored between October 1989 and May 1990 in Switzerland including engine rebuild
- Swiss owner returned the car to the UK when he moved here and re-registered the car in 1992
- Carburettors and gearbox rebuilt in 2006
- MGA 4.3:1 final drive gearbox fitted in 2006
- Interior retrimmed in 2006
- Brakes overhauled and cylinder head rebuilt during current keeper’s tenure
The Condition
- Older restoration in cream dating to May 1990 and in fair, presentable condition
- Paintwork is patinated but characterful and various marks to note in photos
- Bodywork appears straight and tidy after older restoration
- Exterior fittings including chromework and lights in good order
- Fitted with an elephant grille mascot, perhaps referencing its time in Asia
- Also fitted with a chrome rear luggage rack and smart badge bar
- Beige roof, tonneau and side screens in good but aged order
- Steel wheels with matching spare in good order with tyres in similar condition
- Underside appears to be in good order with no issues reported by seller
- Attractive green leather interior retrimmed in 2006 and remains well-kept
- There are a few signs of age inside but these are typical of age of restoration
- Green leather seats and dash roll are of good quality and finish
- Fitted with lap belt seatbelts
- Interior appears largely standard with smart octagonal dials
- We have no reported of malfunctioning electrics or equipment
- Black carpets in good order
- Three-spoke, wood-rimmed steering wheel
The Mechanics
- 1,250cc ‘XPAG’ 4cyl MG engine
- Engine rebuilt between 1989 and 1990 with under 15,000 miles since
- Cylinder head recently rebuilt during current keeper’s tenure
- New front brake cylinders recently fitted
- 4spd manual gearbox which was rebuilt in 2006, around 5,000 miles ago
- Starting handle, jack and tool bag included
- No reported running or driving issues
- Vendor states that the car ‘drives well’
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
