• Sound hood, sidescreens and tonneau cover • Matching numbers
The Appeal
Renowned for its roadholding and handling, the MG TF is a classic British roadster. VBJ 399 has clearly been well looked-after by a succession of owners and appears to be largely original.
The vendor has owned the car for five years, and owns another TF, but admits that limited opportunities to drive either car have meant that they have been little used over the last couple of years. He purchased the car in 2017, from a Morgan dealer in Hertfordshire, and the invoice for this purchase is included in the paperwork.
He and his wife are planning a downsizing house-move and their new home is unlikely to have the garage space they currently enjoy, so he has reluctantly decided to offer the car for auction.
The interior of the car is testament to the care with which it’s been looked after. The leather seats are smart and largely unblemished, and provide a comfortable driving environment. The octagonal instruments are a classic MG hallmark, while the carpets are clean and show few signs of wear. The door panels look good, and while the interior door handles have some patina this just adds to the feeling of originality. The car has been fitted with a Moto-lita steering wheel which looks the part and adds to the driving experience.
Behind the seats is a neat flat storage box that doubles as a shelf for luggage.
The dark green paintwork is generally in very good condition, although there are some slight scuff marks on the driver’s door, adjacent to the handle, and some minor cracks along the top of the passenger door.
The car has a sound hood and a full set of sidescreens, all of which are in a striking yellow colour that complements the car’s green paintwork. A full tonneau cover is also supplied. The tonneau could do with a clean but is otherwise in very good condition.
The wire wheels are in excellent condition, as are the tyres. The brightwork, badges and lights are in very good condition with only minor signs of age, and there’s a rear-mounted spare wheel in similarly good condition.
• Clean and tidy under the bonnet • Matching numbers
The vendor assures us that the car drives well with no issues. He does, though, advise that as the car has had such limited use over the last couple of years it might benefit from a service and tune-up.
Under the bonnet, everything appears to be sound and there’s no visible evidence of leaks or problems.
The vendor is including in the sale a number of spares and accessories (see pictures), including a wire-wheel mallet, tool roll complete with tools, a bottle jack, warning triangle, spare head gasket, spark plugs, grease cartridges, starting handle, outdoor car cover, canvas dye for the roof, and an original workshop manual.
The MG TF is a rare sight on British roads these days; only 6200 examples were built at the Abingdon plant in the early 1950s, before it was succeeded by the MGA. It’s a delightful little roadster that oozes period charm. VBJ 399 appears to be a sound and well-cared for example – just the thing for relaxed summer motoring.
The TF was always known as the best of the T-series MGs, in terms of comfort and handling, and once this one is up and running it’ll be a charming little car that will turn heads wherever it goes , and will be right at home at any number of classic-car events.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
