Photos provided by the seller
Highlights
• Original Paint
• Very low mileage
• Tonneau cover
• Wire wheels
The Background
The TF Midget, launched on 15 October 1953, was a facelifted TD, fitted with the TD Mark II engine, headlights faired into the wings, a sloping radiator grille concealing a separate radiator, and a new pressurised cooling system along with a simulated external radiator cap. In mid-1954 the engine capacity was increased by 17 per cent to 1466 cc and designated XPEG.
After this the car was re-designated TF1500, and externally distinguished by a cream background enamel name plate on both sides of the bonnet, placed just to the rear of the forward bonnet-release buttons. Only 3,400 TF1500s were made. The TF was superseded by the MGA.
After this the car was re-designated TF1500, and externally distinguished by a cream background enamel name plate on both sides of the bonnet, placed just to the rear of the forward bonnet-release buttons. Only 3,400 TF1500s were made. The TF was superseded by the MGA.
The History
The car has been owned by one family (de Guigné) ownership from 1955 to 2016, then the current owner since 2017. It was first registered 1955 in San Francisco, it was purchased by the first owner and remained in the family until it was sold by Bonhams USA on their behalf in 2016 to car UK dealer John Lunn. Owner was Christian de Guigné IV (1937 – 2019) his great-grandfather, Count Christian de Guigné, descended from French nobility. Thé de Guigné family owned Château Sénéjac in Bordeaux, but were US residents.
Christian de Guigné IV died in 2019, but prior to his death in 2016 he sent the MG to Bonhams to be auctioned. The current owner bought the MG at Coys auction 2017 and it now comes with a 2019 French certificat d’immatriculation. There were only 3,400 MG TF 1500 produced. There are believed to be less than 350 remaining, worldwide. It would seem that M. de Guigné was mostly alone driving the car as the top of the driver’s seat is weather cracked, but not the passenger’s seat which was protected by the tonneau cover.
An original San Francisco black yellow registration plate comes with the car.
Christian de Guigné IV died in 2019, but prior to his death in 2016 he sent the MG to Bonhams to be auctioned. The current owner bought the MG at Coys auction 2017 and it now comes with a 2019 French certificat d’immatriculation. There were only 3,400 MG TF 1500 produced. There are believed to be less than 350 remaining, worldwide. It would seem that M. de Guigné was mostly alone driving the car as the top of the driver’s seat is weather cracked, but not the passenger’s seat which was protected by the tonneau cover.
An original San Francisco black yellow registration plate comes with the car.
The Paperwork
The vehicle comes with the history documentation and the French certificat d’immatriculation.
The Interior
Original leather interior in green, save for renovated seat bases. The drivers side seat seems to have seen more use than the passenger side but both have age appropriate wear. It is fitted with a new mohair hood, side screens and tonneau cover in the original colour. There is an original tool kit under bonnet.
The interior overall does show signs of wear, to be expected with a 67 year old vehicle. The steering wheel has some cracks and the seats have some wear but is still a very charming interior that wears its patina well.
The interior overall does show signs of wear, to be expected with a 67 year old vehicle. The steering wheel has some cracks and the seats have some wear but is still a very charming interior that wears its patina well.
The Exterior
The exterior paint is original and again shows signs of age related patina. The car is fitted with wire wheels which are in a solid condition. The chrome work on the vehicle is straight but showing signs of age related patina.
The Mechanics
The car has a matching numbers engine and gearbox and starts runs and drives very well. The chassis is original and in solid condition.
The Appeal
The MG TF 1500 was made in fairly low numbers and there are even less of them around today so the car is quite rare.
Add to that the low mileage, intriguing history and low owners and this MG TF 1500 becomes quite the collectible. For many, it may be a disappointment that it hasn’t been restored to showroom finish but actually the value and indeed charm/character in this particular car is that it wears its patina with pride.
Yes, it has age related wear but that’s because it’s been used and cared for all its life and let’s remember its some 67 years old. If you’re after a very original MG TF this could well be just the one for you.
Notice to bidders
Add to that the low mileage, intriguing history and low owners and this MG TF 1500 becomes quite the collectible. For many, it may be a disappointment that it hasn’t been restored to showroom finish but actually the value and indeed charm/character in this particular car is that it wears its patina with pride.
Yes, it has age related wear but that’s because it’s been used and cared for all its life and let’s remember its some 67 years old. If you’re after a very original MG TF this could well be just the one for you.
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.