Old British roadsters send perhaps one of the most significant jolts to your system when you spy one in derelict or barn find condition. It’s not unlike an old muscle car in that you can instantly envision what life was like before it fell on hard times: countryside cruises, picnics in pastures, luggage strapped to the rack on the back. It’s all very idyllic. Sadly, this 1954 MG TF is a long ways from carefree country driving, as it’s been left in pieces for years and even has Volvo running gear to make things even more confusing. Still, these later T-Series cars have a following, which begs the question if it will be restored, Find it here on eBay with no reserve and bids sitting at $100.
Now, right off the bat, the bidding tells you a lot. This is not a hugely valuable car in its current state, and that’s generally the case for most neglected British roadsters. Yes, restored examples are lovely and fetch a good price, but not so good that you can easily justify restoring a project. After all, a tidy TF will set you back about $25,000, with the best-of-the-best around $40,000 or so (at least, based on my calculations.) Still, this is a special model in some ways because it bridges the gap between the old-style MGs (T-Series) to the next era of sports motoring, the MGA.
If my calculations are correct, it is a transition model, with only about 2.5 years of total production. The big giveaway is the streamlined front end, which incorporated an updated grill design, ensconced headlights, a lowered bonnet section, and other subtle tweaks to make it far more modern in appearance. I’m not much of a British car fanatic, but the TF just hits me differently than the older MGs; it’s a classic roadster I’d love to own for a spell. The car shown here needs everything, but hopefully, the semi-rarity of this model generation and the no reserve auction will prove tempting.
The seller is up-front about its poor condition, and notes that somewhere along the way, a Volvo-derived engine and transmission were swapped in. It has MGB brakes and a rear end, but that’s about all we know. Based on my rough assessment of the visuals alone, this could be a Volvo B-Series engine, like a B18 or B20, but I’ll leave it up to experts to confirm. It looks like it fits in there well enough, and that’s certainly an overbuilt unit if it is. The TF does have a structural wooden frame, so be sure to peek underneath to see if there’s any wood rot; if there is, this TF is likely terminal.
Things like the wood interior pieces and most other body parts are available but the same money will get you a complete car in good condition. I’d stay away from this one.
The TF is a steel framed car, now the trunk floor, floor boards which are all flat plywood.The sheet metal is on a wooden frame. Yep still lots of wood, but the only one thing to worry about is the body. With patience that can also be replaced. This one is probably not worth getting into. Too many modifications to a fun British sports car. The cowel flexing and the ride height just adds to the experience. Yeah it’s an old MG too bad it’s it’s in the condition it is.
I own a 1989 Volvo 240 and the engine is rated at 114hp and there is a large support network to build more power It would be a lot more than this had originally But this does not look like a 240 motor might be from a 122