This vehicle came from mainland Portugal to Madeira, where the current owner acquired it around 40 years ago. Initially, he was in Mozambique, where it had the number plate M-18830. It returned to Europe to a man from Carcavelos, in the mainland, who, in the meantime, fell ill. Later, he recovered and decided to offer the MG to the doctor who helped him, as recognition. It is a two-seater vehicle, but has space for two children. After being purchased by Jorge Gordon, it was completely disassembled in the Honda garage and reassembled, making it a like-new car. The MG TF 1250 was one of the last models in MG's T series of sports cars, which began in 1936 with the TA and ended in 1955 with the TF. The T series was a commercial success and influenced the design of many other sports cars of the time. It was an update to the TD, which had a pre-war look and simple, reliable mechanics. The TF had a more modern style, with headlights integrated into the fenders, a steeper grille, and a lower hood. It also featured improvements to the suspension, brakes, and steering, which increased the car's comfort and stability. It had an in-line four-cylinder engine, with a displacement of 1,250 cc and 57.5 hp power. The engine was powered by two SU carburettors and a coil ignition system. The transmission was manual, four-speed, with synchronization on the last two. It had rear-wheel drive, and the differential was hypoid. The chassis was of the monocoque type, featuring a wooden structure and a steel body. The suspension was independent on all four wheels, with coil springs at the front and semi-elliptical springs at the rear. The brakes were drum type on all four wheels, operated hydraulically. The steering was rack and pinion type, with optional power assistance. The car featured two seats and a convertible hood, which could be removed or folded down. The dashboard was equipped with a speedometer, a fuel gauge, an ammeter, and a thermometer. The car also offered a radio, a heater, a windscreen wiper, and a cigarette lighter as optional extras. The MG TF was produced in two versions: the TF 1250 and the TF 1500. The TF 1250 was the standard version, with a 1,250 cc engine producing 57.5 bhp. The TF 1500 was the more powerful version, with a 1,466 cc engine producing 63 bhp. It was launched in 1954 in response to competition from other sports cars, such as the Triumph TR2 and the Austin-Healey 100. The TF 1500 featured a badge on the grille and the rear that distinguished it from the TF 1250. The TF 1500 also had a larger fuel tank, holding 57 litres compared to the 45 litres of the TF 1250. The performance was modest compared to its rivals. The 1250 accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 18.5 seconds and reached a top speed of 129 km/h. The 1500 accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 15.9 seconds and reached a top speed of 137 km/h. The average fuel consumption was 10.2 km/l for the 1250 and 9.8 km/l for the 1500. The 1250 weighed 838 kg and the 1500, 846kg. The MG TF was easy to maintain and repair, thanks to its simple and robust mechanics. The engine had a long lifespan if properly cared for, and spare parts were easy to find. Preventative maintenance included changing the oil and filter every 5,000 km, checking the level and quality of the coolant, brake fluid, and transmission oil, adjusting the valves, spark plugs, and ignition points, lubricating the bearings and joints, and inflating the tyres to the correct pressure. A general service was recommended every 20,000 km, which included replacing the brake pads and linings, air and fuel filters, belts, hoses, and spark plugs, cleaning the carburettors and radiator, aligning and balancing the wheels, and checking the engine compression and oil pressure. The MG TF was one of the last representatives of an era of classic sports cars that combined beauty, simplicity, and fun. It also marked a milestone in MG's history, concluding the production of the T series and beginning the production of the A series with the launch of the MGA in 1955. Today, it is a collectible car that preserves the charm and spirit of British sports cars.
Datasheet Year: 1953 Brand: MG Model: TF 1250 Country: England Number plate: BP-98-78 Engine: 1.250 cc Gearbox: 4