1954 MG TF

The MG TF was an updated version of the TD, continuing the quintessential British Sports Car look, and among the most successful and influential sports car of the era. The pre-war look was the source of the company's success after World War II, along with its ease, simplicity, and affordable price. They were superseded in April of 1955 by the MGA. Over a two-year production lifespan, exactly 9,602 units were built.

The T-Series began in 1936 with the TA. After World War II came to an end, the TC was followed by the TD in 1949, intended for the U.S. market. It brought improved handling and, for the first time, left-hand drive. The TF was introduced in late 1953 and came with additional power from the larger 1,466cc 'XPEG' engine. It had better handling and refined styling with a new bonnet and integrated headlamps. There were a sloping hood line and a raked grille, along with pre-war styling cues such as the fold-flat screen. Stopping power was provided from Lockheed Hydraulic brakes.

Road & Track noted, 'after last year's test we asked if the TF was really that good. It is, and more. Even though the MG is the lowest-priced sports car on the market, it is the accepted standard of comparison.'

The 1954 MG TF two-door roadster had a base price of $2,200 and its inline, overhead-valve four-cylinder engine had a cast-iron block and head, two SU carburetors, solid valve lifters, three main bearings, an 8.0:1 compression. It developed 57.5 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 65 ft-lb of torque at 5,500 RPM. The XPAG engine had three additional horsepower than its predecessor. The engine was backed by a four-speed manual transmission with a standard final drive ratio of 4.875:1. Additional gear ratios were available including 5.125:1 or 4.55:1. Stopping power was by hydraulic drums in the front and rear.

The construction of the TF was similar to the previous models, employing a wooden skeleton frame with steel body panels. Styling changes were minimal mostly focusing on the front and rear of the car including shorter louvers on the side of the vehicle, and the hood sides were fixed in place. The center-hinged top section could be opened by pushbuttons located on both sides of the hood.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2019