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MG MGA - MGTF

I'll post this on the T-series board too but since I feel like I know you regular posters I thought I'd give you first crack at this.

I met a retired gent with a 1954 unrestored, all original mgtf that was unfortunately left unattended and clearly at times uncovered. It has been in storage inside until most recently. This TF was last driven in 1965. It has just over 50,000 miles original. Looks to have had a valve problem to first lay it up. The head is off and the motor has been exposed. There is rust on the tops of the pistons and the motor in all likelihood is seized. It's a 1250 motor. Anyway, on a rough inspection there is very minor surface rust in a few places. The original black paint looks like it would come back with some elbow grease and TLC. No dents or major dings. The upholstery is still intact but with rips and damage evident by the elements. Critters have nested in the engine bay. The steering wheel has lost all of its bakelite (?). It has old bias ply tyres 5.50 15s on wire wheels. The bumpers are in great shape but would need rechroming. Much of the chrome would need replating showing signs of corrosion and such. It has the original Lucas headlamps. The owner bought it new in Germany and had it shipped home. He is the origial owner. It has a builder's tag from Frankfurt and I am asuming it was a knocked down version sent over from England. (Did they do that to cars sent to Germany?) Perhaps this builder's tag is like a dealer tag. I don't know. So, what should I offer for a relic like this? Assuming as I am that the wood and the frame are in good condition and will need nothing. It really looks like a cosmetic resto is all this car needs. Perhaps even saving the original paint and tatty interior as an unrestored example of this model. What do you guys think? What would you expect to get for this car if you owned it and wanted to sell. Not what you would want to pay for it. Thanks for your advice.
David Holmes

David,
I found my TF several years ago and it was 100% dissassembled in 1971. It was complete and had been sandblasted and fortunately stored inside his garage. Initally they wanted $12000 for the car. I had a Moss pamphlet that showed drivable TF's for about $10000 at the time. I told the owner I would give him $4000 for the car. He said he would go to ebay and I said give me a call if you do not sell the car. He called back in two weeks and I got the car. The total cost of restoration with me doing %100 of the work is about $18000 including the initial purchase. They are fun cars to drive and do get many comments from people. They are not as drivale as an A but changing to an 1500 MGA gears makes them more freewayable. Hope this helps and have a good day!

John
John Progess

David,
I purchased a 1250 TF in 2000 and in boxes. The frame was perfect, (well oiled) but all the wood and some of the body panels needed to be replaced. Paid $6200 for the car. Took me five years to finish it. Did all the work but machining. I have all the receipts and can add them up if you really care. But I will tell you that the TF is more expensive to restore than an ‘A.’
David Werblow

This thread was discussed between 09/07/2007 and 11/07/2007

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