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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - MG TF - What is it like?

Here is a post I made on mgexperience.net. It was suggest my a member that I would get a response here since the T-series thread in mgexperience.net is not very active.

Post from mgexperience.net:


I recently joined the site because I am considering owning British Roadster, and my focus has been strongly on the pre-1974 MGB. I have connected with a few cars that I am now considering.

Just this morning I noticed a somewhat local Craig’s List posting for a 1954 MG TF for $24K. No pictures, but the posting says that it is a complete restoration (see below). I know nothing of the T-series market or the cars themselves. Assuming the car is as represented, is this a reasonable “buy” and mostly what is it like to own a T-series? Pros and Cons.

Thanks




Restoration of this British Classic involved removing the body and most all major & minor assemblies from the chassis, sandblasting, inspecting each part and either replacing, rebuilding or whatever it took to bring it up to "like new" standards and then primed and painted MG Red. The engine has approximately 1 K miles since a major rebuild was accomplished. Close attention was given to Drive Train which now functions quite well. Many parts and assemblies were replaced so as to make it perform and look great, making it a real pleasure to take on a leisurely Sunday Drive. Take a look and you will like it immediately!
N L

NL...

Certainly a totally different experience then an MGB... TFs, out of the T series cars (ABCDF) seem to be the most popular, although ABandCs fetch a pretty good price.
The TF came with either the 1250 XPAG engine or the 1500 XPEG engine. The 1500 does fetch a bit more money, but both are in the 15,000 to 25,000 range... You might go on Ebay and take a look at the selection and prices.
Getting in and out of a T is certainly different then a MGB... different driving position (steering wheel much closer) and the cutaway doors are fun to watch the pavement a few inches away. The engine revs a bit higher at speed then the later cars...gearing was lower. There are a few mods that can be done, or the gears left stock and you just deal with higher RPMs on the highway.
Gotta tell you... no MGA or MGB can compare with looking along that long hood and seeing those two big headlights sitting there.... and you will experience way more 'show and tells' then an MGB


gblawson(gordon)

Hey NL

I would strongly suggest that you contact the local MG Club and try to test drive the different models before purchasing one. They all differ in ride and feel. I would hate to see you purchase a TF for looks and then find that you really don't like the ride or driving position - the Bs have more leg room (as do the As).

Each cars has its own charms. For comfort - the B would be my vote - but as Mr. Lawson mentions, the look and feel of the TC, TD, TF is something many enjoy. The T Series cars are cramped for larger drivers - I am 6'2 - and am always trying to find a place for my left leg once I am underway. - I do have plenty of headroom in the T Series cars. Also, keep n mind that the TC, TD, and TF differ from one another in feel as well. I think you would enjoy driving an example of each as part of your search - don't rush in - there are plenty of cars out there - from a cost standpoint, the TF 1500 will be one of the more expensive cars - a TC as well, TDs are less and then you see the MGAs (some As bring more $ than the TDs now, and the MGBs. Also keep in mind the MGBGT if you an not looking for top down fun - it is a great car - but in TX you mat get a bit hot. I would avoid the MGA Coupe as they are known for being very hot cars and they seem to bring lower prices.

On the MGA, the 1600 and 1622 models are seen by many to be more attractive from a driving/stopping standpoint. The overdrive option for the MGB is a very nice improvement and gives the car a much more relaxed feel on our highways.

If you want, fly over to Atlanta and we will arrange a day of test drives for you from our two clubs. You could drive a TC,TD, TF, TF 1500, MGAs, and MGBs all in a weekend!

Jeff
J. W. Delk

NL-
Owning a T series "midget" is like owning a real time machine. If you want to be noticed and turn a lot of heads than the T series is for you. The T series takes you back to the basic driving era; very few creature comforts (heater, radio, windows optional), no "safety" features (seatbelts, airbags, turn signals, crash zones, collapsible steering column, usable wipers, etc.). The T series is one of the few cars I can think of that has a fold-down windshield. If you don't mind dropping back in time about 40 to 70 years then the T series is for you.

There are two extremes of folks who experience a T series; those that drive one any time they can, in any type of weather and then those that look at one and say "oh!, that must be fun to drive".

The only way you are going to know is to take a test drive.

Good luck,
Roy
Roy Challberg

NL,
I agree with the above. As the owner of both a B and a TD (very much like a TF), I can say from experience that the two cars have completely different character. The B is for all intent a modern car and feels and drives like one. The T has a much more "antiquated" or "throwback" feel -- like Roy says, a real time machine. I would have no hesitation to use my B as a daily driver (and almost do), but I don't think I have the fortitude or enough anachronistic bent to drive the T daily. (I'm told that there's as much difference between a TC and my TD as there is between my TD and B. I can't imagine it!)

It really comes down to preference and what you intend to do with the car. Think *hard* about how you plan to use it, and drive BOTH before you plonk down your cash. Or, buy one of each! ;-)
Rob Edwards

NL,
All the above...but make sure you DO drop the windscreen for a test drive there is nothing like that feeling on 4 wheels.
Ok maybe I'm nuts ...but anybody that owns one of these cars and has not driven it in the rain is missing a real experance.
PS: If you have long arm's watch out first time you hang one out the door.
Whatever you decide I strongly advise taking someone with you that know's these cars to help you preform an inspection before you purchase. You should have no problem finding a "T" person to do this. We are for the most part a very friendly & helpful bunch that are always up for looking at another "T".
Hope you join us,
David 55 TF1500 #7427
David Sheward

NL,
As you can already tell this is a fair minded group not to mention one having great interest in you joining us with a MG. Just a not so fair minded observation. If you want comfortable, all weather, main highway transportation, don't bother with a TD. If however, you are looking for fun in town and on the side roads of the countryside try a TD. If you would enjoy passing almost everyone who will stop and smile, get a TD. The human animal seems incapable of looking at a TD without a smile. If you won't be bothered by people stopping you or hanging out of their car window yelling "nice car!", get a TD. The fact that I had my first TD in 1957 makes it difficult to be open minded. The only differences between then and now are that now 1) its more fun, 2) I get more smiles and 3) its a hell of a lot more difficult to get into.

With warm regards,

Dick Thomas


Dick Thomas

NL,

While I agree with most of the people above that the T-series cars are fun to drive (for short distances), in today's world they're anachronistic so it depends on what you're looking for in a car.

A lot of people will disagree with what I'm about to say. If you want to be unique and spend most of your time going to car shows, by all means get a T-series. If you plan to do more driving get an MGA or B.

I love driving my T-series but I'm constantly on edge in modern day traffic. The brakes, while still as good as they were in their heyday, aren't nearly as good as the cheapest modern car of the 60's. Pickup seems excellent until you see the junker next to you pull away from the stoplight quicker than you do and then continue to accelerate away from you. Top speed is low and interstate driving, unless you have a modified rear-end or a 5-speed transmission conversion isn't recommended...you're a rolling roadblock. There are no safety features in a T-series. If you're involved in an accident both your car and your body are going to know it (experience speaking). Replacement costs are high.



Gene Gillam

NL...I have posted several video clips of my TF on You Tube. Search for TFMAN 54, my channel. Check out Long Look at 54 mgtf or Driving an MGTF 1250. The earlier video shows my car before returning it to mg red in 2000. Also T Types at the Bridgehampton rally has some good footage. Happy Hunting Jeff
Jeff Payne

Driving a TF is all about style and awareness. You got the style if your sitting behind the wheel then everyone else is aware of it. You'll be the slowest thing on the road unless you modify the drive train. You have just about zero safety protection and thats where your awareness comes in. You have to drive more defensively than anything you have ever driven. The TF is difficult to work on because of the fixed side panels and even with two small people in the cockpit you will be touching shoulders. If thats your cup of "T" then by all means go for it.

LaVerne


LED DOWNEY

There used to be a regular poster here named Mark in Austin Tx with avery nice TF. Haven't heard from him in sometime. Hope it's not him thats selling.
LED DOWNEY

Hey NL (wish you'd provide your full name - we all do, here), there's a special collection of all MGs on eBay. Go to http://www.mgauctionwatch.com/. Of course these aren't the only MGs for sale, many clubs post MGs on their web-sites. There are MANY MG clubs throught the world. Some of them so big they own their own club-houses, have 800 members and have to limit attendance at some events.

Jeff Delk has it right. Contact your nearest MG club and go from there. You'll have no trouble in driving each and every model, and from there, make your own decision (just remember that in all the early cars, there is no synchro on 1st gear!.

In fairness to the T-Series owner, don't try to compare a modern MGB with a 1951 TD. Times change, roads change, technology changes. The T is not for everybody. If you're prepared to live with its uniqueness, then you'll have something quite special, and above all other MGs.

To find the club nearest to you, go to the upper right of this web-page, and select 'Home' and 'Go'. Then select 'Full Clubs List', and chose the one you want to contact.

Let us know how you fare.

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.
Gordon A. Clark

NL - You will be able to spot Dave S if you ever see him in a crowd, he is the one with bugs on his teeth ;) Cheers - Dave

PS. Welcome to the T series TD-TF BBS, i hope we see you here often (meaning that you have gotten the TF).
David DuBois

NL:
Fortunately, appreciating a T-series is a matter of refined taste - "fortunately" because otherwise the demand would make them unaffordable to the likes of me!

However, Gordon Lawson has put his finger on the rewards available to those who appreciate the kind of experience and can stand the kind of discomforts of the TF, with his comment on the exquisite pleasure of looking down that bonnet.

One note of caution though that others have not emphasised here, is that these cars, no matter how well restored, are a work in progress. The popularity of this bulletin board itself attests that things go wrong a lot and will continue to do so on any car, unless of course it is not driven - but then why have it. One contributer here has suggested that these old cars are not for long distance trsvel. i cannot speak for conditions in America, but I woud strongly disagree for conditions here. I have driven thousands of miles in my car, across the continent from north to south, east to west. Now, of course, one does not expect to do this without some trouble. In fact, I find the adventure in part knowing that unforseen trouble is in store and looking forward to the challange of overcoming it. Also, speed is not an expectation, the car drives at its own pace and bugger the rest of the traffic. Age bestows the right. Just quietly, too, there is a certain revenge satifaction in having a line of road trains tailing you, trying to get past.

Not for everyone, these cars but immense pleasure for those who are attuned to them.
Bill McGee
Bill McGee

....I agree with Bill.... traveling a distance is really not a problem, but you have to have the right mindset... and its not about 'making time'... its about enjoying the countryside.
When I travel in my regular car, I take every four lane highway I can find to get to my destination quickly... In the Td I take every small rural road I can find so I can just enjoy the trip...!
gblawson(gordon)

In a "T"series car, the journey is the joy,the destination, is unimportant.
George Raham
TD 4224
G. L. Raham

What a great thread. Just lets you sit and think for a moment on driving a "T" type! Our TD is what I would term a very regular driver. It is our only car and goes somewhere most days although in fairness we live a long ways south so nothing like snow or cold to contend with, we have virtually no rain and the roads are small and undeveloped (ie no motorways or traffic to contend with). We still need to think ahead though when doing a drive. Yesterday we traveled with a group of friends (all of them with modern cars) about 1 1/2 hours each direction, meaning that we needed to set out first to arrive at the same time and we returned home before it became dark, otherwise what is a beautiful drive is just plain hard work! So location can have an awful lot to do with the enjoyment - I'm sure I'd be shattered if I drove the TD through London, or sat on a stalled motorway watching the temperature gauge rise. My wife loves the car (this helps!)and we are forever being approached to sell it although the idea of the car as an investment doesn't really matter to us. As long as we are healthy enough to drive, the car stays with us. I think George Raham (above) summed it up best! (PS George, I'm originally (many years ago!) from Edmonton)


Chris Malcolm

I have both an MGA and a TF; I have five-speed gear boxes in both cars. The ‘A’ may not be quite as “pretty” as the TF but a much better road car for today’s driving. Driving the TF with the windscreen down is truly a blast. My wife and I have traveled from Connecticut to Michigan, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania to attend National GTs in the ‘A’, but she will not ride in the TF. That tells you something about how comfortable a T-type can be.


David werblow

Chris.. I agree with you. MG's are a way of life.
P.S. I think your roof might leak when you do get rain.
Sandy Sanders
Ex Quwbec.
Sandy Sanders

N.L., Here is my feeling about the TD that I own (virtually the same as a TF), as opposed to the chrome bumper MGB's that I owned in the past.
To its credit, the TD/TF has very similar suspension (and handling) to the B, and handles much better, and is easier to drive than the TC or earlier cars. The TD is, however, much slower than the B, probably more like a sprite/midget. This can be improved upon with a blower, but it is quite expensive and maintainance intensive. The TF has a slightly more favorable (to highway speed driving) final drive ratio than the TD, but without the popular rear-end modification that many of us have done on the cars, they are no fun on long hauls. The MGB is, on the other hand, an effortless highway cruiser. The MGB also has much more modern brakes. It has real wind-up windows, comfortable bucket seats, a fuel tank location that might allow you to survive a rearend collision, etc.
My bottom line is this: The MGB is a great, more modern, all-around car, whereas the TD/TF, by modern standards, can be a death trap. One needs to always keep this in mind and be very conservative and defensive when driving it. The TD/TF's also have virtually no creature comforts or weather protection.
This being said, I wouldn't trade my TD for anything. I know what its capabilities and limitations are, and I am content to stay within them. As far as satisfaction and appeal, When I park my car for lunch in some of the really upscale towns in my area; with Ferarris, and porches, as thick as thieves, its my car that has the crowd around it when I return!
If you want a seasonal car that is really fun to tool around in locally, with an occasional 200 mile (my personal limit) trip to a "Gathering of the Faithful", and are not a whiner when it comes to the lack of modern comforts, then the TF is for you. You might want to consider a B as a nice second car to have in the garage for those cross-coutry trips!
Steven Tobias

NL,
Thanks for bringing up this subject. It has been a very valuable thread. In the end it has allowed us to express why we're here and why we care. My particular thanks to Steve Tobias for his contribution. He has nailed it completely. That is why an important part of our life revolves around MG's and why those of us with TD's are so convinced that it is the way to go.
Thanks to all for adding to my knowledge and under scoring why we get involved in this great activity.

With warm regards,

Dick Thomas
Wooster, Ohio
Dick Thomas

NL,
I can only comment on owning a TD which I have for over 40 years.
It's a wonderful car with all the attributes and some of the downsides mentioned above. I drive it most days including the winter in the UK and do several long trips each year with my wife for example to the South of France. Over 11 thousand miles last year.
I'm over 6ft tall and in my 60's and yet find it comfortable to drive and when I do, like most of the owners here I find myself smiling a lot. It's also easy to maintain.
There's nothing like driving the TD in the cold winter months with the hood and side screens on, wearing a coat gloves and scarf and hat. Might look silly but it's magic.
And in the summer, well...yesterday we had the Regency Run in the UK. Brooklands motor museum to Brighton through winding country lanes shaded by leafy trees from a warm sun and masses of bluebells in the woods. The TD was designed for just this type of driving, I was in heaven.
Good luck with your choice I'm sure it will be the right one.

Mike.
Mike Christie

"The TD is, however, much slower than the B, probably more like a sprite/midget."

Heck no... Nothing like a Midget. My '68 Midget is much quicker & easier to drive fast than the TD. And, when driving with my club, the Midget seems to be pretty close to the B's in our group.

I own a '52 TD and a '68 Midget. After driving the TD, the Midget feels like a modern car in comparison. Not a slam on the TD, just that they are miles apart in performance.

Scott Linn

Hi Chris,

Thats a great looking TD you have Chris, and how many years ago were you in Edmonton?

George Raham
G. L. Raham

George,
I was born and raised in Edmonton and spent about my first 35 years there! Then the next 20 split between the UK (London) and here on the island. Don't worry, I still remember those winters, all too clearly! The TD is a late one (29228) which we drove down from the UK. It's the only T type on the island, giving us lots of fun times..... Chris
Chris Malcolm

Chris,
If you’re on Tenerife, you could make a fortune (two or three dollars) exporting hats to TF owners!


David werblow

NL - I see we have had no response from you. Hope you have read through these comments - if so, let us know - seems a shame if you have not.

Jeff
J. W. Delk

David,
Not Tenerife - we are on Fuerteventura, one of the lesser known islands and our hats say FV which are sold off to Facel Vega owners at a hugely inflated price......
Chris Malcolm

I recentley sold my MGB and have not missed a bit. Got to drive my only MG twice as much as before. So far I have 400+ miles this spring since the snow left.
I once read that the MG TD/TF is a delightful Britsh roadster designed for puttering around the Englsih countryside, which it is.
colin stafford

Hey NL,

Give us your reactions!

Dick Thomas
Dick Thomas

Just to finish this off since he didn't. From another board.

Kirk,

Thanks for the feed back. The site that Dave sent me to gave me a lot of of good information as well. I have decided to pass on the car, mostly because of the size. I really want a car that is street legal and that I can drive frequently. I am built a lot like Jay Leno and I really feel cramped in a T series. I find the MGB fits me well, in fact, better than the MX-5. The MGB also has the right amount of nostalgia for me, but I might want to consider an MGA in the future.

I don't think of myself as a collector. I just want to own one or two cars at a time so I can work on one and drive the other. By the way, I just retired, so that is doable.

Regards,
Tom
LED DOWNEY

This thread was discussed between 09/05/2009 and 16/05/2009

MG TD TF 1500 index

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