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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 - TF1500 Value

Hi Folks, I'm restoring a TF1500 from the ground up but I ran across another one. It has the correct engine with 9K miles (I think)and has 48psi oil pressure at idle and when warmed up. It has a nice MG red paint job and excellent chrome and a passable black interior and hood and the wire wheels. It was black originally and the firewall is black. The master cylinder is quite frozen but will eventually stop the car and the clutch lets out with a huge lurch and bang. The car has someone's 5 speed in it and it makes big grinding noises from 1st to 2nd (might be the clutch). It has a newer wiring harness in it and the electrical all works. The car is rustfree from CA originaly. But here is another project of driveline, transmission, brakes, suspension bushings, and a bunch of little unknown details that will need correction. I don't know squat about the 5 speeds, but it shifts OK 2nd to 3rd. With not much brakes I did not press it highly!The owner is an old car dealer who dropped the price from 21.5K to 16.5K "firm". The temptation is great...I need it like a hole in the head. I might be better off if I had not stumbled across it. Ha, ha. Thoughts? Mike D.
MW Davis

Mike, I do not have the many years of experience of those that regularly contribute to this BB. But, I do look online most days and have for the past 2 1/2 years at the going price for listed TDs and TFs. From your description only, I would say that in today's market the price for such a TF 1500 as you have described would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 12 - 14K. As you've pointed out, there are both "good" and "bad" new relating to this particular TF. The "bad" should be a definite concern.

Given the costs of restoration, which I have become most definitely aware, my estimate of worth may be a bit high. That said, however, I now know that I paid too much for my TF, but I am thoroughly enjoying the restoration I am doing. Often the value of something is simply what a person is willing to pay, whether or not "others" would consider it an ill advised purchase.

The market is much different than over 2 1/2 years ago when I purchased my TF, i.e., it's lower for most of these 'T' cars. My first mistake was to purchase before seeking input from those who contribute to this BB. You're wise to have raised the question.

Note: pictures of this TF1500 would help in an assessment of worth.

Cheers -- John
John Brickell

I cant spaek for American values, but if you are happy that all the major work is good and it only needs relatively minor work, then this could a shortcut to a good TF. Sometimes these risks pay off very well, and sometimes they dont.
Matthew Magilton

Mike, I paid a little over 17,000 for my matching numbers 55 1500, which seems high for a car that getting a frame off restoration, but, The engine was totally rebuilt, new cam, lifters, bearings and more, with ten hours break in time on it, with a perfect transmission and rear. Seeing what it costs to get one of these engines rebuilt properly, I think I got a decent buy and am happy with that thought. PJ




Paul J

Thanks, gents. This one is a close call! It wold not be a "factory like" restored car after fixing it,a s it has been kind of worked over to some extent. My biggest concern is the 5 speed transmission, as I don't even know the maker of it. But I will dig in and figure that one out. Kind regards, Mike
MW Davis

The transmission maybe a Dotson 210 unit; look for the prefix: FL, FX or FA on the serial number. Skyhook Engineering in Maine modified these transmissions to fit T-type cars.
David Werblow

There is a very nice looking original TF 1500 on Craigslist in the Boston area that would be worth checking out for someone in the market: craigslist posting# 2387905148
J K Barter

....a good friend of mine once said..."if the seller is smiling, and the buyer is smiling, then the price was just right"......
gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

Thank you for the tip on the transmission. It was done by Skyhook Engineering, so that is now settled.
MW Davis

This thread was discussed between 21/05/2011 and 23/05/2011

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