One of the last Midgets ever made
Morris Garages, abbreviated as MG, have made some of the most iconic British motorsport offerings, and the MG T-Series, also known as the Midget, is one of the best. The model ran from 1936 to 1955, with a gap from 1940 to 1945 to focus production on the war effort. Generations ran from the TA through to the TF, with this example being from that final year and generation.
British roadsters contrast with their American counterparts as being usually lighter, leaner, and with less aggressive powertrains. This car underwent a full restoration after the owner purchased it about twelve years ago. In that time, it has been entered into no less than nine British car shows, taking home either the blue ribbon or runner-up honors every time. It isn’t hard to see why. Now, this lean, green 1955 MG TF Convertible can be yours. Check out the full listing by clicking here!
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Racing colors and winning looks
This final-run MG TF has been completely restored to its former glory, sporting period-authentic British Racing Green, a nod to the company’s strong racing heritage. The grille is taller than it is wide, with a curving top that is slightly wider at the base, and capped off by the fuel cap and MG badge at the top. To either side, the body serves double-duty as housing for the round headlights, before flaring out into wide fenders and tapering gracefully down in a half arch to become the long, sleek running boards.
This convertible is both open-topped and, thanks to the downward angular doors, also effectively open-sided. If the weather turns cold or damp, however, the manual black soft top is within easy reach, as well as detachable side curtains and a tonneau cover for the small luggage compartment behind the seats. The rear-mounted spare tire is covered by horizontal slats that also act as a luggage rack in case the interior space is not enough, and lovely spindle-wire wheels with a small whitewall stripe round out the exterior look.
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Lean green racing machine
The interior takes on the same green as the outside, with some black added to the carpeting and door panels for contrast. Two low-back leather seats, also in green, are small but comfortable, while legroom is standard for the era, but a little cramped by modern standards.
The dashboard is unsurprisingly green with two large hollowed-out areas for personal effects, almost like glove boxes without lids. The gauge panel is tan and placed centrally in view of both occupants, as befits a cockpit designed for racing. The speedometer, tachometer, water temperature, oil pressure, and battery gauges are neat in that instead of being round, they are octagonal, matching the MG badge on the outside.
The tri-spoke steering wheel is wood-clad around the outside, with three tear-drop cutouts for style and weight-saving, as well as the MG badge in the center. The gear shifter is unassuming and may even be a bit anachronistic, but the three pedals on the floor feature a roller throttle pedal for better control, which is quite period-accurate.
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A light engine for a lightweight car
The primary difference between American cruising cars and early muscle cars, versus their counterparts across the pond, can generally be described as weight and power. While the Americans were experimenting with heavier body designs and larger engines needed to power them, the British generally focused on small, light, and comparatively lower-powered designs.
This example features a well-maintained 1.5L four-cylinder engine that’s light on power, but considering the equally lightweight vehicle, it’s more than sufficient. It’s also much easier to actually use the higher end of that power without breaking the speed laws in most places while still achieving fun noises from the engine.
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That power is sent to the rear wheels by way of a four-speed manual. The owner indicates that a replacement radiator was installed approximately 10 years ago, along with a thorough inspection of the entire wood framing under the car for any rot or damage. While the odometer reads nearly 80,000 miles, the true mileage is unknown.
Final thoughts: A prize-winning example of the best of British motoring
This MG TF is truly gorgeous, with every curve and edge lovingly maintained and preserved. Period-authentic from top to bottom and with shiny chrome and whitewalls that delight the eye and soul, it is not hard to see why it has managed to earn so many accolades. If you would like a museum-class car to add to your collection, this is it.
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