History

The MG T-Type is a name given to a series of body-on-frame open two-seater roadsters produced by British automaker MG from 1936 all the way until 1955. The model went through several variants throughout its 19-year production run, ranging from the initial pre-war model, the TA to the final post-war iteration of the TF, introduced in 1953.

The MG TF was a face-lifted TD in terms of its appearance, and initially used the 1.3L “XPAG” I4 engine from the TD Mk II, which produced a modest 57 hp. Some of the changes included the headlights now being faired into the fenders, a sloping radiator grille with the radiator mounted behind it, a new pressurized cooling system, and a faux external radiator cap. In mid-1954, the engine bore was increased to 2.8 inches, and the compression ratio was increased to 8.3:1, resulting in a new displacement of 1.5 liters and a corresponding increase in output to 63 horsepower. Now designated the TF 1500, for its new displacement, it stood out from the regular TF thanks to a cream-colored “TF-1500” enamel badge on both sides of the hood.

When production of the TF ended in 1955, 9,602 examples had been produced, including 3,400 TF 1500s and two prototypes.

This Car

This particular example, Chassis # HDC469052, is a 1955 MG TF 1500 that bears a story of passion and dedication that most collector-grade cars wish they could tell. It is a masterclass in period correctness, originality, and maintaining an automobile as it was when it left the factory on day one. The story begins with the first and only owner (until 2023) of this MG, Mr. Kenneth Frederick. Mr. Frederick first laid his eyes upon the motoring wonders of early MGs in 1941, when he was employed as an aviation apprentice for an aircraft manufacturer. The sight of the small British roadster was the complete opposite of the four-wheel behemoths dominating the streets of the U.S., and he was instantly smitten. He swore that one day, he would sit behind the wheel of his very own MG.

In late 1955, after serving as a military fighter pilot in Europe and a jet pilot during the Korean War, Mr. Frederick approached his local MG dealership, Hicksville Motors, Inc. in Hicksville, New York, to inquire about acquiring an MG T Series, only to learn that their production had ended. Unimpressed by the upcoming MG models, he managed to find one of the last new MG TF 1500s, a red-on-red beauty like the one he had dreamed of all these years. Unlike his previous cars, this one would stay with him until nature decided otherwise, although his work as an Aviation Field Service Representative did not allow him the opportunity to drive his MG as much as he would have liked. When he was assigned to work in Cambridge, England, in 1959, the MG was placed on blocks in his parents’ dry garage, with an original MG Mitten car cover atop it.

Returning home after 20 years or so, Mr. Frederick found his MG in reasonably good condition, largely due to the fact that his father had been turning the engine over by hand and rotating the wheels on a regular basis to keep the bearings free. After a much-needed maintenance session, including new fuel lines, new brake lines, new spark plugs, a fluid change, and a cleaning of both carburetors, starter, generator, and ignition points, the MG TF 1500 fired up with few complaints after almost 30 years of hibernation. Sometime after being brought back among the living, Mr. Frederick acquired a factory parts list and purchased any parts he believed the MG might need during its lifetime. As such the car is accompanied by a factory replacement top, all weather gear, and every rubber part on the car, including seals and gaskets, just in case. None were ever needed, owing to the car’s near-perfectly preserved state, so the top remains in its factory box while the rubber parts are stored in tin cans submerged in talcum powder. The factory tires remained neatly stacked in the garage until 2025 having just been reinstalled. They are still mounted on the original wire wheels, while the factory carpet is preserved under mats designed to keep it fresh and preserved.

As it sits, this 1955 MG TF 1500 shows just under 6,500 miles on the odometer and serves as the benchmark of originality by which all others like it should be judged. There is no bolt, screw, or any other part on this MG that isn’t the way it was when it was assembled at the Abingdon factory back in 1955. To say it is an astonishing piece of automotive history would still be an understatement. There is likely no other MG TF 1500 left like it in the world, and our hats are off to Mr. Frederick for his commitment to preserving this iconic British roadster.

Upon purchase, the new owner will receive all of the new old stock parts that were never used, the original bill of sale, the original registration, the warranty card in its original envelope, the original tool kit, a handwritten list of all the replacement parts purchased, the car’s story as typed by Mr. Frederick, a magazine article featuring this TF, and an interview with Mr. Frederick courtesy of a Mr. David Sander.

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