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T-Series Looking at a 1955 MGTF today- what's important?

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Fairview

Jedi Hopeful
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I am not a novice when it comes to British sports cars, but I have never bought a T series MG before. I'll be looking at one today and would like a couple pointers, if you can help me.

This is a 1955 with original, but about worn out, green interior. Painted wire wheels; black car repainted maybe 30 years ago to a fair standard, now presentable but far from show condition. The top and sidecurtains are decent older replacements. Car is reported to run out just fine. It strikes me as an authentic car, usuable as is, but not a show car without redoing everything.

Can you give me a quick run down of late TF inspection points?

Any idea on what the right price range would be?

Thanks!
 
The TF prices have really been going up. They are just as valuable as a TC these days and worth a fair amount more than a TD.
I imagine the condition of the wood structure would be pretty important since it's very labor intensive to fix.

According to Oct-2011 "<span style="font-style: italic">Thoroughbred and Classic Cars</span>" (a UK magazine) the following values are cited:

Concours-25,000 GBP

Mint-20,000 GBP

Good-13,000 GBP

Rough-7500 GBP

1 GBP = 1.583 US dollars
 
Thanks for the input. I got sidetracked today, working on another project, and didn't get to look at the TF. Should be Monday or Tuesday. I'll get some photos and post if you'd take a look for me.
 
aeronca65t said:
The TF prices have really been going up. They are just as valuable as a TC these days and worth a fair amount more than a TD.
I imagine the condition of the wood structure would be pretty important since it's very labor intensive to fix.

According to Oct-2011 "<span style="font-style: italic">Thoroughbred and Classic Cars</span>" (a UK magazine) the following values are cited:

Concours-25,000 GBP

Mint-20,000 GBP

Good-13,000 GBP

Rough-7500 GBP

1 GBP = 1.583 US dollars
Click to expand...

I'm curious how they came up with those prices. I have no idea where you could buy a concourse grade TF today for $25,000. More like $35,000 even higher. Yes TFs are going up in price and hopefully they'll keep climbing. Going out of reach for future buyers, well that's what this game is all about. I'd like to have a Jag XK-140, but they went out of my price range, so, I buy something I can afford. Old saying: The cheapest car you can buy is not always the cheapest car you can buy. A $7500 TF is more than likely a basket case needing just about everything, wood included and you'll spend at least 20 to 25000 bucks to get it on the road. JMHO. PJ
 
Thanks Nial, now it makes more sense. It would pay if I read it right! Sorry. PJ
 
Fairview,

Look closely at the wood, especially on the front bulkhead, under the hood. Push around on it. If the wood is good and no rust on the body, car should be in the $15/18k range, maybe more. Also make sure the engine number matches the commission plate. If not, that drops the price quickly. Other than that the same inspection you already know works.

Marv
 
Aloha Fairview,

Open and close both doors to see if they operate easily without sagging or being lifted to close. This will let you know if there potentially problems with the wooden coach work. Reach underneath the running board to check th wooden sills inside the metal skin, they should be solid. The "A" and "B" pillars attach to the sill and this area is prone to rot and weather damage. If the joints are weak or loose due to rot on rusted screws the doors will sag when open. It is a major rebuild to replace these pieces of wood if necessary. Sheet metal body work is probably more expensive than mechanical repairs so check for undamaged and rust free body work. Inside of the rear fender wells and under the front fender where the head light fairing attach places to look at.

So IMHO look for solid wood coach work first, second good sheet metal body work and then mechancial condition of the running gear.
 
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