2004 MG TF 80 LE
ENGINE 1796cc/4-cyl/DOHC POWER 120bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 122lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 120mph 0-60MPH 8.5sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 28-45mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, six-speed auto MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 36,381 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
You might want to dismiss the idea of an MG in which you are denied the joys of expert, slick gearchanges and double de-clutching. However, five minutes behind the wheel of this car honestly would turn any sulks into a big grin. The automatic transmission is beautifully set up, each of the six forward gears slipping in virtually unnoticed and making the best of the available power. There’s a sports mode, of course, and you can use the paddles on the steering wheel to shift gears. The smooth changes and extremely comfortable seats give the feeling that this is some sort of mini grand tourer. The car feels communicative, bar a bit of understeer, there’s plenty of power and even the exhaust note isn’t intrusive. The brakes are every bit as good as you could hope for, too.
BODYWORK CHECK
This really is a case of playing Spot The Blemish – and despite our best efforts we couldn’t find anything of great significance. This 80th Anniversary Limited Edition model looks immaculate underneath, without so much as a spot of surface rust, and looking along the flanks of the car reveals no noticeable abrasions. The 16-inch 11-spoke alloy wheels are in super order, as are the tyres. The glass is immaculate and the hood, finished in a delicate shade of burgundy, is also in excellent condition.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The interior is well up to the standards of the rest of the car – well finished and extremely comfortable. The two-tone ‘MG 80’ embossed seats are in great condition, as are the carpets and door trims, which have not the smallest noticeable blemish, and that includes those paddles. All of the instruments work as they should, as does what appears to be an original-specification sound system.
UNDER THE BONNET
Again, top marks here. Peering into the engine bay revealed no untoward sights, smells or noises and the temperature gauge never went anywhere it shouldn’t even following a brisk run along the A1, followed by a period of idling. The fluids are all properly topped up and there are no signs of any leaks.
THE CCW VIEW
Who would have thought an automatic MG would work so well? This really is a chance to snap up a rare example in pristine condition. Coming from this dealership it has a three-month warranty and a new cylinder head gasket. There are said to be only seven automatic 80th anniversary MGTF 80s left, from the 500 examples of all types released in this country. This car comes with a stamped-up service book and Trophy Cars has sold it previously, so it is wellknown to them. Start dreaming about spring 2021…
PROS Rare, superb condition throughout
CONS Meaty money for a TF, auto not to all tastes
BUY IT FROM Trophy Cars, Great North Road (A1) northbound, South Witham, Lincolnshire NG33 5LN. 01572 767777, trophycars.co.uk
EXTERIOR Excellent throughout INTERIOR Immaculate and appears original MECHANICALS Nothing noticeable amiss