MG had ceased production of sports cars at the end of 1980 when BLMC closed its plant in Abingdon. Between 1982 and 1991, only Rover’s sporty compact cars and saloons bore the MG badge. In 1992, the MG Rover Group began production of the RV8, based on the MG B, and the positive customer response led the manufacturer to launch the MG F. Following a competition between various development teams, the design was finalized in 1994 and preparations were made for series production. The official market launch took place in September 1995 in the UK, whilst the car did not become available in Germany until a few months later. At the time of the model launch, only a 120 hp engine was initially available; this was followed in 1996 by a version based on the same 1.8-litre Rover four-cylinder engine, delivering 145 hp and featuring variable valve control (VVC). From the 2002 model year onwards, the model was named the TF, as a tribute to the successful MG TF roadster of the 1950s. Although it was derived from the F and shared many sub-assemblies and body panels with the facelifted version of the preceding MG F, the TF had been further developed. As well as the switch from the MG F’s Hydragas system to conventional coil springs in the suspension, this was particularly evident in the redesigned bumpers and front and rear lights, as well as in higher-quality interior trim options and various newly designed alloy wheels. The new base engine was a Rover four-cylinder unit now producing 135 hp, whilst the MGF’s VVC engine, which remained on offer, now produced 160 hp.
This MG F from the second facelift – known as the ‘TF’ – with a 1.8-litre engine and 160 hp was delivered on 26 June 2002 by Emil Frey AG in Münchenstein. The complete service history book records the approximately 174'450 kilometers driven. In 2012, at just under 111'000 kilometers, the cylinder head gasket, water pump and timing belt (including tensioner) were replaced. In 2020, at 168'500 kilometers, the water pump and radiator were replaced. At the end of 2021, the MG was sold to its current owner, who has driven it very little. In 2022, the TF was fitted with new brake discs and pads, stainless steel coolant hoses from the engine to the radiator, and a new rear silencer. The small convertible is in good overall condition and will be handed over to a new owner with an optional hardtop. The last MOT took place in April 2026, meaning the car can be registered immediately.