The TD and the TF are the two most usable, best-driving T-Types — the same independent front suspension, the same rack-and-pinion steering, and closely related engines. The real choice is between the TD's value and parts supply and the TF's looks and, in 1500 form, its extra pace. Here is how they compare.
At a glance
MG TD vs MG TF
| MG TD | MG TF | |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 1950–1953 | 1953–1955 |
| Approx. built | ~29,664 | ~9,602 (including ~3,400 TF 1500s) |
| Engine | XPAG 1,250 cc | XPAG 1,250 cc; XPEG 1,466 cc on the TF 1500 (from late 1954) |
| Power | 54 bhp (later 61 bhp) | 57.5 bhp (1250); 63 bhp (1500) |
| Front suspension | Independent, Y-type-derived | Independent (same as TD) |
| Steering | Rack-and-pinion | Rack-and-pinion (same as TD) |
| Styling | Upright grille, separate headlamps | Faired-in headlamps, sloping grille, lower bonnet line |
| Drive-hand | RHD and LHD | RHD and LHD |
| Rarity & value | More numerous, better value | Scarcer and dearer; the 1500 is scarcest |
| Parts supply | The best of any T-Type | Shares most mechanicals with the TD; some TF body/trim scarcer |
How they're related
The TF is, mechanically, a facelifted TD. It kept the TD's separate chassis, its Y-type-derived independent front suspension and its rack-and-pinion steering, so the two drive much alike. What changed was the styling and the detail: the TF gained headlamps faired into the wings, a lower, raked grille concealing a separate radiator, pressurised cooling, and a more sculpted dashboard with octagonal instruments. It looks a generation newer while being, underneath, the same good car.
Looks
This is where opinion divides — and where the TF usually wins. The TD wears the traditional upright MG face, separate headlamps standing proud of the wings: honest, vintage, unmistakable. The TF sweeps all of that back into a lower, more streamlined shape that many consider the prettiest of every T-Type. It was a subtle restyle, but a transformative one, and for a lot of buyers it settles the question on its own.
Engines and performance
On the road the two are far closer than the spec sheet suggests, because the dynamics are shared. The TD's 1,250 cc XPAG made 54 bhp, later 61; the TF launched with the same engine in 57.5 bhp tune. From late 1954 the TF 1500 arrived with the larger 1,466 cc XPEG at 63 bhp — the fastest T-Type of all. None is quick by modern standards: the TF was criticised at launch for managing about 80 mph when a Triumph TR2 would do over 100. But performance was never the point of these cars, and the handling never was the problem.
Performance was never the point of these cars, and the handling never was the problem.
Rarity and value
The numbers tell the value story. Around 29,664 TDs were built against roughly 9,602 TFs, so the TD is more plentiful, better supported and generally the better value, while the prettier, scarcer TF usually commands more. Scarcest and most sought-after of all is the TF 1500 — and a home-market, right-hand-drive 1500 is a genuinely rare car, most having gone to America. See WSU 141 for a documented example. For indicative UK price ranges by condition, see the Values & Price Guide.
Which should you buy?
If you want the sensible answer — the best-supported, best-value T-Type with the same excellent dynamics as the TF — buy the TD, and buy the best one you can. If you want the looks, and in 1500 form the pace, and you will pay for scarcity, buy the TF. Both share the ash-framed body and its checks, so read the shared buying advice either way — the condition of the car matters far more than which badge is on the grille.