Just arrived back in stock here at RFH Classics we have this particularly lovely 2003 (53) MG TF 160, finished in British Racing Green with a matching Green fabric hood and the distinctive Half Leather and Grenadine Red Alcantara interior. We had the pleasure of selling this car 18 months ago and, having covered only around 900 miles since, it has returned to us presenting every bit as well as when it left. It is always reassuring to welcome one of our previous cars back into stock, particularly when it has clearly continued to be looked after. The car is currently being recleaned and prepared following its arrival back with us, after which a full set of updated photographs and a new walk-around video will be uploaded.
The TF 160 sat at the top of the MG TF range and was powered by the 1.8-litre VVC K-Series engine producing 160bhp. Combined with the TF's mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout, five-speed manual gearbox and relatively light weight, it remains an entertaining British sports car with performance to match its appearance. Launched in 2002 as the successor to the MGF, the TF retained the basic mid-engined layout but received substantial revisions including conventional coil-spring suspension in place of the MGF's Hydragas system, increased structural rigidity and revised styling. In 160 form it represented the most powerful regular production version of the range and remains the model many enthusiasts look for today.
This example is every bit as smart today as we remember it, with the British Racing Green paintwork presenting extremely well and complemented by its matching Green fabric hood. The Anthracite Grey alloy wheels suit the colour particularly well, while inside the Half Leather and Grenadine Alcantara upholstery gives the 160 a suitably sporting feel. A contrasting Red tonneau cover is also included for use when the hood is lowered. Specification includes remote central locking, electric windows and Radio/CD, together with the attractive Anthracite Grey alloy wheels. The revised bumpers, side air intakes and more purposeful appearance of the TF still give these cars a distinctive look more than twenty years after their introduction.
More importantly, the accompanying service history shows that some of the significant maintenance associated with long-term MG TF ownership has already been addressed. The history includes replacement of the head gasket and cambelt together with new coolant pipes, all useful items to see documented when considering one of these cars. One of the reasons the TF continues to make so much sense is just how usable it remains. The driving position is low, the engine sits immediately behind the occupants and the rear-wheel-drive chassis gives it genuine sports-car character, yet servicing and ownership costs can remain relatively sensible. With the hood lowered, the VVC engine working through the five-speed gearbox and its compact dimensions, there is still plenty here to remind you why these cars developed such a loyal following.
The MG has been checked and confirmed as ULEZ compliant and will be supplied with a fresh MOT, our 3-month major mechanical warranty and a vehicle history certificate confirming no outstanding finance or recorded insurance loss. We recommend the use of premium unleaded E5 fuel.
RFH Classics are Bedfordshire's largest independent classic car dealer, with over 35 years experience supplying quality vehicles to customers throughout the UK. Unable to visit us? UK delivery is available and we can also assist with export where required. A detailed walk-around video of the car will shortly be available on our website. To find out more or arrange a viewing, contact RFH Classics today. Visitors are always welcome to our Bedfordshire showroom, although we kindly ask that you call us first as we can occasionally be off-site collecting or delivering vehicles.