MGTF
And now, the MG TF! (February, 2002 - April, 2005; VIN 000101-641764) This car includes a number of engineering changes. These include a new suspension system (the car is now sprung by coil-over damper units with a brand new multi-link rear) extensive body strengthening, and a new faster 2.8 turn lock to lock steering rack to name but three. The interior style is practically identical to the earlier MY2000 model,
Sprint SE (July, 2002), based upon the TF 135 and 160 variants. The sprint SE had a specification trim consisting of Gunsmoke Alcantara and black leather seats, Smokestone fascia and door panels, a coloured hood, chrome pack and front fog lights. On TF 135 models, Sports Pack 2 (ABS, uprated 304mm front disc brakes and callipers and 16" eleven-spoke alloy wheels – already standard on the TF 160) was specified as standard equipment. Only 600 MG TF Sprint models were said to have been produced in the five colour available combinations: Solar Red, XPower Grey, Starlight Silver, Le Mans Green and Trophy Blue.
Cool Blue SE (March, 2003), based upon the TF 115 and 135 variants. The Cool Blue SE is distinguished by its blue hood and unique Alcantara blue seats. All models feature a Momo leather/alloy gear knob, leather steering wheel, wind stop and ash grey fascia. The 'Cool Blue' SE features six-spoke "Abingdon" 16" alloy wheels, found on so many previous MGF special editions, along with standard fit chrome grille pack and front fog lamps. This SE is available in a choice of three exterior colours: Trophy Blue pearlescent, Starlight Silver or Anthracite metallic.
SunStorm LE (October, 2003), based upon the TF
115, 135 and 160 variants. Limited production run of 500. Offered in three body colour options - Raven Black, Nightfire Red and Starlight Silver. The standard-fit body-coloured hardtop is complemented by a Smokestone coloured interior and Gunsmoke Alcantara/ black leather seats, leather steering wheel, 'Momo' leather and alloy gear knob and a single slot CD tuner. The specification includes a black hood, bright pack, 16" 11-spoke alloy wheels and MG/AP Racing disc brakes as part of standard specification sportspack 2, front fog lamps and body coloured electric door mirrors. The Sunstorm SE is available with a choice of engines with three power outputs 115, 135 or 160Ps.
80th Anniversary LE (January, 2004), was launched in celebration of the MG 80th anniversary. There were three exterior colour options: Pearl Black, Starlight Silver and Goodwood Green. All engine and transmission options were available. The silver and black anniversary models were trimmed differently from the green cars, with burgundy red hood, ash grey interior with grenadine Alcantara and black leather seats and bright-finish console, door casings, gear knob and handbrake grip.
The Goodwood Green Anniversary TF is more traditional in style, combining tan hood with matching tan interior and black Alcantara and tan leather seats. Wood effect inserts are fitted to the console, doors, gear knob and leather steering wheel. All models feature a folding windstop and CD tuner. 16" 11-spoke alloy ‘shadow chrome finish’ wheels are fitted, along with front fog lamps and bright door handles. Anniversary ‘1924 MG 2004’ logos are found on the boot lid and embroidered on the seats, which distinguishes the 80th Anniversary LE from other LE models.
Spark SE (July, 2004), based upon the 115, 135 and 160 variants; 1000 produced for the UK market. The Spark SE falls into the now familiar TF SE pattern of offering the SP2 chassis option as standard on all models (AP brakes, 11-spoke shadow-chrome 16" wheels), along with Gunsmoke and Black Alcantara MG-logo embroidered seats in an Ash Grey interior and a Charcoal Grey hood. Uniquely, this SE offered an extensive 'alloy' effect interior trim finish on the door inserts and steering wheel, along with the usual 'Bright Pack' items: chrome ashtray and handbrake button, Momo leather/alloy gear knob, bright side and front grilles and chrome exterior door handles. Additional spec items include a windstop, front fog lights and a Sony CDX-2000 CD player. The Spark SE premiered Firefrost Red as a body colour and featured a unique Sonic Blue (pictured right) along with old exterior colour stalwarts, Xpower Grey and Starlight Silver.
Vintage Racing SE (October, 2004 - France only), was launched at the October Paris motor show, 2004. Based on the TF160, this car was painted in a unique colour scheme of Dover White with French racing blue 'Cobra' style stripes - this special edition is perhaps the most visually arresting of all the TF special editions released.
Above: the numbered 'Vintage Racing' plaque mounted between the two seats.
'Vintage Racing' script also echoed below the side air intakes on each side.
Clearly designed to evoke the spirit of 1960s motor racing, the car also came fitted with X-Power roll-hoops (the slanting variety), along with 'Vintage Racing' decals below the air intakes and on a numbered plaque below the seats. The specification also included all the usual SE refinements of chrome pack, shadow-chrome 11-spoke alloys and a decent MP3/radio head unit. The seats were black leather, incorporating blue Alcantara inserts, while the centre console was painted in contrasting silver (which was matched to the steering wheel and the door trim inserts). This is a very desirable car - what a shame that an equivalent special edition was not launched in the UK!
2005 Model Year Update (Feb, 2005-April, 2005; VIN 637929-641764). The MY2005 version of the TF has brought with it a range of modest, yet useful updates on the now classic theme. Those expecting a dramatic facelift in line with the concurrent MG saloon range were disappointed, but the upgrades meant :
The suspension incorporated softer springs, re-rated dampers, thicker anti-roll bars and re-specified bushes.
MY2005 Production details:
It is understood that 1878* 2005 model year MG TFs were built prior to the collapse of MG Rover Group on April 7th, 2005 (excluding 29 pre-production cars) over the last quarter of 2004 and first quarter of 2005 - with a further 253 vehicles being completed following in the 2nd quarter of 2005, presumably under the supervision of Pricewaterhouse Coopers*, the administrators. The precise model composition of these vehicles (presumably a mix of 115, 135 and 160) is at this time, unknown. The VIN range of these vehicles ranges from 637929 (lowest) to 641764 (highest).
(The source for all this information is Rob Bell's site. (
http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group1/info/mgf_history.htm
))