Basic Information and History

The MG TF was introduced in 2002 as the successor to the MGF and retained the mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout that had made its predecessor one of Britain's best-selling roadsters. The major technical change was that the Hydragas suspension was replaced by conventional coil springs and dampers, which together with a stiffer body gave the car significantly more direct handling. The TF 160 was the top model in the range and is powered by the 1.8-litre Rover K-Series with VVC, the variable valve control system that gives the engine its characteristic eagerness to rev. The same engine family was found in the Lotus Elise 111S, a connection often highlighted by those who appreciate the K-Series as an engineering design. The 2005 model year belongs to the final production period at Longbridge before MG Rover went into administration in April of that same year, making late examples a closing chapter in British sports car history.

This MG TF 160 was sold new in Sweden and has had one owner since new. The odometer reads 60,000 km, which the seller guarantees. The car is finished in Dover White, one of the model's rarer factory colours, and was delivered with a colour-matched hardtop in the same shade. According to the seller, the car is unusually well specified from the factory, and all original parts replaced during later upgrades have been preserved and are included with the car. The vehicle is free of loans and has no deductible VAT.

Equipment and Options

The car was delivered as a TF 160 with Sports Pack 2 and was additionally ordered with the following factory equipment:

• Sports Pack 2 with ABS, larger front brakes and 16-inch 11-spoke alloy wheels
• Two-tone full leather interior in Alpaca/Tan with matching door inserts, centre armrest and gear lever gaiter, as well as matching accents on the steering wheel
• Technical Black trim on the centre console, instrument cluster housing and door inserts
• Colour-matched hardtop in Dover White
• Air conditioning
• Front fog lights
• Passenger airbag
• Kenwood CD player
• Volumetric cabin alarm

Air conditioning was an uncommon and costly option on the MG TF. The factory-ordered extra equipment corresponded to a historical option value of £3,495. This figure refers to the historical list price, not today's replacement value.

MG X-Power and Other Upgrades

The car has been fitted with a number of components from MG's own X-Power range. The parts were bought new at the time of MG Rover's bankruptcy and are, according to the seller, now very difficult to find. These are original MG X-Power components, not newly manufactured reproductions.

• MG X-Power exhaust manifold
• MG X-Power sports catalytic converter
• MG X-Power silencer
• MG X-Power gear knob
• ITG Maxogen carbon fibre intake
• Additional K-maps ECU mapping tailored for the intake and exhaust system
• Stainless steel coolant pipes
• Stainless steel exhaust hangers

K-maps indicate a possible power increase of around 10 to 15 percent in combination with the improved intake and exhaust system. Exact output has not been verified on a dyno, and the figure is therefore not presented as a certified power statement.

Chassis

• Adjustable GAZ dampers with springs tailored for the TF
• Adjustable rear camber arms with polyurethane bushings
• Reinforced brake servo kit

Purchased Parts for Future Upgrades

The car also comes with a package of as-yet uninstalled components:

• Autobush AUB5162 polyurethane bushings for the rear subframe
• Autobush AUB506KF polyurethane bushings for the front subframe
• Autobush AUB5135 Lotus bushing for the engine upper link arm
• Autobush AUB5260 Lotus bushing kit for the engine mount strut
• Steel-braided brake hoses, front and rear
• Adjustable front camber kit
• Power Boost fuel pressure regulator
• Aluminium cooling system bleed nipple

Condition

The Dover White paintwork is described by the seller as being in excellent condition, as is the bodywork in general. The glass is, according to the seller, in excellent condition. The car is stated to be in original condition, with the reservation that the upgrades described above have been fitted and that the replaced original parts have been preserved.

The interior, with its two-tone Alpaca/Tan leather upholstery, is stated to be in excellent condition. The dashboard and headliner are described in the same way, and the instrument panel is free of warning lights. The climate control system works, as do the trip meter, the audio/media system, all seatbelts, and all other electronics.

The tyres and the 11-spoke 16-inch wheels from Sports Pack 2 are, according to the seller, in excellent condition.

Mechanically, the car is described as being in excellent condition throughout. The K-Series engine with VVC starts and runs faultlessly, the gearbox shifts without fault, and the clutch works as it should. The brakes are stated to be in excellent condition. The car is drivable as it stands, has passed inspection, and was last inspected during 2025.

Service History

The seller states that the car has not been fully serviced according to the manufacturer's service schedule, which should be seen in light of the very low mileage of 60,000 km. There are receipts and documentation confirming the service and maintenance carried out, as well as documentation relating to the fitted X-Power parts and chassis upgrades. The seller describes the car as well documented.

Summary

A Swedish-sold 2005 MG TF 160 with one owner from new and a guaranteed 60,000 km on the odometer. The car is unusually well specified from the factory with Sports Pack 2, full leather interior, air conditioning and a colour-matched hardtop, finished in the rare Dover White colour. In addition, it features original MG X-Power components for the manifold, catalytic converter and silencer, an ITG intake with tailored K-maps ECU mapping, and well-chosen chassis upgrades, while all replaced original parts have been preserved. A package of as-yet uninstalled bushings, brake hoses and a camber kit is included for anyone wishing to continue the development.

For those who understand why the Rover K-Series found an obvious home in both the MG TF 160 and the Lotus Elise 111S, this is an unusually interesting car, with its own distinct MG identity fully intact. An MG for those who appreciate driving pleasure, technical provenance, and originality.