Naylor TF 1700

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If you are into your T-Series MGs, you will certainly be familiar with the firm Naylor Brothers. The Yorkshire based concern is one of the principal restorers and suppliers of spare parts for the full range of these models.

In the early 1980s, Alastair Naylor decided to launch an updated version of the MG TF under their own name. Using an in-house chassis design fitted with Austin Rover Group running gear, the bodywork consisted of an aluminium body over an ash frame in the same vein as their competitors Morgan, although in this case, the wings were made in fibreglass to try and keep poduction costs to a minimum.

Styled almost exactly like the original MG TF, the car was powered by a 77bhp 1.7-litre O-Series Austin engine which pushed it along to a more than adequate top speed of 94mph.

The complications of producing completed hand-built cars should never be underestimated, and the costs associated with out-sourcing components on limited production runs makes it extremely hard for the sums to add up. Selling at just £40 less than the much more powerful Morgan +8, it was all a bit of an uphill struggle and they stopped production after 100 had left the factory. The rights were sold to a company who marketed their own version called the 'Hutson', adding a further 61 to the total produced.

Not to be confused with a home built kit car, these Naylors carried full type-approval and were registered in their own right as a Naylor – an important distinction which was probably not fully appreciated at the time. They were covered under a warranty provided by Austin Rover and their developement saw a close relationship emerge between Naylor Brothers, Austin Rover Group and the British Motor Industry Heritage Center which was later to lead to the MG RV8 programme. 

At a glance it would hard to tell that this Naylor TF wasn't an MG manufactured three decades earlier. It has had four previous owners, none of whom used it a great deal, the current mileage having risen to just 11,500 miles. It was purchased by the vendor for his wife in 2005 and despite being MOTd religiously each year, has only covered 2,000 miles over the period.

In fine condition with a good hood and sidescreens, it looks most attractive in bright red with stone leather upholstery. MOTd until April 2016 it is ready to go, providing modern reliability with the authentic ‘50s MG look. The fact that it was built in a proper factory, by the recognised experts and is barely run-in is the icing on an already thickly filled cake.