The First of the Few (maybe?)

Anyone who has read my gibberish will be aware that I'm currently looking for a good (as in immediately useable) TF.  Le Mans or BRG or Goodwood in diminishing (but not much) preference.

This ticks most of the boxes but is somewhat gaudy.  Are these sparkly additions easily removable without damage? 
autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411196461642
   

Does a full on cream dash give loads of unpleasant reflections?  As seems to be apparent.in some shots or perhaps the camera angle?

Cheers
 

Beauty is in the eye & one or two of those updates could easily poke your eye out.
There are plus points though, the wheels are standard, usually hiding the larger discs & four piston calliper. I’m not keen on the “Lexus” rear lamps, there again I do enjoy an industrial locomotive to play with, so don’t use that as a marker. A while ago a chap (bloke) was making CNC trim for the interior highlights, such as the MG badge central to the dash, air vent trims, plus other trinkets. Early, rather drab f’s did profit from the lift they undoubtedly gave the cockpit.
I feel the front bumper might be improved by a return to original.
M

I too dislike the Lexus style tail lights, quite why anyone would want a MG to resemble an overpriced tarted up piece of Jap crap is quite beyond me! that bit of chrome under the bootlid and tail lights does look  a bit silly.
It's not clear in the pic but is that windscreen surround chrome or cream to match the roof? Chrome would probably be OK but cream would be odd, especially with the roof down!
The windscreen surrounds were either body colour or had a black finish (the black ones faded to a shitty grey) The door mirror caps also came in body colour (which was a often a poor colour match for the factory or a black finish (the black finished ones would also fade and look crap) so the chrome mirror caps would be an improvement
I don't really mind  the rest of the bling as for removing it the it, that would depend on how it's been stuck on. I'd need to see it in the flesh to be sure, those chrome grill inserts on the front bumper might be a worry.
Although I would imagine the chrome demister vents are as demonstrated in the pic, an annoying source of windscreen reflection. They would as well in all probability be an annoying source of glare in bright sunshine.
Not that the sunshine glare should be a problem for you lot in Pomgolia! 🤣
I'm not sure what the small badge on the passenger side air bag panel on the dash is. but unless it was put there by the factory it could possibly end up launched into the passengers face if the airbag were to deploy in an accident! Factory badges would be designed so as not to be a hazard.
Are you sure the dash top instrument binicle is cream colored? it looks black to me the only cream bit I can see in the pic of the dash is a two tone cream/black leather bound steering wheel which was a factory option.
Those alloy wheels were a factory option. The red calipers were also factory on some cars.
I dunno why you've circled the rear rego plate, but although I agree they are an unsightly eyesore, you don't have much choice as all governments seem to require them!

Airportable.
The Lexus lights are a bit pointless for me but not with a big chrome strip as well!  Talk about OTT.
Chrome strip around the screen - reminds me of the old +2.

Cobber.
"Are you sure the dash top instrument binnicle is cream coloured?"   
My bad grammar I'm afraid.  That comment was meant for a different car!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408253271341

https://www.gumtree.com/p/mg/mg-mgtf-convertible-2004-manual-1796-cc-2-doors/1487487981

I circled the rear number plate because it does not belong to this  MGTF -  registered to Jag I-Pace!  I always find that a bit dubious. 

As to - "Not that the sunshine glare should be a problem for you lot in Pomgolia! 🤣"  What you fail to understand is it is the contrast.  After months of rain and dark skies the old eye balls acclimatise.  Suddenly one starts to develop infra red vision.  Imagine then the shock when hammering rain rolls back thick cloud and pale blue sky is shot through with sunshine!  People have been known to roll back their hood for confirmation!  

Toadkeeper
Having used the link you showed in your post, I see that the seller used the phrase "Landrover upgraded head gasket, kit including strengthened oil rail,"

That is the precise wording which was used by the MGF Centre in Wolverhampton on all the MGF & TF cars they upgraded and sold. It would be wise to contact them on 01902 453 100 and ask if they DID sell that car at some time. If they DID, then you will know that the head gasket & other work was done properly. The price being asked on Autotrader seems high, IMO. Bill or Victoria might tell you what they sold it for if you ask nicely!

P.S.
The MGF Centre now use the words
"ZUA000080 Head gasket kit incl strengthened oil rail, new head
bolts, pressure test and skim. More info on request. 12mths
warranty.
• Underbody treatment – 3 day coating process (not just a paint over
rust!)
• Full Cambelt service – cambelt, waterpump, tensioner, oil/air/fuel
filters, spark plugs.
• New MoT

But they still use the phrase "correct product recommended by Landrover"

EllisoJo,

Thanks for the response and info.  Frankly I don't know what to make of that car.  Ticks a lot of boxes for what I want but so "bling" 
with all the chrome bits, shiny badges etc.  Will they come off cleanly?  All that flash would irritate. The Reg. No does not go with the car - why so shy if you are trying to sell the thing.
So you cannot do an old MoT check? Or check with previous specialists.  5 owners in 22 years yet only 29800 miles.  Good or Bad? 




 

Hi you pays yer money and makes yer choice! Only you can decide on a car, forum members can only give advice on what you show or say about a car. Best go and physically look at cars rather than pictures because the camera can lie! Good luck Glyn.

There was a chap who was looking for a car a few weeks ago & having turned one up, which suited him, he came on to quiz us & to solicit our opinions. Ultimately he bought the car but it was knife edge stuff.
All the advice given by our usual panel of contributors has great value & is based on there experience. Those who’s experience is less good will be more cautious, that will be reflected in their comments. For those whose plain sailing has been the predominant, will be more encouraging.
Your money, your choice, will it be your car?
You should never consider one of our cars as a “capital I” investment. To make the most of our cars, the investment is the effort you put in to the car. Good investments, such as sorting the mechanicals out properly, keep on top of the jobs, massage it’s appearance to your requirements, attend to these & you will be repaid with an almost limitless amount of pleasure.
Until you run out of petrol, because MGR didn’t fit a low fuel light & the gauge isn’t the finest.
M

Right enough Airportable.

I’ll add an extra line or two, these will be about informed buying of replacement parts & the unshipping of redundant items.
I suspect you are destined to replace the rear light clusters, if you become the new owner; there are lots on eBay, early & late. The early (f) had a darker tint to the clear portion of the unit, later, lighter.
The car illustrated would have had lighter, however it might look better, to your eye, by fitting darker units.
I bought a light pair last October & paid & this is no error, £0.99, I was the sole bidder. A five minute detour from a regular trip brought them home.
My guess is the Lexus style lamp units would be snapped up via eBay.
There are fewer bargains on eBay now than when I was restoring my cars but there still to be had. Perseverance in the higher page numbers can be fruitful, this is how I managed to pay 99p for the lamp units.
M