Both the MGF and MG TF use a pressed-steel monocoque bodyshell manufactured by Mayflower Vehicle Systems and transported to Longbridge for final assembly. The mid-engine layout places the K-series transversely behind the cabin; the front compartment houses the radiator, coolant header tank, steering rack, and front suspension; the boot provides a 210-litre (VDA) luggage capacity behind the engine bay. The most significant structural change between the two models was the single one-piece sill pressing introduced on the MG TF, replacing the MGF's multi-piece sill assembly and lifting the bodyshell's torsional stiffness by approximately 20 per cent.
This change reduced scuttle shake noticeably and contributed to the MG TF's improved crash test performance.
Zinc-Coated Steel, Better Than Earlier MGs, But Watch the MG TF
The MGF and MG TF bodyshells are zinc-coated steel, which gives much better corrosion resistance than the body construction on earlier MGs (MGA, MGB, Midget, MGC). Most cars now over 20 years old still show surprisingly little bodyshell corrosion compared with those earlier models.
However, corrosion is more prevalent on MG TF than on MGF, despite the MG TF being the newer model, the zinc coating applied during MG TF production was evidently less effective, or at least less consistently applied, than that of the MGF. Sills, floors, and the steel subframes (which were thick but less well protected) are the main areas to check on both models, with additional vigilance required on MG TF examples.
MGF vs MG TF Panel Differences
Many external panels differ between the two models: front bumper cover, headlamp units (MG TF uses projector-type with integral indicators in a reshaped aperture), front grille (MG TF introduced a body-coloured central horizontal vane, removed on NAC-era cars), side sill panels (MG TF one-piece pressing versus MGF multi-piece), rear bumper cover, and boot lid (MG TF's longer boot lid incorporates an integral rear spoiler). Front wings and door skins are more closely shared between the two models, though the MG TF's revised bumper-to-wing interface means fitting is not always direct. Bumper and grille parts are catalogued on two separate child pages below, one for MGF, one for MG TF, because the fitment differences are substantial enough that they cannot be cross-shopped.
Which Child Page to Choose
Bonnet covers the forward-opening bonnet panel and its hinges, gas stay, release cable and handle, latch, and seal. Boot covers the boot lid (three variants: standard MGF, MGF Trophy, MG TF), its hinges, gas struts, latch, and seal. Sill & Rear Panels covers the sill sections (different between MGF and MG TF), rear quarter panels, and rear deck panels. Door Locks, Handles & Fixings covers door latches, exterior and interior handles, lock barrels, striker plates, and mounting hardware.
Dragbox & Fixings covers a specific body fittings category with associated fasteners. Front Inner Panels covers the front luggage compartment inner skins, wheel arch liners, and associated reinforcement panels. Front Wings & Doors covers the front wing panels and door skins with mounting hardware. Bumpers & Grille - MGF and Bumpers & Grille - MGTF cover the model-specific front and rear bumper covers, grille components, and associated trim and mounting, the two are on separate pages because their fitment and specification are largely different.
Windscreen & Fixings covers windscreen glass, trim surround, and sealing components. Hood & Hardtop screen covers the screen components related to hood and hardtop fitment. Exterior Styling covers visual upgrades including badge sets, trim kits, and cosmetic alternatives. Upgrades & Alternatives covers corrosion-preventive and durability-focused improvements including specialist panel repair sections and improved-specification replacements.