Monogram Chromactive MG TF 160 for sale
Flipping heck!
There’s nothing like a bold paint scheme or livery to really announce a car. Whether it’s a sticker set for Le Mans, something from a manufacturer's individual selection, or a never-before-seen custom effort, there’s a huge amount of the buyer’s character in the original colour choice. And while dull colours do still tend to dominate, things don’t seem quite as black and white (literally) as they once did. Whether it’s MG 4 orange, the funky yellow Peugeot 208s or the Mean Green fast Fords when they were around, some buyers do seem to be a bit bolder than in recent years. Instagram might be good for something, after all…
Tell you what social media would love more of in 2026: flip paints. Sometimes seen these days on very special million-dollar supercars, they were much more common back in the '90s. Like all the cool things were. Nissan would paint a Micra or Primera GT in a chameleon finish, TVR of course became legendary for offering a ChromaFlair option, and into the 21st century, MG Rover dabbled as well through its Monogram Bespoke Build programme. There were two, in fact: Monogram Chromactive and Monogram Chromescent.
The effect of the former, as can be seen on this TF, was extraordinary to say the least. There’s little that can rival a flip paint for attention-grabbing drama, like a piece of Willy Wonka confectionery on four wheels; here it transforms a humble mid-engined sports car into something that’ll draw eyes like a true exotic. Maybe.
Even more encouraging for anyone brave enough to consider a TF like this (anyone know the colour name?) is the fact that the paint appears in decent condition. Repairs on a finish as special as this are surely going to be ruinous. But the purple, green, gold, yellow, brown and whatever else is here still looks really smart 20 years later. Hopefully an original owner willing to spend the extra on a TF in 2006 kept their MG garaged, which subsequent keepers have stuck to.
There’s further appeal beyond the obvious (or to help you overlook it). This TF has the 160hp version of the K Series, for seven-second-to-60 potential; it’s covered just 40,000 miles with three owners; and the most recent MOT couldn’t find fault with it. On a 56-plate, it’s probably one of the last original batch of TFs, and as one of only two ever painted this way it’s got to have some collectable value.
Whether it’s collectable enough to be worth £15k is another matter. Good examples of the F and TF have been appreciating in the past few years, as the survivors become the classic MG sports car for the 21st century, but £15,000 is a very different proposition. Still, it’s more affordable than a TVR painted similarly. And probably even rarer…
SPECIFICATION | MG TF
Engine: 1,795cc four-cyl
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 160@6,900rpm
Torque (lb ft): 128@4,700rpm
MPG: 37
CO2: 179g/km
First registered: 2006
Recorded mileage: 32,000
Price new: c. £15,000
Yours for: £15,000!
Had to check, Migraineactive paint was an £1800 option in 2006, roughly 10% the value of the car depending on options when new. So what we're saying is that the paint is now adding 150% to the value.
was at Substede Porsche festival last weekend where they had a Sonderwunche section with that tree of life thing and half a dozen or so others on display. £100k option for them to do it these days I heard.
£15k seems steep but TFs like this must be rare, not just the paint but with aircon as well and the colour coded hard top. £8-10k seems more appropriate since £5-6k gets a good one anyway.
When I'd had my MR2 Spyder for a while a mate was working at Rover selling these and lent me one to feel one out as a replacement-it was some sort of special edition, cream with red leather interior?
It was a terrible driving experience after the MR2. When they went bust he moved to Honda and then lent me an S2000 and even that didn't compare (although much better than the TF).
I bought a TF160 on a whim and had a ball taking it to track days. Endless joy surprising folks that was actually very capable out of the box - could keep the 2L Clios honest.
Obviously the build quality is naff and they have constant niggles, but nothing horrendous. HG failure on a K is old news, they are all either fine or it's been replaced with one that works.
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