The boot lid is catalogued in three distinct variants reflecting the model's body-shape changes. MGF non-Trophy cars use the standard boot lid. MGF Trophy 160 cars use a dedicated Trophy boot lid, visibly different from the standard MGF and with its own hinge part numbers. MG TF cars use the longer boot lid incorporating an integral rear spoiler lip at the trailing edge, part of the substantial rear-end restyling that distinguished the MG TF from the MGF.
None of the three variants is interchangeable, they differ in panel pressings, mounting points, and in the Trophy's case even the hinge geometry.
Boot Lid Covers Both Luggage and Engine, Two Seals
On the MGF and MG TF the boot lid covers both a rear luggage area AND the engine bay, the same lid spans both compartments, which is unusual compared with front-engined cars. This layout requires two separate rubber seals running around the boot aperture: one seals the luggage storage area at the front of the boot opening, the other seals the engine bay at the rear of the boot opening. Both seals are catalogued as separate items, with the stowage seal typically wearing before the engine bay seal because it is more exposed to use cycles (raising and lowering the boot to load luggage, as opposed to the engine bay seal which is only disturbed for service work). Water ingress into either compartment can damage luggage (in the stowage area) or promote corrosion of the engine bay components (in the engine bay side), replacing a perished seal is a worthwhile investment.
Counter-Balanced Hinges and Handed Trophy Variants
The boot lid hinges are counter-balanced assemblies that hold the boot lid in the open position without needing separate gas struts. The handed LH and RH hinges are catalogued in two groups: one pair covering standard MGF (non-Trophy) cars and MG TF, and a separate pair dedicated to MGF Trophy cars. Bump stops on each hinge position limit the boot lid's open travel, along with buffers on the boot lid itself and matching buffers on the body-side catch face that prevent metal-on-metal contact when the lid is closed. Anti-rattle pads fit on the hinge screws to eliminate the low-frequency boot-lid buzz that can develop as hinge fastenings loosen over time.
Latch, Lock and Striker
The boot lid latch is a single specification across all three boot lid variants, retained by two M6 screws. A latch cover finishes the assembly on the underside of the boot lid. The striker (body-side catch) mounts to the body with two dedicated screws. The boot lid lock assembly is catalogued in two key-cut options: a non-specific key number (supplied with a new pair of keys issued with the lock), or a customer-key-matched specification cut to the car's existing key number when ordered, the second option is requested by supplying the existing key number at order time, avoiding the need to carry separate keys.
An MG TF-specific water-deflecting shedder mounts above the lock to keep rain water away from the lock internals, prevents the common MG TF fault of water corroding the lock cylinder. A retaining clip and link cable within the lock assembly complete the mechanism.
Electric Boot Release Kit, Aftermarket Upgrade
The E007 electric boot release kit is catalogued as an aftermarket upgrade, adding a push-button boot opening function operated from inside the cockpit. The kit includes a safety interlock that only releases the boot with the handbrake applied, a thoughtful feature preventing accidental activation while driving. The kit fits both MGF and MG TF and is a practical upgrade for owners who regularly load and unload the boot in car parks or at night, where fumbling with a key at the boot lock is inconvenient.