1948 MG TC
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Comprehensive quality restoration
- Fantastic show winning condition throughout
- Matching numbers example
- Full service history since 2015
- Loved and cherished
THE APPEAL
The MG T-types first appeared in 1936 and firmly established MG as a sports car company. The TC was four inches wider than it’s predecessor, and although luxuries were few and far between, it offered a responsive and exciting ride, coupled with an affordable price tag.
Only available in right-hand drive, it was a mechanical marvel with a peppy 1,250cc four-cylinder engine and all-synchro’ 4-speed gearbox and enjoyed great success in the UK, overseas, and in particular, in the US. Around 3,000 TC’s were built at the Abingdon factory in 1948.
This delightful MG TC was the subject of a quality restoration a few years ago and is still in exceptional condition. As British as strawberries and cream, the pre-war styling and ‘wind in the hair' driving experience embodies all that was great in Great Britain in the 1940’s.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Restored in the USA prior to 2014
- MOT until April 2023
- Service invoices
First registered in the USA on the 12th October 1948, this TC’s early history or restoration details aren’t known but this matching numbers car appears to retain it’s original body, engine, chassis, gearbox and other components.
Having been restored prior 2014, it was marketed by dealers, Fantasy Junction, California, and imported into the UK and registered on the 2nd April 2015. The current owner then purchased it from independent MG specialist, Terry Bone in August 2015 with 5,488 recorded miles on the clock.
WXG 875 has been presented for MOT each year since 2015 and the current ‘Pass’ MOT runs until 26th April 2023. The exempt tax has been renewed and runs until the 1st August 2022.
- Online sales information from Fantasy Junction
- Two MG Midget (Series “TC”) instruction manuals
- Servicing invoices from Ashley Motor Repairs, New Milton
- Parts invoices from NTG Services, Ipswich
- List of expenditure during last 7 years totalling £10,374
The owner is only selling his MG due to his advancing years.
THE INTERIOR
- Elegant and sporty
- Beautiful Jaeger instrumentation
- Great leather upholstery
This interior is still in great condition after being restored and re-trimmed. Behind the simple chrome three-spoke MG steering wheel, the stylish leather grain dashboard houses the beautiful Jaeger gauges, original switchgear and wonderful dual map reading lights.
The owner has installed LED indicators (with audio), and neatly under the dash, hazard warning lights and an electrical isolation switch.
The clock is inoperative (a common failing) and, to add to the charm, the ammeter needs a tap on the glass from time to time.
Befitting light-tan leather upholstery and door trims show no significant signs of wear. The black carpets are also in excellent condition along with the neat and tidy carpeted rear luggage space which contains the starting handle and a fire extinguisher.
THE EXTERIOR
- Great British styling
- Show standard bodywork
- Practical extras
The quintessential styling of the MG TC is a real head turner especially in this individually mixed red paintwork. The bodywork looks amazing in the summer sunshine, and without exception, all the chrome fixtures and fittings are in excellent order and look as good as new.
There are just a few minor chips to the paintwork, most noticeably to the top edge of the rear body sides and a small area on top of the fuel tank (see photos).
Aside from the lovely large Lucas headlamps, an additional driving lamp sits down low with the badge bar and the horn, and for added safety, new LED indicators are cleverly attached high up at the rear.
This TC comes with a full all-weather kit which includes a tan canvas top, side screens and a tonneau cover which all fit really well and are in great condition. The underside looks terrific and the owner believes that the ash frame and chassis are in good health.
The original painted 19” wire wheels and chrome spinners are very presentable and are shod with older vintage Dunlop tyres which appear fine and have plenty of tread remaining.
THE MECHANICS
- Original factory specification
- 100% reliable in last 7 years of ownership
- Serviced and MOT’d each year
The robust factory specification 1,250cc 54bhp XPAG engine sits in a clean restored engine compartment with all the correct components and finishes. It starts easily and retains good oil pressure and has a slow regular tick-over with no tappet noise.
Mechanically speaking, the owner informs us that his TC has been 100% reliable during the last 7 years / 11,000 (ish) miles. The original 4-speed gearbox is tight and the Bishop cam steering, leaf spring suspension and hydraulic drum brakes are all up together and operate efficiently.
- Serviced every year since 2015 regardless
- Suspension components regularly greased
- Rebuilt Bishop cam steering box
- Upgraded rear transmission oil seal
- “Throaty” stainless steel exhaust
- Tool kit, jack, petrol pump, wooden wheel spanner
- Spare coil
All recent servicing requirements have been entrusted to the experienced and helpful team at MG
specialists, Ashley Motor Repairs in New Milton, Hampshire. (see invoices)
Having owned more than one MG, the owner loves the driving experience and describes it as “wonderful”. The steering is so direct and you feel very low, especially with the cut-away doors.
You can “nudge the accelerator to get round the corners” and you get “tremendous feedback and really are at one with the car”.
SUMMARY
Having been kept in a humidity controlled garage, it is testimony to the owner that this delightful MG TC has remained in such fantastic condition. It was indeed awarded a ‘Best Pre 1956 MG’ accolade at a local MG Owners Club run in 2017.
He concludes that this iconic British sports car has a great personality and “drives as my first nearly new MG did in 1944”. He has grown “very fond” of this car and hopes that we can “find an owner who will look after it”.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1948
- Make MG
- Model TC
- Colour Red
- Odometer 22,722 Miles
- Engine size 1250
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Hampshire
- Country United Kingdom
18
bids
- Me•••• £28,250 17/06/22
- Ja•••• £28,000 17/06/22
- Do•••• £27,750 17/06/22
- Ja•••• £27,500 17/06/22
- Do•••• £27,250 17/06/22
- Ja•••• £27,000 17/06/22
- Do•••• £26,750 17/06/22
- Ja•••• £26,500 17/06/22
- Do•••• £26,250 17/06/22
- Ja•••• £26,000 16/06/22
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