Desirable yellow cream with red leather upholstery
The Appeal
Post war, MG were eager to get the production lines back up and running, there was once again a demand for privately owned civilian vehicles on which the marque needed to capitalise. Taking the strengths of the pre war TB model, they developed the TC, refining its predecessor with some much needed mechanical and practicality revisions make what would quickly become one of the most revered cars of the era and perhaps one of the most significant post war MGs.
This 1949 TC comes to us as an older restoration that has been exceptionally well preserved and as such presents in truly fine form. In its yellow and red splendour it really does look the part and, accompanied by an extensive and comprehensive history file makes for a thoroughly excellent example of the beloved British classic.
Subject to a thorough restoration in the mid to late 1980s by specialists Honey Farm Restorations, which is well documented by an accompanying book filled with photos and write ups from throughout the process
The vendor advises that prior to their purchase the car was subject to some rebuild work and refreshening around 20 years ago
Accompanied by a TC/Midget owners book and manuals
Several pieces of Octagon MG Club literature also come with the car, with the current owner being a committed member throughout their time with the TC
Extensive set of invoices from throughout the car’s lifetime for various maintenance and servicing work carried out on the car
V5 registration document also present with the vehicle
Due to its historic status, the MG is both tax and MOT exempt
The TC cabin presents as a charming reminder of the glory days of MG and British craftsmanship. Draped in sumptuous deep red leather it presents to a marvellously high standard and is a real testament to the care which has been taken to preserve this car throughout the years.
Simplicity is perhaps the key here with a subtle but rather lovely red bench style seating arrangement with a gap in the lower section for the transmission tunnel. The seating is of a great quality, boasting rich leather upholstery distinctly lacking in wear, blemishing and tears often found on models of this age. Two matching red door panels sit on each side of the cabin, presented in a similarly high quality to the rest of the cabin.
Undoubtedly the stand out piece in here has to be the dash panel. A work of art in its own right, the curved and sculpted piece presents impeccably in its red grandeur, housing in it a wonderful collection of vintage dials and switchgear. Neatly detailed off with a liberal dose of chrome trim this entire section of the cockpit really is something to marvel at.
A wonderful well preserved original TC steering wheel sits proudly in front of the aforementioned dash panel, with a good quality black rim to match the plush carpeting that sits below.
Storage boxes within the front of the car are finished in a body coloured cream yellow hue and house a selection of tools and a vintage leather bound first aid kit.
High quality black canvas top with new side screens
A brilliantly charming car from an aesthetic perspective, the lovely little MG scream of class and Old England. Finished in an original MG shade of Yellow Cream with contrasting red compliments, it presents rather well and is yet another sign of the great care which has been taken to uphold the car.
The paintwork itself is of a great quality, the yellow hue suits the sculpted ash framed body down to a tee, and exhibits very little in the way of blemishes and imperfections despite being an older restoration. Tying into the red upholstery is the contrasting grille piece which has been given a red finish to really make the car pop from an aesthetic perspective.
Lashings of chrome trim coat much of the TC’s exterior and present in truly fine shape, exuding a wonderful shine from all angles. A front brace bar houses a fog light and a series of heritage badges for an authentic touch.
The roof system on the TC is certainly an impressive one and presents in great form. A black canvas number, the main roof panel unlatches and folds with considerable ease, to provide an open top experience if desired. For more demanding climates, the owner informs us that a new set of side screens have been purchased which attach on to the lower sections of the roof.
A full matching black tonneau cover also resides in the car for added protection when parked with the top down. The front section of this can be opened to allow it to remain in place with just a single occupant.
At ground level we find four excellent wire wheels with MG chrome knock off centre caps. A fifth spare wheel resides on the rear of the car and has recently been fitted with a brand new tyre.
Clean exceptionally well presented four cylinder engine
Carb rebuild less than a year ago
The mechanical aspects of this TC are all seen and reported to be in fine fettle. The wonderful little four cylinder presents in thoroughly good order and is said to have a good deal of punch to it, with performance indicative of a vintage British sports car.
As we understand the car fires into life comfortably and with ease and mechanical work highlighted in late 2022 shows that the H2 carburettors have been stripped and refurbished by Carb Care. The vendor tells us that additional mechanical work included a rebuilt tachometer and speedo alongside a new windscreen wiper motor.
Inspection of the underside shows what appears to be a very clean and solid car, perhaps unsurprising given the quality the rest of the vehicle exhibits in.
A piece of British automotive history, one of the most important cars for MG. The TC holds an important place in British car culture and understandably commands a great deal of respect from those in the know.
Good examples are getting thin on the ground with most being snapped up into private collections, so the opportunity to acquire a thoroughly well presented, honest and undeniably charming little TC certainly shouldn’t be missed.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1949 MG TC Midget
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