Description
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
Viewing: Tues 20th May from 12pm
Auction: Wed 21st May from 9am
Location: St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
Lot details
Registration No: OVS 374
Chassis No: TC3699
MOT: Exempt
Exported to the USA and repatriated back to the UK in 1990
Purchased at auction for £24, 725. 00 by the vendor’s late father in August 2020
Matching-numbers example, with a comprehensive history file
Honest and highly original, now ripe for recommissioning following a period of dry storage
Introduced in late 1945, the MG TC boasted a wider cockpit than its TB predecessor but shared a similar ladder-frame chassis equipped with all-round leaf-sprung suspension and hydraulic drum brakes. With its dual-cowl dashboard, fold-flat windscreen, cutaway-doors, swept wings and rear-mounted spare wheel, the TC looked every inch the traditional sports car. Powered by Abingdon's renowned XPAG 1250cc OHV four-cylinder engine, it was reputedly capable of 78mph. The last MG product to ride on nineteen-inch wire wheels, the TC attracted a strong following in the USA (especially among demobbed servicemen).
Built in January 1947, MG TC chassis no. 3699 was one of those shipped to the United States when new under Stafford Cripps’ "Export or DIE" programme, but was repatriated back to the UK in 1990 by MG specialists ‘Halfway Garage’. It was soon sold on to the well-known classic car and registration number dealer John Atkins of Cropredy, later passing through the hands of motor racing’s Knapfield family who were custodians from 1993 - 2015. Entered in this auction from a deceased estate, the vendor’s late engineer father purchased the car through Auction in 2020 for the sum of £24, 725. 00. It was described by them at the time as having been “dry-stored whilst the owner was working abroad and reluctantly being sold as he does not have the time to use and enjoy it.” Despite driving the car home from the auction, it has since been on static display as part of a small collection in a heated garage. Starting and running well during our recent photography session, potential purchasers should factor in some minor recommissioning and safety checks before hitting the open road.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
