Highlights
- Fully restored and presented in fantastic condition
- Beautifully trimmed interior
- Extensive history file
The Appeal
The TC Midget was MG’s first postwar model, picking up very close to where the company had been in the late thirties. It was visually very similar to the TB and proved to be a sales success.
This particular MG was purchased by the vendor in 2007 as a restoration project which had been half completed. It was then taken to The MG Barn in Shedfield to have the remaining work carried out.
Now in its finished form, this TC is extremely well presented and will turn heads wherever it goes.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in September 1947
- Original buff logbook on file
- Road Tax and MOT exempt
- V5C in vendor’s name
- Photographic record of restoration
- Purchased by the vendor in 2007 as a project requiring completion
- Significant invoices on file for work completed
- Invoices totalling £15,300 since 2007
- Restoration begun in 2002 by Smithy Engineering of Wells, Somerset
- Completed by The MG Barn in Sheffield
- Mileage correct since purchase in 2007 — was showing 4 miles when purchased
The Interior
- Retrimmed upholstery and carpets
- No reported marks or blemishes
- Beautifully finished dashboard
Looking at the quality of the finish, this interior appears to have been very well restored. The green leather upholstery is beautifully crafted, matching the deeply pocketed door cards, with stitching which is a pleasure to behold.
Behind the Brooklands steering wheel, the dashboard is well polished and shows the grain of the wood very nicely. It features a full array of gauges and switches, with the tachometer mounted squarely in front of the driver and the speedometer in front of the passenger.
A full set of weather equipment — made in 2008 — completes the cabin, with the fabric hood in excellent clean condition, mounted on a stainless steel frame. Sidescreens can also be fitted during inclement weather.
The Exterior
- Old English White paintwork in excellent condition
- Wire wheels with hub spinners and stainless spokes
- Underside very clean
Finished in the popular shade of Old English White, this MG’s paintwork is in excellent condition throughout. There are no significant scratches, chips or blemishes to report and it appears to have been very carefully looked after since its application.
The chrome plating is well polished, with only the spare wheel spinner beginning to flake. The rest retains a deep shine throughout. All the exterior trim and lamps is in a similarly well preserved state.
Underneath, the body and chassis are very clean and there is no reported damage or corrosion. The wheels have been rebuilt with stainless steel spokes and the tyres retain good tread. A rear mounted spare sits behind the petrol tank.
The Mechanics
- 1250cc XPAG engine
- Very clean engine bay
- Extremely capable performance
With its diminutive size allowing for lively performance and spirited driving, the TC makes the most out of its 1250cc OHV engine. It produces about 55 bhp, which is enough to keep up with modern traffic.
The accompanying photographs show that the car was stripped down to its bare chassis and many of the mechanical components appear to have received attention. The engine bay remains extremely clean and tidy, which is unsurprising given that the car has only covered 3,200 miles since 2007.
The vendor informs us that the car runs and drives exactly as it should, accelerating well, changing gear positively and with no leaks or smoke to mention. The only issue is that if the car has stood unused for some time it can pull to one side when braking, but once bedded in again this issue is resolved
Summary
In all, this TC Midget is a very desirable MG. It continues the prewar styling for which MG had become known, which has aged very well. Having been the subject of a thorough restoration over a number of years and at considerable cost, this MG is now in excellent useable condition.
Surely there’s nothing better than driving a car such as this along a twisty B road on a sunny afternoon.
