** NOTE: This auction has now been extended **
Highlights
- Fascinating original documentation
- XPAG engine bored to 1300cc
- Retrimmed interior
The Appeal
MG’s first postwar model was released in 1945 and shared many features with the prewar TB Midget, such as its XPAG engine. The TC was a great success for the company, especially among US servicemen returning home after the war, so it sold well across the Atlantic.
The TC offered for sale here was produced during the model’s penultimate year, 1949, and comes with a fascinating history file. The vendor purchased the car in 2018 having been in long single ownership since 1966. The previous owner, who had the enviable address of Egg Pie Lane, Hildenborough, kept a handwritten booklet detailing the restoration and servicing carried out during his ownership, along with an account of the total spent in pounds, shillings and pence.
Finished in fetching British Racing Green paintwork with a smart red leather interior, this TC looks and cuts a rakish figure on the road. It will certainly be a fun little car to add to any collection.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in October 1949
- Previous owner — address: Egg Pie Lane, Hildenborough — purchased the car on 22nd October, 1966
- Odometer read 30,564 miles when it was replaced
- Only driven 2072 miles since 1966
- Buff continuation logbook included
- Instruction Manual for the MG Midget, Series “TC”
- Original 1968 MOT certificate on file
- Black and white photographs show the car stripped down to bare chassis
- MOT style inspection carried out in 2019
- Road Tax and MOT exempt
The Interior
- Beautifully retrimmed red leather seats and door cards
- £532 of interior trim purchased in 2020
- Marbled Brooklands steering wheel
The red leather interior of this MG appears to be in excellent condition, which is not surprising given that there is an invoice on file for over £500 of interior trim purchased in 2020. There are no reported marks, scuffs or blemishes to the leather seats and door cards and the carpets are similarly excellent.
The driver is presented with a fabulous marbled Brooklands steering wheel in front of the read leather-trimmed dashboard, which remains in very good condition. It sports a full complement of gauges and switches, including the low fuel warning light, as there was never a petrol gauge fitted.
The oil pressure gauge and ammeter exhibit some slight flecks of corrosion to their faces, but the generously proportioned speedometer and tachometer are beautifully presented. The tachometer is in front of the driver, but the speedometer is far over on the left hand side of the dashboard, in front of the passenger, which may hark back to MG’s competing in early trials and rallies.
The Exterior
- Painted British Racing Green in 1970
- Original chrome fittings
- New hood and tonneau, original sidescreens included
The ½ gallon of Arden Green paint (£1 18s) and gallon of thinners (£1 5s 6d) purchased in 1970 and recorded in the hand written maintenance booklet tells us that this MG was repainted at this point. And we are informed by the vendor that it still wears this same paint with pride. It now has a few chips and blemishes picked up during the intervening half century, but nonetheless still looks very good. We think it’s all the better for showing its scars, as each one will have its own story to tell.
A new black hood and tonneau cover have been fitted and are looking clean and tidy. Mounted upon a badge bar in front of the radiator are a fog lamp and a new reproduction Lucas Altette horn, the correct unit as fitted to TCs when new.
Underneath, the chassis and body panels appear to be in good condition, with the car having been stripped down to the bare frame and repainted. The vendor informs us that there is no historic damage or welding present.
The car is running on Dunlop wire wheels, which are said to be in good condition, while the tyres have good tread but their age makes them ripe for replacement.
The Mechanics
- XPAG engine bored to 1300cc
- Brake wheel cylinders and hoses reportedly replaced in 2020
- Twin 1½” SU carburettors
With its well-regarded XPAG engine, the TC performs well for a small sports car of its era. And this particular car benefits from its engine being reportedly bored out to 1300cc, while the twin SU carburettors also help its performance.
The vendor informs us that this MG starts and drives very well, stops in a straight line and changes gear smoothly. There are no leaks or smoke reported, other than a slight oil weep from the bell housing. The car is said to have a fantastic exhaust note.
Mechanical work carried out recently reportedly includes replacement brake wheel cylinders and hoses in 2020 and the oil filter being converted to the spin-on type.
Summary
Overall, this MG TC is a fascinating piece of history. Its meticulously documented restoration during the 1960s adds to its charm, and the fact that it still wears its ‘60s British Racing Green paint adds to its allure.
It is presented in fantastic, useable condition, with well maintained mechanicals and a beautifully retrimmed interior. It will without doubt be great fun to own and drive.
Notice to bidders
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.*
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