Description
At the end of the war, MG, like so many other British car manufacturers, simply dusted off the old plans and began producing cars that were essentially dated. The TC was a TB with a wider 4-inch body, leaf springs with shackles instead of helical springs, and a single 12-volt battery mounted on the engine bulkhead instead of two 6-volt batteries behind the seats. Production of the TC began in September 1945 and continued until November 1949.
The TC was a pre-war car, built after the war. Abingdon did not expect much of it, but it was a post-war seller’s market and they underestimated the car’s appeal abroad.
The popularity of the MG TC is surprising when you compare it with most post-war cars, in particular American cars, equipped with heaters, powerful engines and large capacity, comfortable and relatively quiet. The TC makes no concessions to comfort and has a small, noisy engine. However, despite its modest performance, it could be driven with abandon and, thanks to its four-speed gearbox and high-revving engine, it was a very enjoyable drive.
TC owners ranged from ordinary folk to famous actors and aspiring racing drivers. Because it was easily tunable, it became the favourite car of the so‑called ‘boy racers’ fraternity. In total, 10, 000 units were produced, more than the total production of 8, 451 Midgets between 1928 and 1936, when production of the P-type ceased. Phil Hill, the 1961 Formula One champion, drove a modified TC early in his career in 1951, while at the other extreme, Prince Philip of Greece, the future Duke of Edinburgh, courted his future wife in a brand-new black TC in the late forties. There is no doubt that the TC put MG on the world stage and that in the United States it became the epitome of the British sports car.
This example was fully restored in the 2000s and was acquired by the current owner in 2013. It remains in very fine condition. The vehicle has subsequently been meticulously maintained. The doors and side windows are present.
