Fully restored by its current owner and finished in Sequoia Cream
In excess of £40,000 is believed to have been spent
Full photographic record of the restoration work along with a wealth of invoices
New ash frame and tan interior
The Appeal
The British Isles were quite literally brimming with American servicemen during the Second World War - approximately three million of them in all. They weren’t fans of the weather or the beer, but British sports cars hit the spot. Especially MGs. Once the conflict was over and the GIs had returned home, the order forms came flooding into Abingdon. Within six weeks of wartime production coming to an end, the MG works were producing a new model, the TC. 2,000 made their way across the Atlantic and MG found the number sufficient to warrant a special North American model, although it would remain in right-hand drive.
That’s exactly what we have here. This US market 1946 MG TC has since returned to its country of origin where it has undergone an extensive restoration during present ownership. Acquired by the vendor in 1996 as a bare chassis, engine, gearbox, rear axle and several body panels, the MG required a total rebuild although was found to be in reasonable condition having spent much of its life in an arid climate. It also came with a new Ash frame and refurbished instruments and chrome parts at a cost of £6,500. The vendor estimates that they have spent over £40,000 returning the car to its original condition and while they never intended for it to be a Concours car, it won second prize at an event with some 250 entrants!
The vendor is now unable to make use of the car as much as they would have liked, so reluctantly, they offer it to a new home so that it can continue to be enjoyed and cherished in the manner it has been accustomed to post-restoration.
The History and Paperwork
US market example
Acquired by the vendor in December 1996
UK road registered since 2015 (0 former UK registered keepers)
Age-related registration assigned following accreditation from the T Register
Right-hand drive
Photographic record of the restoration work
Large file of invoices detailing all parts purchased and work carried out
Numerous hand-written notes detailing history since 1996
2nd prize Concours recipient
Exempt from MOT and road tax
The vendor’s comments:
“It was an ideal project for me having just completed a full body off restoration of an MGA. I was attracted to the TC due to its 1940s looks and the fact that I had driven my father's TC in my early teens on disused airfields. As one can see from the photographs, the car has been completely restored and is in first-class condition.”
The Condition
Always stored in a Garage with a full Supertex car cover that will be supplied with the car together with a battery conditioner
Beautifully presented inside, out and underneath
All wet weather equipment present and in superb order
Equipped with a luggage rack
Arrow-straight bodywork with no obvious signs of corrosion or accident damage
Very good panel alignment and door fit
The Sequoia Cream paint continues to present very well indeed, as do the chrome finishes
The retrimmed interior looks wonderful, with no notable wear to the leather, woodwork or controls
When the vendor acquired the car, the chassis was found to be in reasonable condition and new outriggers were fitted together with added strengtheners, as per Sherrel's TC Forever. It was then shotblasted and powder-coated.
The new ash frame was fitted with refurbished or new panels and the paintwork was completed by S.H. Restorations. A.S Pickering of Bradford manufactured and installed the tan interior, together with a black hood, side screens and tonneau. The MG really does look wonderful from every angle and the vendor comments that it is is admired by all who see it out on the road.
The Mechanics
1.2-litre (1,250 cc) XPAG four-cylinder engine
Four-speed manual gearbox
Upgraded with “pancake”-type air filters
Regular maintenance performed by the vendor and marque specialists when required
Mechanically rebuilt to a high standard
Superbly presented engine compartment
The MG’s engine was professionally overhauled by well-regarded TC expert George Edney who also installed hardened value seats to accommodate modern unleaded petrol. The gearbox and prop shaft were fully rebuilt, while the rear axle was refurbished by Brown and Gammons.
The car was converted to negative earth and is fitted with LED sidelights and indicators. The high-level brake lights and indicators give some reassurance that other vehicles can see you but can easily be removed if originality is preferred.
All brake pipes are reportedly as new and the vendor reports that the brakes are very effective now using silicone fluid. A brass master cylinder was fitted and brake service was carried out by a specialist just over a year ago. The front brake drums have been changed to Alfin drums, mainly as these look fantastic. The original drums are supplied with the car including minor spares, points, coil, rotor arm and oil filters. The exhaust silencer is now a stainless steel item.
The vendor reports that the engine still starts first time and runs smoothly with good oil pressure.
They comment:
“The TC has a lively engine with a smooth four-speed gearbox and can keep up with modern traffic with good brakes. Suspension is truly 1940's and the Bishop Cam steering gives a true character to the car.”
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com
