Vendor supplied images

Highlights

Competition race car first owned and campaigned by Bob Magenheimer
Appeared at Watkins Glen, Elkhart Lake and many other USA tracks
Restored in 1960s and remains in great, patinated condition
Current keeper is a former historian of the SCCA and acquired it in 1994
History file includes race history with results, trophies and even driver suit
Sparingly used in last 30 years being trailered to shows and gymkhanas

The Appeal

If you’re looking for a freshly restored MG TC that wears its long history lightly, then this 1948 car may not be for you. If, on the other hand, a car with a fascinating, well documented race history covering 50 years is your thing, read on.

This is a little car with a huge story to tell. Its life includes race and championship wins, collecting a raft of trophies along the way. It all began in 1948 when this car was shipped to the USA for renowned racing driver Bob Magenheimer. He campaigned it vigorously throughout the 1949 to 1953 seasons before selling it. It attended SCCA events - including Watkins Glen and Elkhart Lake - as well as Strategic Air Command air base races, hill climbs, gymkhanas, rallies and time trials.

It turns out that despite going on to drive Elvas, Ferraris, Porsche, Austin Healeys and Lotus, he loved this tiny MG so much that he bought it back in the 1960s.

On purchase he fully restored it, switching it from cream to a far more appropriate racing red. The current keeper - a former historian of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) - acquired it in 1994 because of its remarkable provenance. The car has not been raced since Magenheimer's ownership but it has been in and around the scene for much of its subsequent life.

The car arrived in the UK with the current keeper in 2016 and has led a more sedate life since. It has featured in classic car events and rallies, including in the north of Scotland, where it has been trailed to and from with little road use.

The car wears various plaques and stickers attesting to its incredible history, alongside a light patina of wear. You wouldn’t want this car to be box fresh but it is very solid and presentable. Ready, by the look of things, for more track and road action.

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1948
Sold new to USA and acquired by race driver Bob Magenheimer
He campaigned the car at Sports Car Club of America events between 1949 and 1953
He sold the car in the mid 1950s and it was little used until the 1960s
In the 1960s be bought the car back and restored it in red, a colour he felt was more appropriate
The current keeper acquired the car in the USA in 1994, whilst living there
Imported to the UK by the current keeper and registered here on 1st December 2016
One registered keeper since arriving in the UK
Appeared at Watkins Glen and Elkhart Lake for SCCA events
Also appeared at Strategic Air Command air base events
Used for hill climbs, rallies, gymkhanas and time trials in the American midwest
Used for rallies and events in the far north of Scotland since arriving in the UK
The current owner did take it to various racing re-enactment events, shows and vintage car gatherings in America from 1994 until 2016 when the car was brought to Scotland
Always trailered to and from events for last 30 years by current keeper with little road use
Authenticated racing history including metal SCCA registration plates showing number 72
Fully documented race history with dates, results and locations
Trophies including several for first place wins and championship wins
Photographs of the car in action and press clippings
Driver’s suit, helmet, gloves and goggles included
Race car trailer included as shown
Framed print of the painting of the start of the 1952 Watkins Glen race featuring this car
This is signed by the artist and three of the drivers
Other racing and MG memorabilia included and shown in photographs
Stored indoors and trailered to events since 2017
Maintenance performed by the owner
MOT not required due to the age of the vehicle

The Condition

Very smart and solid red TC with racing decals including ‘72’ roundels
The paintwork is well kept but this is a working race car so expect some signs of age
Bodywork presents well with chassis in similarly good order
Car is very presentable but vendor advises that the chrome would benefit from refurbishment
Features factory plaques and MG T Register plaque
Red leather seats in fair conditioning showing some wear
Carpets are presentable but could be improved by renewing
We are told the headlight and indicator wiring needs attention

The Mechanics

1,250cc XPAG MG engine
4spd manual gearbox
Older mechanical restoration by original racer Bob Magenheimer
Maintained by the seller who is a capable amateur mechanic and race driver
Used regularly to autumn 2023 when put into storage
Vendor advises the car was running fine when put into storage
Wiring requires attention as noted above
No other running or driving issues advised by seller

The vendor tells us:

“This car has a unique and thoroughly documented racing history and a significant amount of memorabilia that goes with it into the sale. I was the historian for the Sports Car Club of America and purchased it due to its racing history. If you are interested in preserving a documented part of motorsports history, this is the car for you.”

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.

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