Highlights
- One of only 494 EXU Export Unit models
- Recent new hood and tonneau
- Extensive recent work to fuel system, servicing and steering
- Recent voluntary 2023 MOT with no advisories
- Retrimmed Apple Green interior to correct factory pattern
- A wonderfully characterful example of these rare models
The Appeal
The immediate post-war years in Britain were all about ‘export or die.’ That meant America. It also meant good news for enthusiasts of small, inexpensive sports cars, because it meant this car: the MG TC. The new ‘Midget’ would rejuvenate a lineage of T-Types that put wheels beneath carefree Stateside ex-serviceman.
MG initially targeted the American market with this car, the ‘Export Unit’ EXU. It featured an array of detail features presumably designed to lure transatlantic buyers, including front and rear bumpers, two Lucas ‘Windtone’ horns, map lights, revised instruments and US-specification Lucas headlight and tail lights.
Unlike the MGs that followed, the EXU wasn’t a great success with just 494 built from December 1948. All of which makes this example exceptionally rare and desirable. It was discovered by an American enthusiast around 10 years ago and returned from the USA to the UK in 2016. Its trio of keepers since then have treated it sympathetically, retaining its lovely original patina but attending to the mechanicals. The history file shows significant expenditure with specialists since 2020.
The lovely Apple Green leather interior was recently retrimmed using the correct patterns and there is a new hood and tonneau. The sense of a well-maintained, mechanically sorted car is supported by a 2023 voluntary MOT that shows no advisories. We love the character, patina and rarity of this quite special little car.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 1949
- Originally sold new to the USA
- Vendor confirms that this is a genuine ‘EXU’ Export Unit car
- Printed correspondence with MG enthusiast dated 2015 shows history in photos
- The car was found in 2015 in Houston, Texas having been stored by a previous owner who bought her in pieces in 1999 - apparently dismantled since at least the 1970s
- He rebuilt the car in Sacramento and then it made its way to the UK in 2016 when it was registered here
- Three registered keepers since arriving in the UK
- Current keeper since August 2018
- Older invoices as shown in photos
- V5C in current keeper’s name confirms Historic Vehicle status
- Voluntary MOT expired 12th April 2024 with no advisories
- 6,579 miles showing on last MOT and now showing 7,357 miles
- Due to the five digit odometer we cannot verify the mileage
- Extensive mechanical repairs in 2021 covering fuel system, steering and servicing
- Checks to car and filters replaced in April 2023
- 2 sets of keys as shown
- Workshop manual as shown
- VIN TC8333 matching numbers car with all the EXU extras present
The Condition
- Black paintwork in patinated condition with some signs of age as shown
- Bodywork presents well with some light signs of age but not significant
- Chassis appears to be in good order with no structural advisories on last MOT
- We are told that the body is original
- Described as in original ‘oily rag’ condition by seller
- EXU model that retains many of its original factory features including bumpers
- The wheels and tyres are new
- The tachometer is not working
- There are a number of instruments which have been put into holes in the dashboard which are not functional but all of the instruments which should be functional work except the tachometer
- Chromework presents well with light age to bumpers as shown
- Lights in good order with clear lenses and only light aging to note
- Fitted with painted wire wheels with matching spare in good condition
- Quality Blockley vintage tyres to all rims showing good sidewall condition and tread
- Works include changing to a VW steering system, fitting harnesses and fitting a new tonneau.
- Only three of the four side screen are present and all in need of work
- Although there is a newish roof in good condition this has been a dry days only car since 2018
- Retrimmed Apple Green leather interior to correct factory pattern with light age as shown
- Lightly aged and very original EXU specification dashboard with Jaeger dials
- Four spoke black sprung steering wheel as shown
- Light age to interior with wooden floors as shown
- No reported faults with electrics, lighting, switchgear or dials
The Mechanics
- 1,250cc XPAG 54.5bhp 4cyl engine
- Manual gearbox
- Lots of recent servicing and maintenance work as shown
- Replacement filters and other checks in 2023
- No reported running or driving issues
- No advisories on last MOT in 2023
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