This MG TC came to its current owner in a sorry state, but it has since been substantially restored to excellent condition throughout. This involved rebuilding the ash-framed body with much new wood, replacing many of the steel body panels, respraying the car, retrimming the interior and rebuilding the engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes and steering.
So as you can see, barely a stone has been left unturned in this car’s restoration. The vendor tells us that 3,000 hours were spent completing this work, at a cost of around £15,000. And it has certainly paid off.
The cockpit of this TC is a charming mix of the old and the new: The driver is presented with the original marbled steering wheel, a fascinating connection to the car’s past, while the rest of the interior has been restored and refreshed.
The leather upholstery has been retrimmed and appears to show almost no signs of wear, only a little very light creasing to imply that the seats have been sat in. ‘MG’ branded carpets contrast the beige leather and are beautifully trimmed in leather, while the gearbox and transmission tunnel are covered by a smart moulded plastic trim piece.
On the flamboyantly curved dashboard, the speedometer is placed in front of the passenger and the driver is given the more important tachometer. Smaller gauges keep the driver informed of the oil pressure, water temperature and dynamo output, and they are accompanied by a series of pull switches and a low fuel warning light, as there is no fuel gauge.
All of this is mounted upon a new piece of walnut wood, which has a warm colour and excellent grain structure. According to the vendor, the only thing which isn’t working is the clock, and the choke pull sometimes doesn’t stay in position. TWGb45FabQjnrmd6OPruOZ79K7NBEd5t6AXSRB6g.jpg1.08 MB
The Exterior
Ash-framed body, restored with new wood where required
Steel panels also repaired and replaced
‘Reno Red’ paintwork — an original MG colour
The accompanying photographs show the condition this MG was in before its current owner began restoration work. It required almost total disassembly, with extensive use of new ash in the frame, while much of the original wood was retained where possible.
It was a similar situation when it came to the steel body panels which cover the wooden frame. Many of these were badly corroded and damaged, so had to be replaced with new pieces.
Evidently a good job was done, as the car now looks very smart and solid. It has been repainted in Reno Red, which was an original MG colour. The paint is very good throughout, with just a few polishing swirls.
Most of the chrome plated trim is said to be original, so it has some light patina which adds to the car’s appeal. Despite this, it is still very presentable. The car sits on a set of wire wheels, which look to be in good condition, smartly painted in silver. They are fitted with a matching set of five Excelsior tyres, including the rear-mounted spare wheel.
Centre-lock spinners secure the wheels to the hubs and a wooden tightening jig comes with the car, along with a rawhide- and copper-faced mallet, stowed neatly in the bulkhead-mounted toolbox.
Underneath, everything is very clean and tidy, with no evidence of damage, corrosion, or significant leaks that we could see. The chassis has been painted in POR paint and the stainless steel exhaust system appears to be recently fitted.
The car comes with a tonneau cover and a half-tonneau, which require a little adjustment to fit. Other weather equipment includes the new ‘double duck’ hood and side screens. These have apparently shrunk a little since they were made, so they are now a very tight fit. ACjpQClfbPjKNvYdARWFoSQ8sN0hSDsUfs3dVeDE.jpg1.22 MB
The Mechanics
1,250cc XPAG engine, serviced in November 2022
Upgraded crankshaft main seals, oil filter, fuel pump, steering box etc.
New road springs, brakes overhauled, wiring loom
The mechanical restoration and upgrades carried out on this car are reassuringly extensive. This includes an engine rebuild with new bearings; the crankshaft oil seals were upgraded to modern lip seals; the oil filter was upgraded to a new ‘Peter Edney’ type; the distributor was rebuilt with new weights, and the carburettors were restored.
The vendor also tells us that the radiator and engine were flushed and filled with Evans waterless coolant. The gearbox was found to be noisy and jumped out of gear, so it was stripped and rebuilt with new and refurbished parts.
The brake cylinders and hoses were reportedly replaced, the master cylinder was restored and ‘Alfin’ style brake drums fitted. The rear axle was checked and found to be good, then fitted with ‘Mad Metrics’ oil seal upgrades, and the steering box was replaced with a ‘Peter Edney’ upgraded unit, which has reportedly transformed the steering.
We’re told that the four road springs were replaced, along with fitting poly bushes, and the suspension dampers were replaced with reconditioned units. The car was also rewired, including indicators and a battery kill switch. YSBZkF5GM7pw5NmYxW1iSKKUqVdifTmGnCpBM7kK.jpg859.11 KB
Summary
This comprehensively restored MG TC is a superb example of the model. It has received a huge amount of care and attention, and is now ready to be enjoyed to the full by its next owner.
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