1949 MG TC *Sold £21,000*

Description

• Previous Full Restoration 
• Engine rebuilt 
• New £5k Hutson Body Tub 
• Powder coated chassis 
• As new interior 
• Thousands spent 
• Matching Numbers 
• Probably the best example currently for sale 

The TC Midget was the first postwar MG and was launched in 1945. It was similar to the pre-war TB; sharing the same 1,250 cc pushrod-OHV engine with a slightly higher compression ratio of 7.4:1 giving 54.5 bhp at 5200 rpm. MG also provided information for several alternative stages of tuning for “specific purposes” and the XPAG engine is well known for its tunability. The MG TC engine was a slightly improved version of the XPAG that was initially introduced to MG in the TB. Notable improvement came through the addition of a hydraulically (oil pressure) adjusted timing chain tensioner. All MG TCs utilized a 12-volt electrical system (single battery). Automatic mechanical timing advance was built into the ignition distributor. Every TC came with 19″ Dunlop wire wheels. 

The body of the MG TC was approximately 100mm wider than the TB; measured at the rear of the doors, to provide more cockpit space. The overall car width remained the same however, therefore resulting in slightly narrower running boards, with just two tread strips as opposed to the previous three. The tachometer was directly in front of the driver, while the speedometer/odometer was on the other side of the dash in front of the passenger, which was a nod to MG’s trials history. 

10,001 MG TCs were produced, from September 1945 (chassis number TC0251) to November 1949 (chassis number TC10251), more than any previous MG model. 

Our particular MG TC comes to market as our vendor, an avid TC collector, just has too many projects going on and needs to reduce his collection. Previously used more regularly than it is currently, he feels it’s a shame not to use such a fantastic example. 

Supplied new by J Blake & Co, Liverpool. Having spent 52 years off the road and then purchased in 2012 by our vendor, it was then fastidiously restored over the following year. 

The V5, in our vendors name, is showing no previous keepers due to the length of time the little MG TC spent off the road. Also supplied with plenty of invoices stuffed into a large A4 file confirming the extensive restoration including the engine rebuild just 5,000 miles ago, a heritage certificate, some previous MOTs (now Tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt) and various MG manuals. There is also a box of spares (see image in gallery) to go with the car.

Exterior 

Spend some time browsing the image gallery and you will see that the MG TC is in remarkable condition; it looks splendid in its burgundy paintwork with contrasting biscuit hood. 

Starting from the ground up you will see from the images that the chassis was completely stripped, blasted and powder coated. A new body tub was then purchased from Hutson’s to the tune of £5,000, the front apron was renewed and then it was put together with and painted in that lovely burgundy paint. 

With the restoration now ten years old, it is no longer concours but is in very good shape. As evidenced by the images, the bodywork is showing no damage whatsoever, with the paintwork showing a couple of areas of aging or use. To be specific, we can see that the bonnet release catches have some signs of wear and tear, and the running boards are showing some slight bubbling. Apart from that it is lovely, bright, and presentable everywhere else.   

The pedantic nature of our vendor meant that the car was fitted with a new Mohair hood. It is an earlier version with the twin rear windows fitted that just looks so much better. The side screens are present (see image in gallery) and the MG TC has also been fitted with Brooklands Aeroscreens.

The wheels and tyres were all replaced, new spinners were fitted and the very useful upgrade to the “Tromboned” lights has been done; the rear lights are basically placed a little wider apart, therefore improving the visibility for following drivers. The MG TC is fitted with a rear luggage rack to complete the overall effect. 

You must agree, it looks absolutely wonderful from any angle; these early TCs really were beautiful cars. 

Interior 

Slide yourself into that front seat and you will notice that, although nice and snug, there is slightly more room than the MG TB. Having kept the overall width to the same size as its predecessor, MG had managed to widen the tub and reduce the width of the running boards to allow a little more comfort. 

They also replaced all the instrumentation to deliver a slightly more modern look, either way that spectacular dash is a work of art. As you will see, all the gauges look to be in wonderful condition; they were all reconditioned during the restoration. 

The trim was all restored by PJM Interiors. the leather seats are in fantastic condition and the matching vinyl door cards are just as good. The carpets were also replaced – unfortunately our vendor did not have time to hoover them prior to the images being taken – but they are still in great shape. The correct TC Steering wheel has been fitted and has none of the usual cracks or discolouring. 

Our vendor, as we mentioned, is something of an expert when it comes to restoring these. Therefore, as you would expect, all the switches work and operate their respective ancillaries just as they should.  

Engine and Mechanicals 

The TC was powered by MG’s mainstay XPAG 1250cc OHV four-cylinder engine. It was uprated with twin SU carburettors to improve breathing (and upping the power to 54.4bhp at 5200rpm), and its maximum speed approached 80mph. Not bad at all for a 74-year-old car and testament to how popular these early T series cars were and still are. 

Open the bonnet and you will see an extraordinarily clean engine bay with a refreshingly “used” looking engine nestled inside. Now don’t get us wrong, this is a well-presented matching numbers engine but is not so clean you could eat your dinner off it; it is an engine that has been used properly and has the odd bit of dirt here and there. Steam clean it and you probably could eat your dinner off it however, as such is the quality of the previous engine build. Currently it looks nice and honest. 

Our vendor has looked after the car, servicing it regularly and keeping it running as it should. Knowing these inside out he has shared that the pressure currently runs at 20 on the gauge but starts at 40. Running at these numbers since the original build he is confident in sharing that it runs wonderfully and will keep doing so going forward. That said, it has been 5,000 miles since the rebuild and he purchased new camshaft bearings that unfortunately, he hasn’t found time to fit – these however will be supplied with the car. Lastly, he has shared that he believes the rear drive splines are slightly worn, although it’s not noticeable when driving as the car drives superbly. 

He also has new fuel lines and a box of spares that will be supplied with the car. Due to our vendors fastidious nature and the fact the MG TC is no longer used regularly, he has suggested that the new owner may want to carry out some light recommissioning. If we are honest, we doubt it needs it, but the nature of these MG TC owners is that they generally like to tinker, so we suspect it will be subject to a good tinkering anyway…  Not judging TC owners, honest…! 

Our view  

To sum up, this MG TC is a very attractive example that has been restored to a very high standard.  Our vendor has been very honest and probably overstated any perceived bad points. If you have read the above article, you will agree that they are not really ‘bad’ points; they are just some areas that are not quite as good as the rest of the car. Such is the high standard of this example.  

These little MG TCs corner very well indeed, have excellent gear-change and good brakes, together with “vintage-like” roadholding and suspension. Those that remember the slogan of “Safety Fast” will agree that these MG TCs are tremendous fun and pretty reliable to boot. 

We believe that this one is right up there with the best of them, and probably the best on the market right now; it certainly will be with a professional valet. 

If you are looking for a cheap example to spend hours and hours putting right then look away, if you are looking for a really nice example that will not need much work going forward then here it is. A quality MG TC if we do say so ourselves…. Good luck!