Vehicle Description
The MG TC was the third in the "Midget" series of four-cylinder
sports cars that first debuted in 1936, replacing the PB. The TA
was powered by an uprated version of the Wolseley 10 OHV
four-cylinder engine, and the styling was slightly revised,
retaining the lovely sweeping fenders and elegantly simple body.
With the introduction of the TB in 1939, the Wolseley engine was
dropped in favor of the more modern XPAG engine as fitted to the
Morris Ten. As before, MG massaged the engine and fitted dual SU
carburetors to produce a respectable 54 horsepower. A mere 379 were
produced before the outbreak of war halted production. MG's first
post-war model, the TC, was launched in 1945. Outwardly similar to
the TB, the TC had a slightly wider body for additional comfort and
the XPAG engine got a slight bump in compression and horsepower.
The big news however, was the introduction of the TC to American
shores. Returning US Servicemen had been bitten by the sports car
bug while serving in Europe and a great many of them brought home
sports cars, soon organizing racing circuits on open roads or
setting up temporary circuits on air fields. Cars from MG, Allard,
Jaguar and Austin-Healey formed the foundation of American sports
car racing in the era. The TC, while built in right-hand-drive
only, proved popular enough with sportycar enthusiasts to cement
MG's place in the critical American market, which would serve as
the marque's largest consumer for the next three and a half
decades. The TC may not have been big on power, but it was simple,
robust and it drove like nothing Americans had experienced on our
shores before. This little car with its pre-war styling had the
huge character, defined by the torquey XPAG engine, short throws on
the four-speed gearbox and the fabulously direct steering. Simple
suspension on tall, skinny wheels was far from sophisticated, but
given the TC's light weight, it made for predictable and enjoyable
handling. Best of all, it was inexpensive. The TC was the gateway
drug for a great many racers who then moved on to bigger and faster
things. If a driver could be fast in a TC, he or she could be fast
in just about anything. This marvelous MG TC is believed to have
originally been imported to California, and has been modified with
a number of rare period-correct accessories that would have been
utilized in the early 1950s by a budding sports car enthusiast to
eek a little more performance out of their newly acquired TC. It is
presented in lovely navy-blue paintwork, along with blue leather
and blue canvas upholstery on the top and tonneau. The excellent
body has been modified with cycle fenders up front to shed weight,
retaining the pretty original rear wings. The bonnet sides have
been removed to improve cooling - a typical modification for the
period - and a single driving lamp is mounted up front. The factory
folding windscreen is supplemented by a pair of period Brooklands
Aeroscreens. The original, spindly 19-inch wire wheels are fitted;
finished in silver-gray paint as correct and a dual, rear-mounted
spare wheel setup further enhances the purposeful look. The overall
quality is excellent, and while the restoration has a few years on
it, the car has been very well-maintained as part of a larger
collection, remaining in excellent condition and beautifully
presented. Attractive blue leather trim complements the blue
bodywork, and the original dash panel has been replaced with an
engine turned panel for a bit more of a sporty appeal. A correct
style� in tan steering wheel gives a sporty, purposeful appearance.
The cockpit presents in very fine condition, showing minimal wear.
The canvas top and tonneau cover are both in good order, allowing
for some moderate protection from the elements. The go-fast goodies
are not limited to a few cosmetics modifications. The 1250 cc OHV
four cylinder is uprated with a Judson supercharger, providing a
welcome boost over the original 55 horsepower. Most notable,
however, is the useful additional torque provided by the blower.
This little TC runs very well and thanks to that extra torque,
returns lively performance and a tuneful soundtrack from the sports
exhaust. Keeping all of that additional speed in check is a set of
very rare period finned alloy brake drums. A rare period speed
part, few of these survived as they were popular among racers who
would have run them quite hard in competition. This delightful MG
TC harkens back to the days of intrepid racers driving their cars
to places like Watkins Glen, Bryfan Tyddyn and Pebble Beach,
battling for glory and (hopefully) driving back home at the end of
a weekend. It is a beautifully presented car that is an absolute
blast to drive. Few cars can capture the pure essence of motoring
like the MG TC, and this example, thanks to the many fine period
enhancements, has been made even more enjoyable to carve up your
favorite back roads.
