Vehicle Description
The MG TC is perhaps one of the most iconic classic English sports
cars because it initiated the post WW II sports car phenomenon in
America.
Post World War 2, England was in dire financial straits and needed
to vastly increase their exports. MG was about to begin producing
the TC when Britain entered the war. All car-making ceased as
military vehicles and weapons took precedence. Fortunately, the
tools & parts planned for the TC were hidden and survived the
"blitzkrieg." Production began as soon as the war ended and the MG
TC was quickly discovered by the flood of American GIs on their way
home, energized by their victory, and glad to have survived ...with
uncashed paychecks in their pockets. Many returning veterans were
charmed by the new MG TCs they saw, and they shipped them home to
the States where they were admired for their performance, styling
and sportiness as well as their affordability. TCs had been
successfully raced in Britain and Europe, and some of the TCs
exported to the States were driven in road races here. Many of the
top US race car drivers of the fifties and sixties got their start
in MG TCs including John Fitch, Ken Miles, and Dan Gurney to name a
few. The appetite for sports cars in the United States was under
way and thus speeding ahead!
This MG TC was built in September 1949. Its chassis number is
TC9789 making it one of the last of 10,251 built. It was
comprehensively restored with a ground up restoration including all
new sub frame wood over several years in Michigan, with great
attention to period originality. Much of the work, including the
engine re-build, was done by University Motors of Grand Rapids MI,
one of the largest and most respected MG specialists in the
country; documentation is included. The fresh chrome 19-inch wheels
by Dayton set this TC apart from most. The beige leather seats &
tonneau cover are new & correct. The rarely used side curtains have
been restored and are in excellent condition. There is a minor
blemish on the cover caused by incorrect folding. The original
instruments are in working order and surrounded by a refinished
wood dashboard. The Turn signals have been fitted to the original
side/brake light fixtures with a control on the dash. The car is
currently fitted with a 14" Moto-Lita aluminium/wood rim steering
wheel which is comfortable for tall drivers. The original 17" wheel
is in excellent condition and is included in the sale. The chrome
is in excellent shape. The floor carpets are fresh with the MG
octagon logo embroidered on each. The paint is in the original
British Racing Green and in good shape. The headlamps have the
original "U" lenses which are rarely seen today.
A useful period-correct luggage rack and a badge bar with four
badges are also included. The engine bay is neat and clean and the
engine features polished aluminum valve and side covers as well as
the original polished aluminum air filter manifold. The Owners'
Manual, and several books including (The T Series Handbook, The 'T'
Series MG, MG by McComb, The Magic of MG, and The Immortal T
Series), and the original hand crank, which fortunately has never
been used are also included.
This motorcar has been privately owned since February 2012 and has
not been offered for sale until now. This car won First Place in
the Antique Car Restorers Club show for the previous owner and its
trophy included in the purchase. The car starts easily, runs
smoothly, and is a thrill to drive. It is driven regularly yet
sparingly to maintain its drivability. The odometer shows just
10,600 miles, believed to be the mileage since the restoration.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire one the most iconic British
sports cars for a reasonable investment!
Bid on this car in person at the RAND Luxury Auction on October
12th.
Details: www.RANDLuxury.com