Most “car nuts” know the story of the TC in the United States. It is the literal and direct ancestor of any and all sports cars sold on these shores, and might be the reason Cameron Argetsinger founded the SCCA. These little cars sold in volume numbers to G.I.s returning home from England after the second World War. Servicemen were enamored with the light, agile handling of the English “sports cars,” and wanted to go racing! All one had to do to race prepare a TC was to arrive at the course, adjust the tire pressure, fold the windshields down and tape up the headlights. After a day at the track, reverse the procedure, and head home. The legend of the TC cannot be traced to any technological breakthrough, as it is mostly unchanged from the pre-WWII TB. 4 inches were added to the body width, making the running boards more narrow, and the 4-cylinder pushrod engine got a compression ratio bump to 7.4:1. Hydraulic timing chain tensioners, and mechanical advance distributors meant the small engine now gave almost 55 hp. Although none of these figures are extraordinary by today’s outrageous standards, the true charisma of a TC is in the experience. It is a harmonious balance of lithe steering, slick shifting, a willing engine, and good brakes.
This example, Car No. TC/4867 has been family owned since 1951. Painted ivory in 1956, it returned to original British Racing Red in 1978, but the interior, engine, and transmission are original. This is a wonderful opportunity to own sports car history, and discover the aura and character of true patina.
1,250cc I-4 engine with dual S.U. carburetors
4-speed manual gearbox
Original interior, engine, and transmission
Single family owned since 1951
Records and photo documentation of history
Car # TC/4867
Engine # XPAG 5518
