Vehicle Description
West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional
show quality and rare mostly all original example of this 1948 MG
TC Roadster with its original matching #'s engine and a truly
superb example of the diminutive, classically styled two-seat
Roadster that is credited with sparking America's love affair with
imported sports cars after World War II.Chassis no. TC/5447Engine
no. XPAG/60531,250cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder EngineTwo SU
Semi-Downdraft Carburetors54.4bhp at 5,200rpm4-Speed Manual
Transmission4-Wheel Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs with Front and Rear
Live Axles4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes* Iconic Post-war Sports car
from the UK* Attractively presented in Almond Green over biscuit*
Recent detailing and attention* A perfect summer tour carAn
absolutely beautifully restored and maintained example with
striking livery and very desirable and rare period accessories, an
ideal example for entry into classic shows and touring events.
Beneath the hood, its original chassis plate confirms its identity
and that the engine is that with which it was originally supplied.
With an odometer reading of a mere 581 miles, it seems very likely
that this is post restoration road use only and the car's
presentation attests to that.This 1948 MG TC, chassis TC5447,
benefits handsomely from a well-maintained, nut-and-bolt
restoration. Featuring glossy 'Almond Green' paint over supple
'Biscuit' upholstery, it retains its original XPAG 1,250 cc engine
and correct mechanicals, plus excellent ash wooden body framing and
a clean undercarriage. Period-correct accessories include proper
Lucas lamps, signals and hardware, a matching canvas full cab and
half-zip tonneau cover. Riding on correct painted wire wheels with
period style 4.50-19 Blockley tires, this 1948 MG TC is a wonderful
example of one of the worlds all-time most important sports cars
and an archetypal prewar British sports car design that carried
over into the postwar period. The TC was built between 1945-49 and
was the primary influence in turning Americans onto European sports
cars. It has since achieved rare 'Milestone' status and with its
classic lines, freestanding headlamps, upright radiator shell,
sweeping front fenders, rakish cutaway doors, fold down windshield,
abbreviated tail which houses the fuel tank and spare tire, and 19"
diameter wire wheels with knock off hubs.The offered TC looks every
bit the British sports car that it should and has clearly had the
benefit of a considerable no expense spared refurbishment both
prior to and within the previous ownership. The extraordinarily
striking and lesser seen hue of 'Almond Green', a color popular on
another UK great, the Mini some years later, is handsome and very
appealing. Providing aesthetic contrast is a biscuit leather
interior which has evidently been renewed to an equally high
standard, and the large wire wheels are finished in silver and shod
with period style Blockley tires and the interior is completed with
the plethora of chrome trim, from radiator to windshield and lamps,
and dashboard instrumentation.The right-hand drive TC Midget
appeared in 1946 and was almost identical in appearance to the
pre-war Types TA and TB. The sporting little MG was brought to the
US in considerable numbers by GIs returning from England and soon
gained a strong following, especially in California and on the east
coast. These MGs had many endearing features, including a slab fuel
tank, 19-inch diameter wire wheels, folding windshields and
octagonal dashboard instruments. Sales got a great lift when a Life
Magazine photographer shot one being driven underneath a big lumber
carrier on a Los Angeles street. Many soon found their way into
amateur racing, and almost every one of the legendary American
sports car champions of the post-war era began their careers in a
TC, including Phil Hill amp; Carrol Shelby.The simple 1250cc cast
iron four cylinder engine was a revelation and the cars agility
made a strong impact on American car racers, including famously
Carrol Shelby whose first race car was a TC and which sold at
Barrett Jackson in 2015 for over $500K. No left hand drive models
were ever built and now any good example is a cult favorite and
sure fire collectible British Sports car and rare matching #'s well
sorted examples like this one will always attract the most
discerning of collectors.This extraordinarily charming and
obviously exceptionally well preserved and stock TC presents
absolutely beautifully inside and out. It is apparent that some
extremely high-quality and factory correct restoration work was
performed in the past, with many original factory finishes
remaining intact, including much of the chrome and brightwork. The
car also drives as it must have when new, mechanically it has
absolutely no known issues, drives as one would expect of one of
the obviously most well maintained and sorted examples anywhere.
Turn key ready. Very rare to find original matching numbers engine
with ID plates and factory stampings are in place with classic
silver painted wire wheels fitted, with a 5th spare strapped to the
back.In summary this example would not be out of place in the most
discerning of collections, it would be hard to find a finer
matching #'s example available anywhere else.
