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.From Renown Collection:AACA
National First Prize Award WinnerFactory correct restoration,
meticulously performedCharming amp; very striking 'Sequoia Cream'
over 'Shires Green'; livery leatherChassis no. TC/4881Engine no.
XPAG/55451,250cc 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*
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 and
presented with factory tools, jack, and other rare 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 40 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 TC4881,
benefits handsomely from a well-maintained, nut-and-bolt
restoration. Featuring glossy 'Sequoia Cream' paint over supple
'Shires Green' 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 side curtains. In addition to an instruction manual,
this high-quality TC is accompanied by correct tools including a
restored jack plus an auxiliary starting crank and Thor wheel
hammer. 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 'Sequoia Cream', which is both
handsome and very appealing. Providing aesthetic contrast is a
'Shires Green' 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, and an original tool kit accompanies the car.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.
