Fantasy Junction

Description

1948 MG TC
s/n TC6839 engine no. XPAG7590
Red with Tan Interior

The MG TC, and its predecessors, the TA and TB, are in many ways responsible for the American love affair with the sports car. American servicemen stationed in the United Kingdom during the Second World War saw, drove, and eventually owned these nimble and entertaining little cars, showing an entire generation that there was more to motoring than brute force. With this enlightened point of view, Americans returning from overseas brought their appreciation of small foreign sports cars with them, and cars like MGs and Triumphs found an audience here. As buyers became wealthier, they found their way to more expensive foreign sports cars, and so the success of those cars in the United States is in large part built upon the MG T series cars.

Technically, they were not extraordinarily complex or sophisticated, but they were easy to work on, inexpensive to buy, and above all, fun. The cars employed a robust four cylinder engine with 4-speed manual gearbox and hydraulic brakes, clothed in sporting open bodywork. The TC was introduced in 1945, and for the first time, officially imported to the United States, where, despite only being available in right hand drive, the cars sold well, laying the foundation for the TD and TF. Priced at £527, they were inexpensive and about 10,000 were built, though the survival rate is surprisingly low simply because the cars were not very expensive and performing a thorough restoration was economically irresponsible.

Thus, a well-restored TC is a rare find. This particular example is a correctly restored and attractive matching-numbers example that runs and drives well. It was restored to high standards with high quality paint over well-prepared and straight panels. The paint is in excellent order with only a few small chips. The chrome is excellent throughout and the car sits on correct wire wheels with vintage type Dunlop tires. The Lucas headlamps and driving lamp are excellent, as are the other lights and glass. The canvas top is excellent.

The interior is in similarly nice condition with a high level of workmanship throughout. The leather seats were retrimmed to high standards and show virtually no wear and the carpets are excellent. The dashboard is also in fine shape, with restored correct instruments and universally nice switches and controls.

The engine compartment was correctly restored and its condition is appropriate for a high end driver. It shows light soiling from use and storage but presents strongly overall with good attention to detail, as well as correct components and finishes throughout.

The car runs and drives well. It starts easily and runs well. The clutch is positive and operates as it should, as does the gearbox. The operation of the gearbox is surprisingly slick with pleasingly short throws and feels considerably more modern than the 1948 build date of the car would suggest. It is a genuine pleasure to use. The chassis and suspension are coherent and operate as they should and the brakes are another high point of the car, with good feel and bite, as well as linear and symmetrical operation.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a matching-number MG TC that was restored to far higher standards than most MGs. It drives well, makes a strong cosmetic impression, and represents excellent value as a high end driver that is ready to enjoy.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608