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/5447
Engine no. XPAG/6053
1,250cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Two SU Semi-Downdraft Carburetors
54.4bhp at 5,200rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs with Front and Rear Live Axles
4-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 car
An 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 & 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.
