1949 MG TC 'EX-U' Midget
Chassis no. TC/9852/EXU
Engine no. XPAG/10509
Matching #'s 1,250cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
70bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Beam Axle with Leaf Springs - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Desirable, end-of-the-run export EX-U TC built a few hundred cars from the end
*Well-preserved condition with many factory finishes intact
*Retains its original matching numbers engine
West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional and rare mostly all original 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. This TC was completed at the Abingdon works during the Fall of 1949, and completed with the EX-U chassis prefix, indicating that the car was built for Export, and most likely destined for the US market. The MG was completed just a few hundred cars from the end of production, and just about 500 such EX-U examples were officially imported into the US in 1949, accounting for fewer than 5% of all TC models built. The car was most likely finished as it appears today, in MG Red with Vellum beige interior and matching tan convertible top and side curtains.
An archetypal prewar British sports car design 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 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 Midget presents beautifully inside and out. It is apparent that some high-quality restoration work was performed in the past, while many original factory finishes remain 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 the engine dressed with an alloy valve cover. Classic silver painted wire wheels are 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.
