1949 MG TC Midget
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Highlights
・Older restoration with just the right amount of patina.
・Mechanically original with all matching numbers.
・Delightful colour combination.
・Good amount of history.
The Background
Every young man’s dream of what a sports car should be, the MG TC appeared as soon as MG could resume car production in 1945. Launched late in 1945, the TC was based on the TB and possessed comparable performance but featured a widened body and improved suspension. More than any other car it was the MG TC that was responsible for starting the American love affair with the British sports car, as many went to customers in the USA, although curiously, unlike the later TD, it was only ever available in RHD.
With its big 19 inch wheels, rear mounted spare, fold-flat windscreen, cutaway doors, separate wings and slab fuel tank, it retained the sporty pre-war styling which was exactly what MG buyers were looking for, particularly car-hungry American ex-servicemen. These good looks and simple yet effective mechanicals helped the car to sell in important export markets and laid the foundation for MG's meteoric rise in popularity from the post-war austerity years to the more affluent 1950s.
It was powered by a simple 1,250cc cast iron OHV four-cylinder 54bhp engine mated to a four-speed synchromesh gearbox that enabled a top speed near 80mph. More comfortable than the preceding models, the TC remained in production until 1949 when it was replaced by the TD. Exactly 10,000 were sold in total, the vast majority to America and survivors are keenly sought-after today.
The History
This excellent example was amongst the last TCs built and was exported to the USA in 1949. Little is known about its early life in the US. The trail starts in 1964 when Katharine Martin paid cash for the MG at Rosenthal Chevrolet in Arlington, Virginia. She kept the car until 1974 when it was sold to Jon Lee of Brunswick, Maine. Jon Lee sold the car to UK Alvis specialist, the late Eddie Quelch who was on the lookout for a good original example for a customer back home. It arrived in the UK in September 1990, and was bought by Geoffrey Knight who fully restored the MG, and then passed it back to Eddie Quelch to be sold.
The Vendor tells us he purchased the MG from Eddie in 1994 and has enjoyed it for the past 27 years, while being stored in its own purpose-built, heated garage, so in genuinely exceptional condition, never driven in wet/salty conditions, always wiped down after use, and kept under clean sheets. It was also regularly serviced by garage, which in 2020 identified nothing requiring attention.
The Vendor tells us he purchased the MG from Eddie in 1994 and has enjoyed it for the past 27 years, while being stored in its own purpose-built, heated garage, so in genuinely exceptional condition, never driven in wet/salty conditions, always wiped down after use, and kept under clean sheets. It was also regularly serviced by garage, which in 2020 identified nothing requiring attention.
According to the history file the MG retains its original engine and gearbox, and has been on the same registration since it arrived back in the UK in 1990. The mileage, which currently stands at just over 20,000, can be traced back to 1990 when Eddie Quelch first purchased the MG in the USA at 16,891 miles. There is a small possibility that it could have only been driven 16,000 miles between 1949 and 1990, but I think we would have to assume it’s more likely to be 120,000 miles. The plus side to this is it has covered a mere 3,000 miles since it was comprehensively restored.
Now being offered for sale as the Vendor has problems with his eyesight, and has surrendered his driving licence. But even before that, the vendor barely used it on the road, as he's more of a collector rather than a driver.
In the past few months driving the MG has been limited to excursions on a private road within his 3 acre grounds.
In the past few months driving the MG has been limited to excursions on a private road within his 3 acre grounds.
The Paperwork
There is a pretty comprehensive history file with the MG, starting with various documents, titles and sales receipts from its Stateside past. There is the Import document from 1990, its first UK MOT in 1991 (at 16,911 miles), an old V5 from its first UK registration and MOT certificates up to its last one in 2012 at 19,542 miles.
There are various invoices and bills on file, and the Vendor tells us that regular maintenance and any other work that the MG required over the years has been completed by marque specialists or trusted local garages with years of classic car experience. No expense was spared. Over the years the gearbox, steering and brakes have all been rebuilt with most of the invoices on file.
The Interior
Inside the MG is just how it should be with no aftermarket parts, everything looks to be original. There are unworn MG logo floor mats and black carpet. The green leather seats are lightly worn with no marks or other damage. The door cards are in great condition and look to be later replacements.
The green faced instruments, like the dash itself, all show a little age, but the condition can be described as very good.
The Exterior
As can be seen from the photographs the MG looks the business. The Classic Cream (Sequoia Cream in the USA) paint suits the car, and is a nice contrast to the green leather interior. The radiator vanes are correct in matching green and altogether the MG presents well. The paint finish can be described as excellent, with only a few pin prick marks to be seen. There is a light tan roof cover, under which the smart roof can be found. We can see from the photographs the roof fits well, and has the as new matching drop in side screens stored in bags in the rear compartment.
The chrome trim, screen frame, mirrors, headlights, and radiator all have a nice shine with very little pitting or misting to the finish. The 19 inch spoked wheels are all clean with matching Dunlops showing plenty of life left in them.
The Mechanics
The Vendor has taken great care to keep the MG as mechanically original as possible, so there are no modern upgrades to the engine or drivetrain. That said, although it is in stock “as built” condition the MG drives as it should. Under the bonnet the engine is clean and completely stock in appearance. Even the wiring, cables and pipework are correct. There are no stains or drips to be seen.
It has stainless steel silencer & exhaust, and as these photos indicate, there is no visible rust and the main chassis members are black-enamelled
It has stainless steel silencer & exhaust, and as these photos indicate, there is no visible rust and the main chassis members are black-enamelled
The Appeal
If you are looking for a lovely TC, restored to original condition then we doubt you’ll find a much better example.
We can quote the Vendor, who sums up the MG nicely in his own words- “ It is not a ‘restomod’, with modern parts to make it drive like a modern car. It is a well restored, mechanically unmodified and well maintained original which drives as it was meant to, and fully usable and enjoyable on the road.
Ideal for someone who does not want a car to work on, but wants a ‘ready-made’ in exceptional condition to drive and show.” We agree!
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1949
- Make MG
- Model TC Midget
- Colour White
- Odometer 20,120 Miles
- Engine size 1250
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Cheshire
- Country United Kingdom
10
bids
from 7
bidders
- Cr•••• £25,000 05/07/21
- Ha•••• £24,500 05/07/21
- De•••• £24,250 05/07/21
- Cr•••• £22,500 05/07/21
- Mi•••• £22,000 30/06/21
- Va•••• £20,250 30/06/21
- Mi•••• £20,000 28/06/21
- Re•••• £17,500 28/06/21
- Mi•••• £16,000 28/06/21
- JB•••• £5,000 28/06/21
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