Highlights
- Fully restored by its current owner and finished in Sequoia Cream
- In excess of £40,000 is believed to have been spent
- Full photographic record of the restoration work along with a wealth of invoices
- New ash frame and tan interior
The Appeal
The British Isles were quite literally brimming with American servicemen during the Second World War - approximately three million of them in all. They weren’t fans of the weather or the beer, but British sports cars hit the spot. Especially MGs. Once the conflict was over and the GIs had returned home, the order forms came flooding into Abingdon. Within six weeks of wartime production coming to an end, the MG works were producing a new model, the TC. 2,000 made their way across the Atlantic and MG found the number sufficient to warrant a special North American model, although it would remain in right-hand drive.
That’s exactly what we have here. This US market 1946 MG TC has since returned to its country of origin where it has undergone an extensive restoration during present ownership. Acquired by the vendor in 1996 as a bare chassis, engine, gearbox, rear axle and several body panels, the MG required a total rebuild although was found to be in reasonable condition having spent much of its life in an arid climate. It also came with a new Ash frame and refurbished instruments and chrome parts at a cost of £6,500. The vendor estimates that they have spent over £40,000 returning the car to its original condition and while they never intended for it to be a Concours car, it won second prize at an event with some 250 entrants!
The vendor is now unable to make use of the car as much as they would have liked, so reluctantly, they offer it to a new home so that it can continue to be enjoyed and cherished in the manner it has been accustomed to post-restoration.
The History and Paperwork
- US market example
- Acquired by the vendor in December 1996
- UK road registered since 2015 (0 former UK registered keepers)
- Age-related registration assigned following accreditation from the T Register
- Right-hand drive
- Photographic record of the restoration work
- Large file of invoices detailing all parts purchased and work carried out
- Numerous hand-written notes detailing history since 1996
- 2nd prize Concours recipient
- Exempt from MOT and road tax
The vendor’s comments:
“It was an ideal project for me having just completed a full body off restoration of an MGA. I was attracted to the TC due to its 1940s looks and the fact that I had driven my father's TC in my early teens on disused airfields. As one can see from the photographs, the car has been completely restored and is in first-class condition.”
“It was an ideal project for me having just completed a full body off restoration of an MGA. I was attracted to the TC due to its 1940s looks and the fact that I had driven my father's TC in my early teens on disused airfields. As one can see from the photographs, the car has been completely restored and is in first-class condition.”
The Condition
- Always stored in a Garage with a full Supertex car cover that will be supplied with the car together with a battery conditioner
- Beautifully presented inside, out and underneath
- All wet weather equipment present and in superb order
- Equipped with a luggage rack
- Arrow-straight bodywork with no obvious signs of corrosion or accident damage
- Very good panel alignment and door fit
- The Sequoia Cream paint continues to present very well indeed, as do the chrome finishes
- The retrimmed interior looks wonderful, with no notable wear to the leather, woodwork or controls
When the vendor acquired the car, the chassis was found to be in reasonable condition and new outriggers were fitted together with added strengtheners, as per Sherrel's TC Forever. It was then shotblasted and powder-coated.
The new ash frame was fitted with refurbished or new panels and the paintwork was completed by S.H. Restorations. A.S Pickering of Bradford manufactured and installed the tan interior, together with a black hood, side screens and tonneau. The MG really does look wonderful from every angle and the vendor comments that it is is admired by all who see it out on the road.
The Mechanics
- 1.2-litre (1,250 cc) XPAG four-cylinder engine
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- Upgraded with “pancake”-type air filters
- Regular maintenance performed by the vendor and marque specialists when required
- Mechanically rebuilt to a high standard
- Superbly presented engine compartment
The MG’s engine was professionally overhauled by well-regarded TC expert George Edney who also installed hardened value seats to accommodate modern unleaded petrol. The gearbox and prop shaft were fully rebuilt, while the rear axle was refurbished by Brown and Gammons.
The car was converted to negative earth and is fitted with LED sidelights and indicators. The high-level brake lights and indicators give some reassurance that other vehicles can see you but can easily be removed if originality is preferred.
All brake pipes are reportedly as new and the vendor reports that the brakes are very effective now using silicone fluid. A brass master cylinder was fitted and brake service was carried out by a specialist just over a year ago. The front brake drums have been changed to Alfin drums, mainly as these look fantastic. The original drums are supplied with the car including minor spares, points, coil, rotor arm and oil filters. The exhaust silencer is now a stainless steel item.
The vendor reports that the engine still starts first time and runs smoothly with good oil pressure.
They comment:
“The TC has a lively engine with a smooth four-speed gearbox and can keep up with modern traffic with good brakes. Suspension is truly 1940's and the Bishop Cam steering gives a true character to the car.”
BEFORE YOU BUY
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
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