Description
At the end of the war, MG, like so many other British carmakers, simply dusted off the old plans and began producing cars that were essentially outdated. The TC was a TB with a 4-inch wider body, shackle springs instead of trunnion springs, and a single 12-volt battery mounted on the engine bulkhead instead of two 6-volt batteries behind the seats. Production of the TC began in September 1945 and continued until November 1949.
The TC was a pre-war car, built after the war. Abingdon didn’t expect much from it, but it was a post-war seller’s market and they underestimated the car’s acceptance abroad. The popularity of the MG TC is surprising when compared with most other post-war cars, particularly American cars, which were equipped with heaters, powerful engines and high capacity, comfortable and relatively quiet. The TC makes no concessions to comfort, and has a small, noisy engine. However, despite its modest performance, it could be launched with abandon and, thanks to its four-speed gearbox and high-revving engine, was very pleasant to drive. TC owners ranged from man-in-the-street to famous actors and aspiring racing drivers. Because it was easily modifiable, it became the car of choice for the “boy racers” fraternity. A total of 10, 000 units were produced, more than the total production of 8, 451 midgets between 1928 and 1936, when production of the P-type ceased. Phil Hill, Formula I champion in 1961, raced a modified TC at the start of his career in 1951, while at the other extreme, Prince Phillip of Greece, future Duke of Edinburgh, courted his future wife in a brand-new black TC in the late 1940s. There’s no doubt that the TC put MG on the world map, and in the USA became the epitome of the English sports car. This example was completely restored in the 2000s and acquired by the current owner in 2013. It is still in excellent condition. The vehicle has been meticulously maintained to this day. The doors and side windows are present.
