MG TC

The MG TC first appeared in 1945 and was essentially a revamped version of the pre-war MG TA / TB models. 

The TC had classic 1930's MG styling which was exactly what MG buyers were looking for, particularly car-hungry American ex-servicemen. With its dual-cowl dashboard, fold-flat windscreen, cutaway-doors, separate wings, rear-mounted spare wheel and slab fuel tank, it was every young man’s dream of what a sports car should be.

These classic 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 pre-war austerity years to the affluent 1950s. Despite its rather crude design, which included a flexible ladder-type chassis and all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension and nine-inch hydraulic drum brakes, the car was blessed with surprising agility.

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. Roomier and 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.

Dating from 1948, this particular TC spent most of its life in America, returning to these shores in 1994. Owned by just one family since then (father and daughter), it has only been lightly used these past 20 years but gets taken out most summers and has been serviced and MOTd most years by Charlie Smith of Ludlow.

Curiously, the vendor states that it has been right-hand drive since he bought it and he thinks that it may have been so from new, although this cannot be taken as fact. In good, sound condition throughout, the car is said to drive very well with current MOT and tax. It comes with a serviceable hood but no sidescreens.

A much-loved family member, it is only reluctantly being sold because it is no longer getting the use that it deserves – daughter has got young kids and no longer gets chance to drive it, while dad is getting on a bit and fancies something a bit more comfortable! They would like the car to go to another caring home where it can get more regular use and continue to be cherished in the manner to which it has become accustomed.