Lot details Registration No: 570 XUE Chassis No: TC9465 Mot Expiry: None
Introduced in late 1945, the MG TC struck a chord with the buying public despite being almost wilfully old-fashioned. Boasting a wider cockpit than its TB predecessor, the new model was similarly based around a ladder-frame chassis equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension and nine-inch hydraulic drum brakes. With its dual-cowl dashboard, fold-flat windscreen, cutaway-doors, swept front / rear wings and rear-mounted spare wheel, the TC looked every inch the traditional sports car. Powered by the Abingdon marque's renowned XPAG 1250cc OHV four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed synchromesh manual gearbox, it was reputedly capable of 78mph. The last MG product to ride on nineteen-inch wire wheels, the TC attracted a strong following in the USA (especially among demobbed servicemen).
The car on offer was built in August 1949, making it one of the last TCs to roll off the line. Its chassis number of TC9465 suggests it was manufactured for the home market. However, it has spent most of its life in the USA and is assumed to have been exported there by an American airman, as were so many other T Series cars. The MG sports green coachwork complemented by a beige hood and beige leather interior. In recent years, it has undergone an extensive restoration at the hands of Tim Morehead who, the owner tells us, is well known in American MG circles and has apparently restored many other TCs. Immediately after being shipped to the UK in a container, TC9465 was prepared for an MOT, which it is said to have passed without problem. Since then the car has been stored. It is described by the vendor as "though not concours, nevertheless a very fine example which runs and drives well". Keen to see the car reunited with its original British number plate, the vendor obtained the help of the MG Octagon Car Club in making a case to the DVLA. However, their records were insufficient to make this possible and the MG now wears a Manchester registration of the period. We understand the car has been authenticated by the MG T register.
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:
If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035