Lot Number #104

1949 MG TC

Estimate: $35,000 - $45,000

Highlights

  • RAND Luxury is pleased to announce that it will present cars from The Hine Collection
  • Chassis number is TC9789 making it one of the last of 10,251 built.
  • Ground Up Restoration by University Motors of Grand Rapids MI, one of the most respected MG specialists
  • Won First Place in the Antique Car Restorers Club Show
  • Odometer shows just 10,600 miles since the restoration & engine re-build

The MG TC is perhaps one of the most iconic classic English sports cars because it initiated the post WW II sports car phenomenon in America.

Post World War 2, England was in dire financial straits and needed to vastly increase their exports. MG was about to begin producing the TC when Britain entered the war. All car-making ceased as military vehicles and weapons took precedence. Fortunately, the tools & parts planned for the TC were hidden and survived the “blitzkrieg.” Production began as soon as the war ended and the MG TC was quickly discovered by the flood of American GIs on their way home, energized by their victory, and glad to have survived …with uncashed paychecks in their pockets. Many returning veterans were charmed by the new MG TCs they saw, and they shipped them home to the States where they were admired for their performance, styling and sportiness as well as their affordability. TCs had been successfully raced in Britain and Europe, and some of the TCs exported to the States were driven in road races here. Many of the top US race car drivers of the fifties and sixties got their start in MG TCs including John Fitch, Ken Miles, and Dan Gurney to name a few. The appetite for sports cars in the United States was under way and thus speeding ahead!

This MG TC was built in September 1949. Its chassis number is TC9789 making it one of the last of 10,251 built. It was comprehensively restored with a ground up restoration including all new sub frame wood over several years in Michigan, with great attention to period originality. Much of the work, including the engine re-build, was done by University Motors of Grand Rapids MI, one of the largest and most respected MG specialists in the country; documentation is included. The fresh chrome 19-inch wheels by Dayton set this TC apart from most. The beige leather seats & tonneau cover are new & correct. The rarely used side curtains have been restored and are in excellent condition. There is a minor blemish on the cover caused by incorrect folding. The original instruments are in working order and surrounded by a refinished wood dashboard. The Turn signals have been fitted to the original side/brake light fixtures with a control on the dash. The car is currently fitted with a 14” Moto-Lita aluminium/wood rim steering wheel which is comfortable for tall drivers. The original 17” wheel is in excellent condition and is included in the sale. The chrome is in excellent shape. The floor carpets are fresh with the MG octagon logo embroidered on each. The paint is in the original British Racing Green and in good shape. The headlamps have the original “U” lenses which are rarely seen today.

A useful period-correct luggage rack and a badge bar with four badges are also included. The engine bay is neat and clean and the engine features polished aluminum valve and side covers as well as the original polished aluminum air filter manifold. The Owners’ Manual, and several books including (The T Series Handbook, The ‘T’ Series MG, MG by McComb, The Magic of MG, and The Immortal T Series), and the original hand crank, which fortunately has never been used are also included.

This motorcar has been privately owned since February 2012 and has not been offered for sale until now. This car won First Place in the Antique Car Restorers Club show for the previous owner and its trophy included in the purchase. The car starts easily, runs smoothly, and is a thrill to drive. It is driven regularly yet sparingly to maintain its drivability. The odometer shows just 10,600 miles, believed to be the mileage since the restoration. This is a rare opportunity to acquire one the most iconic British sports cars for a reasonable investment!