Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1947 MG TC.
This is literally the car model that started the entire sports car craze in the United States after WWII. Servicemen saw the MG T series cars on the roads of the United Kingdom, often while being driven by RAF pilots, and after driving one decided that they needed to get their own. After the war these same serviceman bought MG TCs, which was launched as a new model MG in 1946, and had them shipped home.
When they returned to the U.S. these same servicemen drove their TCs everywhere. The TC was a car like nothing ever built in the U.S., a small open top sports car that was light, offered adequate power, looked like nothing else on the road, and was immensely fun and involving to drive. MG sold thousands to the U.S. despite the TC being only offered in right hand drive configuration. These same cars also started to show up at road races in the U.S. and in many ways spurred the entire road racing craze that took place in this country in the 1950s and 60s.
This specific MG TC is located in Tomball, Texas and is painted in Red with a Tan vinyl interior.
The seller describes this TC a car that was restored approximately 10 years ago and powered by a correct MG 1,250cc inline four-cylinder XPAG engine backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Features include right-hand drive, a folding windshield, a rear-mounted spare tire, a luggage rack, knock-off wire wheels, and a front fog light. It comes from the selling dealer with a tan top boot and a clear title.
The seller adds that during the restoration process, the exterior was refinished in Red. Features include a front fog light with a stone guard, dual chrome headlight housings, a chrome radiator shell with a red insert, a folding windshield, a driver-side mirror, a folding convertible top, a body-color fuel tank, a rear-mounted spare tire, and a chrome luggage rack. The car rides on a set of 19-inch chrome knock-off wheels with correct 4.75/5.00 x 19 Blockley bias-ply tires. The seller also states that two small scratches caused by the hood latches are present on the left front fender.
The interior has had its bench seat replaced with two bucket seats that are upholstered in a tan vinyl. This is a great thing, as it makes the car much more comfortable to actually drive and also allows taller people to more comfortably fit in the car. Features include manual right-hand-drive steering, a four-spoke banjo steering wheel with a cream grip, a floor-mounted manual transmission shifter, a woodgrain dashboard fascia, and tan vinyl trim.
The MG TC is a driving experience that is different from every other post-war sports car. This is because it is really a pre-war MG that was built after the war. It has solid front and rear axles, drum brakes, and very striking 19″ tires. This makes it thrilling to drive at legal speeds and a veritable time machine to the past. That coupled with the stunning classic good looks of the TC make it a car that every collection should have in it as it was truly the sports car that started it all in the U.S. and is a true icon.
The auction for this 1947 MG TC roadster ends Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at 12:45 p.m. (PDT)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
