Lot 321: MG TC

The MG Midgets originated with the 847 c.c. M-Type in 1928 and progressed to the 939 c.c. PB in 1936, always fitted with an overhead camshaft engine, and with the power output doubling during this period. The TA appeared in July 1936; it kept the slab tank, folding windscreen and cut-away doors which had been popularised by the J2 and its successors, but there were several major changes, which included fitting a 1292 c.c. pushrod overhead valve engine, lengthening the wheelbase by nearly 7", and replacing the cable brakes with hydraulics, which reduced the diameter of the drums from 12" to 9". The cars turned out to be more comfortable and practical than their predecessors, as well as being faster and handling better; tuned versions were soon lapping Brooklands at more than 90 m.p.h. Around 3,000 TAs were made before they were followed by the 1250 c.c. TB in 1939; this was almost identical, but only a few hundred were made before the War, after which came the hugely successful TC, so popular with American Servicemen that it led to the phenomenal post-war increase in sports-car racing in the U.S.A. which has continued to this day - in 1944 the Sports Car Club of America had only 52 members! The TC, whilst being fundamentally the same as the TA, incorporated a myriad of detail changes, not least of all a substantially more flexible and powerful engine. Thus the TC is seen as the ultimate development of the MG T Series and was the foundation of MG's meteoric rise in popularity following the pre war austerity years and heralding the affluent 1950s and too many MG's heyday as every young man's dream of a sports car. This particular example, owned for many many years by its vendor, underwent a chassis up restoration to the highest standards including the removal off all components, including the body and rebuilding of the wood frame, body work, engine and all running components as necessary. Documented with many photographs detailing the extensive restoration, now beautifully presented and having covered only a few hundred miles since completion, this beautifully presented motor car is finished in deep red with tan interior and full weather equipment. Ready to enjoy