Lot 318: 1948 MG TC

For thousands of people, the MG TC was the first sports car they ever saw, touched or drove. And for many more it was the very first car they raced. Formula 1 champion Phil Hill raced an MG TC, as did automotive Journalist David E. Davis Jr. and future SCCA champion Doc Wyllie.

Approximately 2,000 TCs of the 10,000 or so produced came into the United States when new. Although few were imported, their import was totally out of proportion to the numbers involved.

The TC was quickly developed upon the end of World War II. It was little more than an updated and slightly widened prewar TB. The chassis was a ladder frame rolling on a pair of solid axles suspended by a quartet of longitudinally-mounted semi-elliptic leaf springs. Braking was taken care of by hydraulically-actuated drums inside each of the spindly 19-inch knock-off wire wheels. A Bishop cam steering box dictated that all TCs would have right-hand-drive, no matter where they were destined. And destined, most TCs were. In order to obtain raw materials, British Companies were forced to export manufactured goods in order to generate much needed hard currency for war ravaged Britain.

Power for the TC came from a 1,250cc overhead-valve four-cylinder engine rated at 54.4 horsepower breathing through a pair of SU carburetors. It was mated to a four-speed manual transmission with synchronizers on second, third and fourth gears.

To many, the TC looked identical to the TB and TA that had come earlier. Certainly, the bodies were similar in all but dimensions. Like coachbuilt pre-war cars, the steel body panels were fastened to an ash body frame. Weather equipment included a folding canvas top and side curtains.

This particular TC is an original car that was repainted red many years ago and retains the red leather with which it left the factory. It also comes with full weather equipment dating from about 1954.

Fitted with an enlarged 1,320cc engine, this car was a regular competitor in VSCCA and SVRA events for many years. Mildly tuned, it’s fitted with an alloy rocker cover, free-flowing air cleaners and a straight exhaust with SuperTrap. For added cooling, the bonnet side panels have been removed, although they come with the car.

Many people first took to the track in the TC and with little preparation, this car could again be an affordable entry to racing. This car is offered with Certificate of Title.