Background

The MG TC Midget is probably one of the best-known MGs to come out of Abingdon since the Second World War. As soon as the war was over the factory resumed car production after six years of producing tanks, armoured cars and aeroplane engines for the war effort. The basis of the new car was the pre-war MG TB, it was to have a similar engine and gearbox and axles, the only significant changes would be to the body which was widened by nearly 4" across the seats without changing the basic chassis, wings and running-boards or facia layout. The TC was improved in detail too, the side-screens now had flaps to facilitate hand signalling, the electrical equipment was also updated with the twin 6-volt batteries removed from the underfloor position of the TB to a bulkhead box containing a large 12-volt battery. There were also changes to the suspension, hydraulic lever arm dampers were fitted and the road springs were mounted in shackles rather than the traditional sliding trunnions. This change allowed the use of war-proven rubber suspension bushes which gave smoother quieter feel to the car as did the fitment of rubber engine mountings. Otherwise, it was exactly the same as the 1936 design of the MG TA which started the T series line. Within 5 weeks of the official end of the war in October 1945, The MG Car Company announced the TC Midget and by the end of that year had proudly produced 81 examples which was no mean feat as so many materials were in short supply, especially sheet steel.

The car sold exceptionally well, a large number were exported to Commonwealth countries, particularly Australia and South Africa, which was not surprising as MGs had sold there in quantity before the war. What was surprising however was that there was immense interest in the United States and it can be stated that the MG TC was responsible for starting the American craze for the British Sportscar. Nearly 2000 cars were exported to the United States and Abingdon had deemed the potential sufficient to warrant the development of a special North American model, still in right hand drive form but with chrome bumpers and flashing indicators. The effect that the TC had on America was unbelievable as it introduced the pleasures of sports car ownership to people who had never experienced it before and it opened up the market for many more imported cars to follow.

One notable customer in England for the TC was the Duke of Edinburgh who owned one before marrying Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen, in 1947. Sales were going from strength to strength which saw over 1600 produced in 1946 rising to a peak of over 3000 during 1948. In total exactly 10,000 were produced between 1945 and 1949. Pressure was soon exerted by the Americans for an updated version of the TC and in 1950 Abingdon responded with TD in 1950. This car had an all-new chassis, with rack and pinion steering and independent front suspension, altogether a vast improvement with fairly dramatic styling changes, and the first in 13 years.

Summary

The current owner of this lovely MGTC became known to us in 2009 when we were asked to value his rather beautiful and restored Aston Martin DB4. We later brokered the sale of that car in early 2013 followed by another of his cars, a Porsche 911 in 2016.

The owner is an enthusiast who enjoys working with his cars but is never afraid to lean on expertise when required investment in the engine and paintwork by the last two owners, make this an example to add to any collection – or just enjoy!

Vehicle History

The current V5C registration document records the car as being registered on 3rd May 1990; however, we are indebted to the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust for a letter to a Mr Bailey of Norfolk in June 1988 which confirmed that this lovely example of one of MG’s most popular models was manufactured in 1947. Mr Bailey must have been involved with the import of the car from the US as reference is made in the letter to the requirements of the Customs and Excise and is further stamped, one imagines at the DVLA with the date of registration recorded on the V5C.

Further clues on her history also lie in the history file with a Certificate of Title from the State of Oklahmoma dated from 1977 to 1979 in the name of a Jay Morton of Oklahoma City. Rather like the old folding log books in the UK, there is space on the rear of the Certificate that notes the assignment of title to Brooks Motors Auction Company on 9th June 1980 giving an expiry of this assignment in June 1983.

There is an annotated page from a motoring magazine focussed on the Pre-War MG Parts Centre and that matches a Used Car Sales Invoice from the same business recording the sale of the car – then registered under the number BSK 328 – at a price of £19,500 to a Mr Barnes of St Albans.

Mr Barnes made a wise investment in October 1990 with the transfer of the registration number 9607 MG to the car adding a touch of class as well as adding value to his purchase. There is an MOT certificate attached to the documentation issued in May 1990 with a recorded mileage of 560 miles.

He kept the car until August 2016 when it was acquired by the current keeper. During that period of ownership, there was a further substantial investment in the overhaul/rebuild of the engine.

The current owner has continued to maintain the car and further enhanced the quality of the car with having the car’s paintwork refreshed in 2022. This is a well presented and great example of a very popular car.

There is too much service detail to record here - please call Philip Jones at Byron International for a comprehensive specification sheet