1948 MG TC ROADSTER – 2,767 MILES SHOWING
Probably one of the most popular MG models ever made, this model is really just a post war example of the earlier TA and TB pre war models, which had to be suspended during the war years as the Abingdon MG factory was turned over to the Ministry of Defence to assist in the war production of weapons and materials.
The US servicemen based in the UK during the war just fell in love with MG Midget design and driving down English country lanes, so when the conflict was over and they were sent home, they pined for this car.
Lovingly known by many past and present owners as “bone shakers”, they are such fun cars to drive because they deserve all your attention and give you back so many reasons to smile.
As a direct result of US demand, the TC was developed by MG and export sales sky rocketed. Later models, particularly the MGA and MGB directly were riding on the initial success of the TC’s US market success.
Presented here is a much loved and restored TC, now sporting a new colour green and also wearing the sometimes preferred 16′” wire wheels.
Powered originally by a 1.25Lt 4 cylinder engine, it produced (54.4bhp) 40.6Kw of power, which was distributed to the rear wheels via a 4 speed manual gearbox. Performance figures suggest 0-100kph in 21.3 secs and a top speed not much further at around 130kph.
Current performance figures are not available, but almost certainly would be slightly improved on the original figures above.
A previous owner has supplied the following information on the current status of this car:-
“MGTC 1948 Chassis #4840
Marvellous condition and a superb road car. Comfortable and a pleasure to drive.
Fully rebuilt with the following inventory front to rear:-
1. Front suspension, including new springs, bushes and brakes
2. Radiator re-core
3. Special water pump manufactured by Race Metal UK, for competition vehicles
4. Engine 1300cc fully rebuilt and balanced. Smooth and powerful.
-Compressions 170psi+ per cylinder and runs perfectly on 91 octane.
5. VW steering box conversion by John Bowles WA. Huge improvement over original steering.
6. Gearbox fully reconditioned
7. High ratio differential 4.55 : 1
8. New fuel tank by UK specialist
9. Electronic S.U. fuel pump
10. Five 16” wire wheels
11. Fully rebuilt body tub. New timbers and panels as required.
12. All new interior trim and leather seats (Apple Green) by UK specialist
– including new seat springing and bases as per original, all manufactured in the UK.
13. New duck hood with zip out rear window + side screens manufactured by the same company as above
In other words, a ground up restoration which has attempted to improve the vehicle wherever possible to produce
high quality build standards with much improved performance and driver satisfaction, together with a higher degree
of comfort and “Safety Fast”
Total mileage 2767 and very carefully run in.
Car originally purchased by M J Menzel on 1/9/1948 from Motors Limited Adelaide for 641
pounds. Its registration was SA 148 347 and the engine is XPAG5479.
Registered in SA as above until 1967.
Further history unknown until 2001 when it was purchased by R O’Malley, needing total restoration
It was then sold to the current owner in 2006 in that same condition and an eight year restoration
followed.
The work was undertaken by MG Car Club mechanics/members from SA, Victoria & Perth and the
owner over many hundreds of hours.
Most of the parts were directly imported from UK specialists and Moss Motors Bradford UK but
unfortunately we have very little in the way of receipts. ”
The above words from a previous owner are very understandable when you consider the old “bone shaker” tag that the TC has worn for years.
Here you have a pre war style MG, but tastefully improved so you can enjoy the car on our roads and traffic conditions of today.
Eligible for Historic registration in most jurisdictions, this equates to minimal on road costs.
This lovely example is available to inspect on our state of the art showroom floor in Adelaide.
We can arrange transport door to door Australia wide.
