MG recovered quickly after the Second World War and began production on its new TC series which were among the first cars built anywhere following the war. The TC Midget was, and is still, aesthetically pleasing with its distinctive radiator and sweeping wheel arches framing the spider, 19-inch wire wheels. Even with windscreen raised and all-weather gear up, it still looks the epitome of the classic British sports car.
The car described here was donated to a museum by Mr. Edward Fest of San Antonio in 1983. Mr. Fest had purchased the car from a Californian enthusiast in 1964. The previous owner had apparently installed a small block V8 engine for racing. The TC was eventually restored and Mr. Fest installed the MG engine that had come with the car.
A newer aftermarket steering wheel has been fitted and the speedometer and tachometer have suffered damage and are in need of repair. The paint is also in need of some attention. A smaller 17-inch spare wire wheel is fitted to the rear. The MG was last driven in the mid-1980s by a member of the museum staff and it was said to run well on that occasion.
SCM Analysis
Detailing
| Vehicle: | 1947 MG TC |
On 28 August 1994, this tired TC brought $10,925 when it crossed the block at the Christie’s Pebble Beach auction. I remember personally examining this car, and thinking that the new owner could look forward to many evenings and weekends of putzing about in the garage putting the car right.
TCs have a value that transcends their admittedly limited performance. They represent most Americans’ first introduction to the world of European sports cars, and consequently most TCs are bought with the heart, rather than the head. This car was appropriately priced, and while brilliant TCs can break the $30,000 barrier, average cars seem to change hands in the $15,000-$18,000 range. They should be regarded as having decent, but not earthshaking investment potential. – ED.