There simply isn't another open sports car from the pre-1950 era, in this price range, that offers the same visual panache along with reasonable mechanical reliability
The Ford Model T put America on wheels, and the T series MG put Americans behind the steering wheels of sports cars. With America's post-WWII economy booming, MG found itself in the right place at the right time. While Europe was still recovering from the ravages of the war, in the States demand for new cars was at a fever pitch. By the time production ceased in 1949, 10,000 TCs had been manufactured. According to official records, more than 6,500 of these were exported, however the real number is likely higher.
Many TCs came to the US after first being registered as new cars in Great Britain by GIs who bought them while on overseas duty. They then brought the "funny little cars" home where they made a striking impression when surrounded by the taller, longer and wider Buicks, Fords and other domestic models of the era.
Defined by flowing front fenders, a fold-flat windscreen, impossibly large wheels, and a rear-mounted spare, the TC is as handsome as it is uncomfortable. The large steering wheel jams into your chest, leading to a classic elbows-out driving style. The top mechanism on the TC was likely designed by someone with an ironic sense of humor, as putting up the top is something best done when the sun is shining and you have extra time on your hands-precisely when it's not needed.
The XPAG model TC motor, a 1250-cc unit little changed from the prewar TB units, makes just 54 horsepower, giving the car a top speed of 78 mph. A four-speed manual with a non-synchromesh first gear was your only option, and all TCs were right-drive. With a solid-axle front and rear, semi-elliptic springs and lever action shock absorbers, the TC had a harsh ride. Its ladder-frame chassis and steel body panels built over wood frames were already obsolete when the cars were new.
The TC had room for just two occupants, and possibly side curtains or a small piece of soft-sided luggage, but practicality was not the reason people bought the TC. No, the TC was endearing because of the direct, visceral motoring experience it offered. Unlike the ponderous, softly sprung, numb-steering cars from Detroit, the TC offered at least the illusion of speed and handling as drivers of the time, usually wearing tweed caps and sport coats with leather elbow patches, tossed them through the corners on twisting two-lane roads. They weren't fast, but they felt fast. And that, along with looking great, was enough to create legend.
SCM Analysis
Detailing
| Vehicle: | 1948 MG TC |
| Years Produced: | 1945-49 |
| Number Produced: | 10,000 |
| Original List Price: | $2,238 |
| SCM Valuation: | $18,000-$24,000 |
| Tune Up Cost: | $375 |
| Distributor Caps: | $25 |
| Chassis Number Location: | Plate on left side of tool box |
| Engine Number Location: | Plate on bell housing above starter |
| Website: | http://www.mgdriversclub.com |
| Alternatives: | 1954-1990 Morgan 4/4, 1949-1953 MG TD |
| Investment Grade: | B |
This MG TC Roadster sold for $31,901, including buyer’s commission, at the RM Meadow Brook auction on Aug. 2, 2003.
For all its shortcomings, the TC is an important car, an iconic British roadster worth adding to any serious collection. Not only is it a classic, but it’s also affordable: Values for decent TCs start in the high teens and extend up into the mid-to-high twenties. There simply isn’t another open sports car from the pre-1950 era, in this price range, that offers the same visual panache, along with reasonable mechanical reliability and enough performance (barely) to be enjoyable on today’s secondary roads.
When searching for a TC, look for all the obvious sins (rust, excessive smoke, non-original pieces, poor-quality restoration, accident damage, etc.), but remember these are simple cars with good parts availability. Minor issues can easily be remedied, but like any car trading in this price range, trying to restore a basket case, or worse, trying to re-restore someone else’s botched job can lead to spending more than buying a good or great car, properly done, would cost in the first place.
While the TC’s replacement, the TD, was more popular and available in left-hand drive, it lacks the pure classicism of its predecessor. However, if you’re actually planning on going more than a few dozen miles in your vintage MG, the TD does offer independent front suspension and wider tires for better ride and handling at the same (or lower) price.
The TC Roadster pictured here was well presented at the auction, clean and detailed, with the owner present to answer any questions. This was an older restoration, yet one with plenty of life left.
An unusual feature was the Judson supercharger. Once a common swap meet find and available for pocket change, now it’s a sought-after and expensive accessory. It offers an advertised “45 percent more horsepower.” Provided it’s in a proper state of tune, the blower will go a long way towards remedying one of the TCs biggest drawbacks, a woeful lack of power in a world where minivans do 0-60 in 8 seconds. However, the top speed remains unchanged and there is some question about the wisdom of adding extra horsepower to an already marginal suspension, tire and brake package.
This car was ready to go, with an attractive yellow body and black fenders. Even though the price was substantially past the top of our Price Guide, given the supercharger and the apparent soundness of this car, I would consider it well bought.-Dave Kinney