1949 MGTC Roadster

Description

The TC was a landmark car in the long and proud history of MG, becoming the first British sports car to sell in serious numbers and more importantly, to find favour with the American market, paving the way for generations of Triumphs, Healeys and the like. The TC may have been a mildly revamped version of the short-lived TB when launched in 1945, but the formula of traditional sports car styling, willing performance and affordability made the new MG a winner, with some 10,000 examples rolling off the production lines at Abingdon over the next five years. Some useful modifications were made to the TB's suspension, with new shock absorbers and conventional springs in place of the sliding trunnion set-up of the pre-war model. The willing 1250cc four-cylinder engine produced 54 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed gearbox with synchromesh on second, third and top gears for easier changes. The MG's utterly traditional appearance made no concessions to modern styling trends, with an upright radiator, flowing wings and a fold-flat windscreen and lacked such amenities as bumper bars or even a heater - all of which only enhanced the TC's appeal to hardy sports car drivers around the world. The XPAG engine responded well to tuning tweaks and the TC was soon winning races all around the globe, including here in Australia. Many TCs were highly developed into specials, often seen competing in vintage events. Popular with film stars and racing drivers alike - Clark Gable and future World Champion Phil Hill were both TC owners, while Carroll Shelby, future creator of the legendary Cobra cut his teeth on one. The MG TC remains as popular as ever, offering bags of charm and driver appeal along with a thriving club scene.