We write about a ton of different automobiles here at Barn Finds. From ancient relics to modern sedans, our readers are constantly treated to a cornucopia of vehicles. Few vehicles, however, are worthy of milestone status. Consider the American sports car scene today if the MG TC had never reached our shores after World War II. This fun-to-drive and charmingly stylish sports car introduced Americans to the joyful concept of fast driving. If you are looking for a presentable and drivable example of what many consider the most influential sports car in history, this 1946 MG TC for sale on Craigslist in Redmond, Washington, is worthy of your perusal. The seller has performed a fair amount of maintenance on the car, and it comes with two binders full of documentation. It is also being offered at a reasonable $20,000 asking price. Thanks to reader Scott for the tip on this historic automobile.
Many gallons of ink have been spilled about the MG TC’s impact on the American market. What many overlook is that the TC was a very unlikely car to succeed in the American market from a technological perspective. Inline four-cylinder engines, flowing fenders, wire wheels, side curtains, wood in the body structure, and headlights sitting astride an exposed radiator with an equally exposed cap were all absent in postwar American cars. TCs were very antique when compared to the many options available to GIs lucky enough to return from an awful war. MG’s factory would have given an American automobile executive the vapors as well if they could see how much work was done by hand in those hallowed halls.
Yet all of these anachronisms combined with the car’s agile suspension and low stance added up to a real sports car at a time when the definition of the word was still being formed. The cars also had a quality feel to them due to the fine quality materials used by the craftsmen building them. The lack of mass production tools and techniques prevented MG production from ever reaching demand in this era. This, in hindsight, was a good thing. The MG TC is a glimpse back to a time when craftsmanship and quality materials meant something. Our modern throwaway society leaves no room for such things and our people know little of these pleasures.
If you are looking for a rolling example of British craftsmanship in the immediate postwar period, then this may be the car for you. The data plate states that this is TC number 1943. Production started in September 1945 with TC0251 and ended in November 1949 with roughly 10,000 examples built. The seller tells us that the car is still propelled by its original 1,250 CC engine. More importantly, there is no rust in the car whatsoever. It will come with boxes of original parts and equipment and two loose-leaf binders full of exhaustive documentation and owner’s correspondence.
Furthermore, we are told that the car runs and drives, but it will need some more work to bring it back to roadworthy condition. The engine has been “gone through,” and the carburetors have been rebuilt. A broken axle has recently been replaced as well.
This has all the appearances of a vintage MG that just needs some sorting to return it to reliable service. Parts are available for these cars, and they have a reputation for faithfully serving attentive owners. Unfortunately, the right-hand drive and lack of horsepower will take some getting used to. The good news is that the price is very attractive relative to the fun a car like this can provide. MG TCs are a wonderful glimpse back to an age where old-world craftsmanship met head-on with a world bent on producing faster, sleeker, and larger vehicles. Americans fell in love with these charming little sports cars back then, and the spell they cast still works on those lucky enough to get behind the wheel of one today.
Have you ever owned or driven an MG TC? What was the experience like? Do you have any suggestions for potential buyers of this car? Please share your experiences and thoughts in the comments.
Unique, fun to drive, and good support for parts.
I have been keen on a TD or TF for many years but they have always felt a bit too expensive. But over the last year or so it really seems like the market has dropped. Guessing current owners are ageing out but they are too old fashioned to appeal to younger enthusiasts. So, while looking nice I don’t think a non-running RHD car can get even remotely close to $20k. The owner either has to fix all the things needing fixing or he should be happy for a bid of half his ask.
I love these and recently started looking for a nice driver quality. I found two, a TF and a TD. I was suprised by the prices, between 12K and 14K for a good drive with some issues. They used to go for at least a third more, so Befon is on to something. They can be driven on the freeway but not far!
Still trying to make up my mind, I have owned 911’s and other sports cars with some real oomph, but cruising along in a TF at 45 seems like a great thing to do.
This is a very nice TC, but the owner needs to finish the work to make it roadworthy and then may, just maybe get his asking price. Otherwise take the loss and sell it to someone who appreciate it.
Good luck.
I owned a TC for a period of time in the 1990’s. My very first car in 1965 was a TD. I always lusted for a TC, far more refined styling and right hand drive just seems proper. A fully sorted TC is an absolute joy to drive. 1930’s engineering but doesn’t necessarily feel antiquated. Easy to work on and parts readily available. Many specialty shops for more intricate repairs.
TCs are beautifully simple and much like working on a model A Ford. Spares are expensive (what isn’t) but mostly available through at least three suppliers. There is lots of information available for problems that arrive through the same outfits. Steering is the biggest complaint in drivers who try the TC for the first time. There are modern adaptioss available to correct this but if the standard unit is set up correctly you can get used to the TC “steering play” quickly. TCs are not fast today, stay off the interstate and use back roads. They are great fun, owned mine 60 years.
To entertain the current generation of enthusiasts for this vehicle, it would need a flux capacitor, and far more than a Scrooge McDuck comic book series to re-install a new story of intrigue and possibilities. Still agreed that it is an icon of post war relief and desire for freedom that first started the sports car invasion. A stronger statement now if converted to a sleeper on a Tesla chassis. Yes, I am asking for trouble here. HA!
A car of high sentimental value for designs of the past. Not an exceptionally road-worthy car especially over 35 mph but a fine touring car around the town. Wood floor boards require special storage practices. Fun to drive. At 79 yrs. old, don’t expect a high degree of safety features with this car….. like brakes.
Had a pre-war MG SA, the high end of MG at the time, came with a pushrod 6, WWII vet brought it back from England in ’46. It was a well crafted car, not as tight as a Karman Ghia, wood framed above the chassis, comfortable at 50 mph, but would go faster, skinny 19″ tires like this TC. Pretty simple, and easy to work on. Oil level gage on dash, electric wipers, 12 volt, turn signals, way ahead of the US in some ways. Way behind in exterior styling. In 1940 Buick had turn signals, and Chrysler had center extra brake light, but that was about it.
Great looks and will teach you a lot about early British car mechanicals. I’d love it for a run around town car.
I have a right hand drive TF. The right hand drive doesn’t take hardly any getting used to because the car is so narrow. It’s very handy for mailing letters, btw. The left hand shifting is maybe more of an issue, but only a few drives for that, too.
If I wanted a British car and a sports car, this would be the one. I love it!
For those of us that read “The Red Car” in the ’50s, this was the ultimate dream car. I wanted one sooo bad when I was 10 but the RHD kept me from ever taking the plunge. I’ve had Austin Healeys for the last 50 years but never got over my longing for a TC, if only they had made a few LHD ones. Can’t look at the rear of one without thinking of Burt Levy’s “Last Open Road”.
“The Red Car” was my “Easy Rider” type influence in my early reading. As it was for many others here.
my sis’s car 17 y/o to 22, but TD.
Bought for same price they’re selling today.
She’s 76 y/o now & it sells for same price. That’s
a car holding its value~
I did a complete full restoration of a TC. Including having to replace all the wood in the coach built body. And most of the metal of the body as well. Was only able to use the front fenders, and the scuttle. As the car had been in a flood. There was rust/water lines running through the headlights. So if you notice the height of the headlights. That means every componant was under water. Had to take the tranny apart with a hammer, as all the gears were a solid lump of rust.
Anyway, it was a rewarding build, to bring in back from its watery grave. It turned out fantastic, and won a few awards. And they are fun to drive. I installed a upgraded ring & pinion ( as the old one was not usable ) so you could drive it at reasonble speed.
TCs are great. Had an original 15K mile one in the ’90s. Easy to work on and fun to own and drive which means both looking at it in the garage, and driving it! Would have it still if it wasn’t for a litigious ex-wife.