Sometimes, all it takes is a rare paint code to get you excited about a car you never cared about. While I understood the significance of the MG TC as it relates to its place in the world of vintage sports cars, I wouldn’t say I was ever enamored by the model. That all changed when I spotted this one wearing a shade of paint I’ve never seen a British roadster in before, known as Clipper Blue. First of all, that’s a great name for a paint color, and secondly, it’s drop-dead gorgeous. The seller has listed the MG TC here on craigslist for $22,500 or best offer, with the listing noting he just spent $4,000 to repair the original wire wheels.
The color reminds me of a BMW shade called Laguna Seca Blue which rose to fame when draped across the flared fenders of the E46-chassis M3. It suggests there’s something to certain colors and its association with sports cars. Is there something about a color that otherwise might be called Smurf Blue that makes us want to bring home an open-top roadster? Hard to say, but it doesn’t hurt. The interior is stunning and is about as good as it gets for a classic British two-seater. The upholstery looks too good to be original and the seller confirms that the soft top is new. It even comes with the often-missing windshield wiper motor. I can’t recall if these were ever spec’d for the U.S. market or if they all came with right-hand drive steering.
It’s worth noting the seller has upgraded this MG TC in a very sensible way, ditching the four-speed manual in favor of a five-speed. The original transmission is included, but I doubt you’d want to change it back. The wire wheels are new and said to have set the seller back $4,000. The paint is called “original” and there is no rust to speak of on this California coupe. “Original” in this case could mean a respray in the factory color, or it could indeed be the same paint it wore when it left the factory – but it looks slightly too clean for that. That said, the seller indicates this paint has a bit of patina to it up close, so it could just present exceptionally well in photos and look a bit more tired up close.
Looking at the paint inside the engine bay, it certainly seems more likely that the paint is original. The seller says nothing about the engine, either its history or its health, but it certainly looks tidy under the hood. When it left the factory, horsepower was generally a hair over 50 b.h.p., and while that number may not amaze you, it made for a sprightly performer in this super lightweight chassis belonging to the TC. 0-60 still took around 20 seconds, but at the time, it likely felt like a rocketship. This MG TC appears to check all the boxes in terms of originality and rarity – have you ever seen one in this color?
Beautiful ride! Also has some other cool vehicles for sale. Although I see $25,500 in the ad.
I was going to mention the slight uptick in price, as well.
Another one of those sellers – appears the car’s in the LA area,
but it’s on the SF craigslist.
These are cool little cars,but I don’t think I’d want to go on a long
trip in one.Those tall,skinny wheels & tires look so cool.A proper
definition of a Sports Car.
Imagine when some people had one of these as their only car.
We traded our ’56 Porsche coupe straight up for a ’53 MG TD in similar good condition and drove it from Lemore, California across the mountains, at night and in rain, to Fallon, Nevada. Only problem was the electric wiper motor wasn’t working so we had to work the wipers by hand. Not that uncomfortable but there was no chance of falling asleep on that trip. Since it was close to Christmas and New Years holidays we spent part of the early New Years day sitting on top of the local land fill, the highest point around, drinking champagne in our TD watching the sun rise. Wouldn’t mind doing something like that in this beautiful TC.
correct that to ’59 Porsche coupe…..
If they had made a left hand drive version, I’d have one!!!
Right hand cars in left hand drive countries aren’t that difficult to drive—and vice versa. It takes a couple of days to get used to it. The only real problem is passing another car on a two lane road. Your passenger has to tell you when it’s safe. Of course my wife and I have different ideas about when it’s safe.
I doubt passing other cars will be too much of a problem in this car ;-)
Yeah, the difference between sitting on the right and sitting on the left in one of these is about 12 inches!!!
Shifting with my left hand would certainly take some getting used to. I really wish I could afford this car right now.
I have 2 left hand drive Morgan 3 wheelers and I find them quite acceptable to drive. I wouldn’t want to drive a Jag sedan with right hand drive though.
This is definitively a cat I want in my collection. If I ever get one, not the car. the collection!
Car dealer (not a private party).. says everything when a seller poses as a private seller, if it was his personal car that is cool but when it’s posted in your inventory? : .https://philneweysportscars.com/vehicle/1949-mgtc/
I am glad I am not the only one that feels this way @Carnut. I dislike it when dealers and brokers advertise in the “By Owner” section, which says a lot about a company that does it.
The car is appealing, I have been tempted to add an MG TC or MG TF to my “fleet,” and would love to look at this one seriously.
I agree with others in saying that it is pretty easy to get used to driving a RHD car on modern US roads.
He is a very small repututable dealer. Expert on British cars too!
I love this car and the styling.
Drop dead gorgeous just begins to describe this one. I would love to own one of this caliber and color, only with left hand drive. Always wanted to own a TC!
Similar colour to Porsche 911 Miami Blue.
A very attractive, fun-to-drive classic sports car that will get you into any exclusive driving tour, ready parts availability, simple mechanicals, running and driving. Give the man the money, and drive it home!
Nice car, beautiful color combo. It says original color, not original paint so it’s had a repaint , new upholstery, new top, new wheels, new tranny. Sounds like she should only need a new owner to drive her home.
There is some original paint under the bonnet and on the fuel tank. Too bad they put vinyl interior in it.
Love these little cars! Always wanted to have one.