A long-term ownership history is desirable when choosing a classic to park in your garage. That is the story behind this 1947 MG TC, with the current owner serving as its custodian for over fifty years. It has spent time in storage, meaning that the buyer must perform what appears to be a reasonably straightforward revival before it resumes active service. However, it is rock-solid and presents acceptably for enthusiasts seeking a driver-grade classic. The seller has listed the TC here on eBay in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They set their BIN at $8,800, with plenty of time remaining on their listing.

It is no secret that much of Europe was in a sad state following World War II. Some areas had been bombed almost into oblivion, and governments were desperate to build their economies. One of the key strategies was to tap into export markets, attracting much-needed revenue to commence the rebuilding process. MG came to the fore when it released the TC as its first post-war model in late 1945. It represented a toe-in-the-water exercise, gauging the response to British sports cars in the North American market. The company sold 10,001 examples before the TD arrived as its replacement in 1950, proving an excellent springboard to greater sales success. This TC was manufactured in 1947 and has been the current owner’s pride and joy for over fifty years. It has spent that period under cover, helping to explain its rust-free status. The general presentation suggests that this little gem may have undergone restoration at some point. Its Red paint retains a winning shine, with only minor cosmetic imperfections. The same is true of the panels, which fit together with tight and consistent gaps. The seller believes that the bright trim would present well if attacked with a high-quality polish. However, they admit that while the top and side curtains are intact, they exhibit enough deterioration to warrant replacement.

British manufacturers were quite canny when developing many of their sports cars. The aim of the game was affordability, and by dipping into the Parts Bin for mechanical components, it minimized development costs, allowing for a lower sticker price. MG was no exception, with the 1,250cc “XPAG” four-cylinder engine powering the TC serving faithfully across many models. The rest of the drivetrain shared a similar story, with the TC featuring relatively few unique mechanical components. The seller states that the XPAG under this car’s hood is original, although the car hasn’t run for a few years. The engine turns freely and splutters to life for a few seconds using an external fuel source. They believe that basic maintenance, including a fuel system clean and a carburetor rebuild, should return it to a running state. Add a thorough inspection and replacement of some perishable items to the list, and this MG could be ready for new adventures with a minimal outlay.

This MG’s interior isn’t perfect, but lifting its appearance shouldn’t be difficult. The most expensive task would be restoring the banjo-style wheel, which exhibits deterioration. New carpet would also be a good addition, but the remaining trim looks acceptable for a driver-grade classic. The Black leather seatcovers aren’t worn or torn, but the seats would be more comfortable with fresh foam. With those issues addressed, this beauty would be ready for action.

“Sweet” is a great word to describe any traditional British sports car, and seems appropriate when assessing this 1947 MG TC. It needs love, but the elegant simplicity employed during design and production makes it ideal for enthusiasts seeking a hands-on classic ownership experience. The seller’s price appears realistic, especially considering there are no signs of rust or significant cosmetic issues that require attention. The listing statistics suggest that this MG has generated reasonable interest, and I would be unsurprised if this translates into a successful sale. Do you agree?