1949 MG TC news, pictures, and information

The MG TA Midget appeared in the spring of 1936 as a replacement for the MG PB. It featured many components borrowed from Morris. Channel sections replaced the tubular cross-members making the vehicles ride more comfortable. The suspension was provided by leaf springs and beam-axle in the front and rear. The brakes were hydraulically operated drums, a first for MG. The body shell was assembled around the MG traditional way of using a wooden frame. All this added up to a total weight of 1,765 pounds.

A 1292 cc, overhead-valve, pushrod, four-cylinder engine was placed in the front and powered the rear wheels. Outfitted with dual horizontal SU carburetors, the engine produced 50 horsepower. The four-speed manual gearbox was synchromesh, another first for MG.

When first introduced, the two-seater vehicle could be purchased in open and closed configuration. Later, the open coupe, referred to as an Airline Coupe, was replaced with a Drophead style. The Drophead used a soft-top that could open and close depending on the driver and the weather conditions.

In 1939 World War II was beginning. MG was introducing its latest vehicle, the TB Midget. It was basically the same as the TA, but was equipped with a larger, 1250cc, engine. The four-cylinder over-head valve, XPAG power plant was borrowed from the new Morris 10. It produced 45 horsepower and was much more reliable than its predecessor. When the war began, production ceased. MG shifted its focus to creating equipment for military purposes.

At the end of the War, MG introduced the TC Midget. This was essentially a TB with very few modifications. The chassis was modified with rubber bush shackles in place of the sliding trunnion spring mountings. The transmission was the single-plate dry clutch and four-speed synchromesh unit. The engine was the XPAG 1250 cc pushrod engine. It was essential a TB offered in one body style, an open two-seater.

Even though the TC was a rebirth of an old model and used outdated mechanical equipments but modern interior, the TC Midget was very successful. During its four year production run, lasting from 1945 through 1949, more than 10,000 TC's were created.

In 1949, the TC was replaced by the TD Midget. It visually appeared like the previous Midgets, but was very different in mechanical ways. With a new chassis, it was sturdier and provided a comfortable ride. An independent suspension with double wishbones and coil springs were placed in the front. The vehicle was left-hand drive. The engine and transmission were identical to the TC. To comply with newly developed safety concerns and regulations, bumpers were placed on the front and in the rear.

A Mark II version used a more powerful version of the XPAG engine. With larger carburetors and higher compression ratio, the vehicle produced 57 horsepower. The suspension was modified and the interior received bucket seats.

During its four-year production run, the TD experienced even more success than its predecessor. Just like the TC, many of the TD Midgets were exported to the United States.

In 1953, the TD was updated and dubbed the TF. It was given a 1466 cc engine. Production continued through 1955 when it was replaced by the MGA.

Prior to World War I, the future of the company was unknown. Thanks to the success of the TA, the road was paved for MG to continue their prosperous status after the War. The models that followed brought modifications both visually and mechanically. The T-Series, lasting from 1936 through 1955, was a simple and reliable two-seater sports car that was fun to drive.

Roadster

The MG TC, with its large wheels, 4-cylinder engine and sporty stance, has been a long time favorite with sports car enthusiasts and racers. The example shown, finished in Clipper Blue with a tan leather, has been in the same collection for more than twenty years.

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Roadster
Chassis Num: 6783

The TC was the first postwar MG, launched in 1945. It was quite similar to the pre-war TB, sharing the same engine with a slightly higher compression ratio of 7.4:1 giving 54.5 bhp at 5200 rpm but using more modern interior elements allowing a wider cockpit.

Mr. DeBrohun's father owned this automobile for 54 years and his parents used this car in their wedding. The car sat for over 40 years in the garage before its restoration. Everything on the car is factory manufactured piece including the rare steering wheel.

Roadster

'SAFETY FAST' was the advertising slogan for this automobile. The M.G. Car Company was started by Cecil Kimber and Sir William Morris in oxford England in 1929. The M.G. name comes from - Morris Garage. The M.G. TC was built from September 17, 1945 to November 29, 1949 and manufactured at the Abington-on-the-Thames facility in England. The TC was the first model introduced after World War II and introduced American's to the English sport car. This TC was manufactured in May, 1948 and one of a total of 10,000 produced. The engine is a 70.3 cubic-inch that develops 54.4 BHP and is capable of a maximum speed of 73 miles per hour.

Roadster
Chassis Num: TC 6626
Engine Num: XPAG 7311

This car was given a restoration during the late 1980s or early 1990s. It is in good condition and finished in British Racing Green paint with a tan interior. The steering wheel, like all TC models, is on the right side of the car.

In 2008, this 1949 MG TC was offered for sale at the 'Sports & Classics of Monterey' presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $35,000 - $45,000 and offered without a reserve. Those estimates were proven accurate as the lot was sold for $34,100 including buyer's premium.

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Roadster
Chassis Num: 0R7075

The MG T-Type was introduced in 1936. The TA would create the design that would set the style for MG's sports cars for the next two decades. They had an upright chrome grille, deep-cut doors and a slab-shaped petrol tank at the rear. These lightweight two-seater cars with their modified suspensions were very nimble, and a 'works' racing program helped spread the fame. In 1939, the TB was introduced featuring a more powerful, shorter-stroke 1,250cc XPAG engine. At the London Motor Show in 1945, the TC was introduced. The TC was wider, heavier and more refined than the TB.

This example has been given a concours-quality restoration which was completed in 1999 with no expense spared. There is a tan cloth top, tan leather upholstery, Birdseye maple woodwork, and an original three-spoke steering wheel.

In 2009, it was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $25,000-$35,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for the sum of $30,800 including buyer's premium.

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