1949 MG TC Roadster

This historic 1948 MG TC is known as the Kerrigan Special. Purchased by Spence Kerrigan of Haywood, California, in 1949 and prepared for road racing, it was entered into the very first Pebble Beach Road Race on November 5, 1950. It was raced as number 9 and driven by Jay Chamberlain. It remained with Mr. Kerrigan until 2009 when it was purchased by the previous owner and underwent a comprehensive restoration carried out by LeRoy Gane, Roger Penske's first race mechanic. The car was featured in the 2016 film Racing through the Forest. Acquired by the current owner in 2018, it was featured in the December 2020 issue of Road & Track.

This car was purchased by Spence Kerrigan of Haywood, California in 1949 and work began on prepared it for racing. The engine was modified by boring and sleeving the cylinders resulting in a 1500cc displacement. Unfortunately, this weakened the block and after just a few miles, it split. The MG engine was later replaced with a Ford V8 engine. It was entered in the very first Pebble Beach Road Race on November 5th of 1950 wearing race number 9 and driven by Jay Chamberlain.

Years later, the car was given a restoration. It remained with Mr. Kerrigan until around the late 2000s. It was purchased by the late Robert 'Bob' Koons and treated to a two-year restoration. Since then it has raced at SVRA events including Watkins Glen International Raceway and Pocono International Raceway.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2018