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1947 MGTC
“The Sports Car America Loved”
Imported from England in 1981 by current Owner of 41+Years
Frame Off Restoration with Recent Complete Inspection & Updates
Please click here for over 300 photos of this MGTC
SUMMARY—THIS PARTICULAR 1947 MGTC
This “TC” comes to us from a passionate, long-term owner who imported the car from England in 1981. The included paperwork includes the UK export documents along with information on the cars’ original UK registration date of January 1947, and original production data. The MGTC retains its original right hand drive configuration as produced.
Upon the cars arrival in the United States in 1981 the restoration began and after over 40 years, the MG now represents a lovely, restored example of a well-documented “TC.” The owner commissioned Jarl’s Foreign Car Service to complete a thorough “frame-off” restoration of the car. Receipts from 1981 to 2011 document considerable work including restoration of the exterior, interior, dash, suspension, and mechanical components. Subsequently, the car was treated to a cosmetic and mechanical update by Bay area British specialist Collins Classics, LLC between 2013 and 2022. A recent inspection of the car confirms its overall beautiful restoration including high-quality 2-stage red paint, lovely interior, restored exterior components, and complete mechanical rebuild. Details on the restoration that took over 40 years can be found below and in the photos.
THE NUMBERS
The identifying numbers appear on two brass plates on the left side firewall toolbox. Every indication is that the plate remains is original and unaltered and fastened by the original factory screws. The numbers are as follows:
Chassis #: TC/2006
Original Engine Number: XPAG2664
Current Engine Number: XPAG7876; Casting Date 23J8 (10/23/48)
HISTORY / CONDITION SUMMARY
A review of the detailed restoration invoices covering the period from 1981-2022 supports that a considerable sum was invested by the owner in this MGTC’s restoration. They also tell an interesting story reflecting the owner’s long-term commitment to completing the MG’s restoration despite several unexpected delays and obstacles.
The initial restoration began in 1981, shortly after the MG arrived in the USA with a company who had possession of it for a number of years while the owner was working overseas. While the company completed significant work on the MG, they unfortunately suffered a fire at their facility. Fortunately, this MG was in a separate building, was not affected by the fire and when it left their facility it had received a high quality respray, completely new interior and trim, walnut dashboard, restored side curtains and frames, new fuel system, cooling system, suspension rebuild, wiring and electrical work, stainless steel exhaust system, five (5) new Firestone 450-19” tires, refinished wire wheels, and a host of other mechanical and cosmetic improvements that can be seen in the extensive receipts that are too lengthy to outline in detail. It should also be noted that the owner reports that they replaced the MG’s power unit with a period correct TC engine. A receipt dated 10/25/85 reflects “Switch to TC block.” The number of the engine currently installed in the “TC” is XPAG7876
As a result of the fire, the shop had to suspend operation for a period of time which gave the owner an opportunity to move on to another restoration company. A highly respected British car restorer was selected to complete the refurbishment to the owners high standards.
In September 2013, the car was loaded on a flatbed and sent to Collins Classics, LLC, a British car restoration specialist who completed the restoration and performed an overall inspection as late as August 2022. During the period of 2013-2015 the initial restoration was completely freshened to a high standard. Receipts support virtually every mechanical system being addressed. Since the restoration was completed, the MG has been driven less than an estimated 500 miles (based on 417 miles showing on odometer) for the purpose of sorting and ensuring reliability.
Inspection of the car suggests a comprehensive restoration including panel removal, driveline out respray (as indicated by the very clean engine compartment), and refreshing of interior, exterior bright-work, and other components. The hood panels fit well as do the driver side and passenger door. The side doors close securely and show no “droop” that we often see on early MG “T” cars. As the photos reflect, the paint has held up very well with no signs of accident damage. The paint quality is high with no overspray, indications of poor preparation or orange peel. Cosmetic Imperfections are difficult to see but include very minimal scratches in typical areas (engine cover latching areas; bonnet hinge area on engine cover). However, the minor flaws require close critical inspection to be noticed and, most important, any minor flaws do not detract from the overall beauty and charm of the MG TC. The MG is fitted with painted wire wheels, including a mounted rear spare tire/wheel with an MG center spinner. The Firestone tires, while older, have seen little use since the car was stored for many years. The exterior trim and brightwork are in excellent condition.
The interior, with beige seat and door panel upholstery, compliments the “MG Red” exterior nicely. The factory correct dash and steering wheel remain as originally configured and are in good condition. The seats show little patina or leather aging and no damage or rips/tears. The tan canvas tonneau cover, top and side curtains with totally clear windows appear to have been up infrequently, if at all. They fasten properly, are in excellent condition with the side curtains appearing as new, probably having never been used. Gauges are functional including the tachometer and odometer. Oil pressure reading is over 60lbs., oil temperature is well within normal range, and the car runs cool even in our warm, California climate.
The underside is California clean and supports that the car has not seen rain since restoration. The inner fender wells are painted matching red. There are no signs of frame damage and, based on the underside, there is every indication that the car has traveled only the 417 miles, as reported, since the restoration. Please note the cleanliness of the engine and transmission. The engine bay is extremely clean and has a few upgrades including an aluminum “MG” valve cover (original included), steel oil filter assembly/w replaceable element.
DRIVEABILITY / MECANICAL SUMMARY
The car runs and drives very well. It starts immediately when cold and equally as well once it is fully warmed up. The engine does not hesitate, and it runs smoothly as it is shifted up and down through the gears. Over the course of 25 years, we have had several early MG’s that have significant noise in the transmission (particularly in 1st & reverse, but any gear). This is not the case with this “TC.” The transmission is quiet, does not pop out of gear and shifts easily. Additionally, there is no unusual noise in the driveline including the rear end, engine, brakes, and other components.
The MGTC does not pull to the left or right or exhibit any drivability issues. MG enthusiasts will notice that the instrumentation is MG is period correct. The MG runs at normal operating temperature with no indication of overheating. The gauges are functional (speedometer, oil pressure, oil temperature, and ammeter) as are lights and horn. Engine oil pressure reads 60~ lbs. and the car shows only minor “British seeping”, but no major oil leaks.
ITEMS INCLUDED WITH THE SALE
Tools and storage pouch
Original Operation (Owner’s) Manual
Car cover
Originally issued UK license plates
Brooklands “Racing” windscreens
Vintage California yellow & black license plates
Original valve cover
Miscellaneous take off and new items
SPECIFICATIONS OF THE 1947 MGTC
- Length 145 inches
- Width 58.3 inches
- Height 56 inches
- Wheelbase 94 inches
- Weight 1931 lb.
- Drag coefficient (est.) 0.65
- Top speed 81 mph (w/ stock differential
HISTORY OF THE MGTC
The MG TC was the first post-war MG, almost identical to TB, but with a body four inches wider and additional (much-needed) interior space. The TC is easily identifiable from the earlier cars by its alternative instrumentation. Underneath, it featured shackles instead of sliding trunnions for the front and rear springs, and that had a positive effect on ride quality.
The car was powered by the 1250cc, four-cylinder, overhead valve engine (54.4bhp at 5200rpm) a top speed of nearly 80mph was on the cards, and twin SU carburetors improve breathing. It was offered only as a two-seater sports body/roadster.
Production: 10,001
Price at launch: £526
Power: 54.4bhp
Torque: 64.0lb/ft.
MPG: 33.0mpg
Engine
Configuration: In-line four
Aspiration: Normal
Fuel delivery: Carburetor
Chassis
Suspension Front: Live axle, semi-elliptic leaf spring
Suspension Rear: Live axle, semi-elliptic leaf spring
Steering: Worm and nut
Body / frame: Chassis and separate body
Transmission: Four-speed manual