1949 MG TC “MIDGET” Registration Number: XVV 276 Chassis nu...

Estimate

£25,000 - £28,000

1949 MG TC “MIDGET”

Registration Number: XVV 276
Chassis number: TC 7712
Recorded Mileage: 40,700

Detailed ownership history going back c. 50 years
Subject to previous restoration
Matching numbers example

The first of MG's T-Series (the 1936 TA) built on the success established by the J2 model, later developing into the post-war TC model of 1945. The TC Midget was the first post-war MG, although it was quite similar to the pre-war TB, sharing the same pushrod-OHV “XPAG” 1,250cc engine. However, the TC had a slightly higher compression ratio of 7.4:1 giving 54.5bhp (40.6 kW) at 5,200rpm, with several alternative stages of tuning for ‘specific purposes’. The TC featured a widened body and improved suspension with hydraulic dampers. 

The TC was arguably the car which started the American/Anglo love affair of the British sportscar. The TC was exported to the United States in large numbers, despite only ever being built in right-hand drive specification. Between September 1945 (chassis number TC0251) and November 1949 (chassis number TC10252), exactly 10,000 were produced. The TC cost £527 on the home market in 1947, and was replaced by the TD in 1950.

Produced in January 1949 to RHD “export specification” for the US market, chassis TC 7712 still wears to this day its smaller headlights, front and rear bumpers (removed but retained), and various electrical differences, including fitted indicators. 

The history of the car picks up around 1970 when the MG was owned by James L. Gillette of Lincoln, Nebraska, passing title a year later to Carl J. Norden 3rd with a mileage of 7,600 miles, who sold the car to serving officer Capt. J.M. Darnell. Darnell moved to Hawaii, however the car remained in storage for Captain Darnell in Nebraska. The TC eventually ended in the possession of Jan and Arnie Verbeeson, whose father owned an MG dealership in Los Angeles, later finding its way back to the UK in the  early 1990s where it was restored by the next owner Keith Holland. Mr. Holland made repairs to the bulkhead, front extension and wings, refinished the paint and commissioned specialist Collinghams to retrim the leather. 

Mr. Holland only completed a few hundred miles in his MG over a c. 8 year period before trading it via renowned MG specialist Barry Walker, who in turn sold it to Mrs. Barbara Ford in Warwickshire. At this point the mileage was c.14,000 miles. Mrs. Ford used the car regularly with her husband for rallies with the MG Octagon Owners Club, in the UK and Abroad, until selling to the current vendor in 2017. Our vendor has completed a nominal mileage in his ownership, and is only offering the MG for sale due to ill health.

Beautifully finished in Woodland Green with a lovely supple leather interior in Apple Green, and showing just 40,700 miles recorded, this beautiful original example is offered with a history file, a number of spares in addition to tools, hood, side screens, three tonneau covers and an MG car cover. A charming example and a real pleasure to own and drive.