1948 MG TC

This vibrant looking MG TC is chassis number 3999 and, with the sequence starting at 0252, rendering it as the 3,747th TC to roll out of Abingdon. The associated engine number was XPAG4651, and this engine remains in situ to this day. From Abingdon, this TC was shipped directly to South Africa to start its long life in that distinctly benign climate in 1947. The added benefit of South Africa requiring right hand drive cars is moot in this case. The TC was never produced in left hand drive from the factory with even the Americans proving prepared to suffer a steering wheel on the “wrong” side.

By 1990 the TC was in the hands of the Ellerine family, notable South African furniture retail magnates with a love for, and a sizeable collection of, classic cars. In the mid 1990’s the Ellerines commissioned a “no expense spared” restoration of the MG. This was carried out by renowned specialist Roger Pearce of Rolo Motors, Johannesburg. With the TC going on to form part of the Ellerines’s prized collection, only around 200 miles have reportedly been covered since that diligent restoration.

By late 2024 the MG found itself in the UK and current keeper, Jeremy, bought this lovely example in November 2024. The MG was first registered here in January 2025 making Jeremy the first UK keeper to date. Quite the provenance! Since then the car has had indicators fitted, a welcome safety feature. The rear ones are neatly placed at the rear, and the front ones are cleverly installed in the side lights on the wings. A switch is discreetly fitted under the dashboard.

The TC carried over the charming pre-war style of the TB and its predecessors mostly undiminished. An observant purist might note the narrower running boards and the 19-inch cross spoked wire wheels were now a standard offering. This sublime looking example presents in admirably original looking form and benefits greatly from its pristine looking Carmine red livery. In deference to the quality of its earlier restoration and subsequent stewardship, the condition of paint and bodywork appears excellent throughout.

The vibrant livery is further complemented by the gleaming brightwork in evidence around the car. This includes radiator shell, headlamp bowls, windscreen surround, wing mirrors and the like. The front aspect of the MG is dominated by those oversized headlamps and the tall, vertically slatted radiator with body coloured vanes. The rear profile of the car is notable for the body-coloured, externally mounted petrol tank with chromed edging and accompanying spare wire wheel and unused looking tyre.

The light tan hued, fabric hood appears tightly fitting and in excellent condition. The rear acetate windows are clear and free from obscuring fogging, folds or crack. Matching side screens are equally well presented and affix to the door tops to complete 1948’s last word in weather protection. A centrally zipped, matching tonneau cover is also provided.

The TC rides on a set of cross spoked wire wheels that present in a silver-grey painted finish. Their condition appears excellent throughout and they are affixed with a shiny set of chromed twin-eared spinners with MG octagons at their centres. A set of new looking, period-appropriate radial tyres are fitted.

The TC’s cabin looks every inch the equal of the exterior, being finished in a period-appropriate oxblood hue. The rear-hinged doors open widely to allow access to the full-width, leather dressed, bench seat. The back of this is formed of a single piece which is stitched into vertical box pleats. This works in conjunction with two sperate seat squabs placed either side of the transmission tunnel to provide commodious seating for two, making full use of the TC’s extra width. The door cards on the rear hinged doors are finished in a matching leather and include a pair of generous map pockets. The carpeting is finished in black and appears in a fine condition, too.

The “moustache” shaped dashboard fascia is finished in a handsome wood veneer. A family of British Jaeger gauges populate the panel. The big, convex lensed tachometer sits directly ahead of the driver with a matching speedometer placed ahead of the passenger, in a silent nod to MG’s trials past. Auxiliary gauges monitoring oil pressure, amps and water temperature are also present. A “banjo” style four spoke, Bakelite rimmed steering wheel is fitted which incorporates a polished boss with MG embossing.

The windscreen can be folded forward if desired to leave a pair of alloy-framed, glass aero screens in situ. There is a surprisingly commodious luggage compartment located behind the seats which is also finished in black carpet.

This MG TC retains its original engine according to both the provided documentation and the engine numbers revealed within the engine bay. This 1,250cc XPAG four cylinder unit originally produced 54.5bhp and is paired to a four speed manual gearbox. In its day, this combination made it easy enough to break 80 mph, two up and with a full tank of fuel.

With such miniscule mileage covered since its full restoration, our diligent operations team note a few minor niggles that will need addressing. One of the twin SU carburettors is missing its priming pin and the cable has come adrift from the choke mechanism, however a replacement part is here ready to be fitted. The throttle is also sticking a little and the TC starts and runs but dies after 20 seconds or so. As such, a check over by a qualified mechanic is recommended before road use.

The under-bonnet presentation of the TC is excellent, however. Lifting the panels of the gull-winged bonnet reveals a deeply polished cam cover atop a scarlet painted block. There are numerous areas of charming detail in here, too. These include the brass data plates, the MG octagon topped dip stick, and a pair of lidded and fully felt lines tool chests. The underside of the car looks pleasingly fresh and clean and in keeping with a full restoration just a couple of hundred miles ago.

The long journey by sea from South Africa clearly was of no detriment to this fine MG TC, it seems. Sadly, the same can’t be said of its paperwork archive which never made landfall in Blighty. As such, the level of accompanying ephemera is minimal.

The V5 Registration Document is present, of course, in the name of Jeremy and declaring him as the MG’s first UK keeper. This also classifies the MG as an Historic Vehicle, thus rendering it MoT exempt and zero rated for vehicle excise duty in the UK.

The MG TC might have been able to trace its origins back to the late 1920’s, but that actually did it no harm in the aftermath of World War II. Many GIs who had been stationed in the UK became nostalgic for the type of “square rigger” sports cars that the TC represented on their return home. As such, despite no factory left hand drive option being offered, over 2,000 were exported to North America by MG with another 1,500 or so being personally imported. It was a huge hit.

This example represents an exciting ownership prospect without doubt. It has clearly been beautifully and lovingly restored and subsequently diligent kept and cared for. It is hard to find too much to fault with it. Offered here with a sensible guide price, this is a lot that is likely to generate much interest so bid without delay.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £15,000 - £20,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.