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• Auction House:
  Mossgreen
• Sale Name:
  Collectors’ Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia
• Sale Date:
  27 Nov 2016 ~ 2.30pm
• Lot #:
  40
• Lot Description:
  1949 MG TC Midget Roadster
  Single ownership for 50 years; Chassis No. TC/9506; Engine No. V7606758
• Notes:
  MGs have become classics not for their rarity but because of their popularity and the sheer numbers produced. This clever manufacturer was already an institution by the 1930s, as the founder, Cyril Kimber, set an example for niche marketing. Representing the sports two-seater in its purist form, MG was the aspiration of the young at heart, strengthened by its reputation rather than its outright victories. MG achieved class wins of heroic proportions with the fabulous K3 as in the 1933 Mille Miglia and on handicap in the 1934 TT with Nuvolari at the wheel. MG's survival was built on these foundations which enabled it to cope with the highs and lows of the motor industry but much of its resilience must be attributed to the success of the Midget which was launched in 1929. During the later 1930s, time trials became a phenomenon in England and the mildly-tuned TA models scored a number of successes. A team of these mighty little cars, nicknamed the cream crackers for their brown and cream livery which resembled a biscuit tin, kept MG in the sporting minds' eye as England entered the war years. After WW2, MG was under inordinate pressure to fire-up production again. There was no time to develop a new car so the T series was simplified and the popular sliding trunnion suspension of the earlier Midgets were sacrificed; the body was made 4 inches wider and by October 1945 the TC was introduced with a production of only 81 in the first year! By the end of the following year 1,675 cars had been made. To assist post-War recovery, the British government had a diktat to export in high numbers and MG was compelled, even against its own wishes, to build cars for the US market. The new TC was built only in right hand drive, without a heater and had a very firm ride. Yet, by 1949, a staggering 10,000 units had been built. The main mechanical specifications of these cars included the 4-cylinder OHV in-line engine, Borg and Beck single dry-plate clutch and the 4-speed manual gearbox. The MG TC offered here was manufactured in August 1949 and first registered in Victoria in 1950 as 'FU232'. Still retaining these original enamel number plates, the car was purchased by Ian McColl in August, 1966. Ian was well known in motoring circles as he managed the Saab-Scania Melbourne dealership and a great friend of charismatic Anglo-Australian John "Jumbo" Goddard. Jumbo and Ian simultaneously restored British Racing Green TC's in the late 1960's and these cars remained in their collections until their deaths. When Ian purchased this car in late 1966, he undertook a complete rebuild that took five years without regard to cost. This work included all chassis and mechanical components and a complete rebuild of the body to original factory specifications. We are told that strengthening of the scuttle framing was undertaken with steel plate gussets let into the Ash frame. The engine, transmission, rear axle (including new half-shafts), clutch and suspension were all rebuilt (list of mechanical works undertaken available upon request). The odometer was zeroed at rebuild and the car has covered a mere 13,836 miles over the 50 years of Ian McColl's ownership, being regularly serviced and used occasionally for club rallies and holidays. This TC reflects the fastidious nature of its owner, having lovely details and period features including twin 1¼" carburettors with manifold air cleaners, rarely seen as these were often replaced by pancake air cleaners. Other desirable features include Alfin brake drums; sports coil; original oil pump; Bluemels Brooklands steering wheel with enamelling and MG cast aero screens. At time of restoration Ian bought two new old stock engine blocks from Melbourne MG distributor Robert Lane of Lane's Motors. The TF (XPAG) 1500cc blocks were built up into highly modified engines and fitted to Ian's TC and Jumbo's sister car which was supercharged. It would be difficult to find another 50-year-old restoration that has held up as well as this extremely well-maintained TC. The doors close firmly, the body is rigid and its leather seats and paint work have a lovely patina which makes this car perfect to use and enjoy. This vehicle had been fully registered up until January 2014 confirming the long period of enjoyment it provided for its owner. Accompanying the sale is full wet-weather gear including soft top and side curtains, half and full tonneaus together with a larger collection of original spares including the 1250cc engine block and original BMC engine crate (list available upon request). This vehicle will be sold unregistered
• Estimate:
  A$30,000 - 40,000
• Realised Price:
  *****
  

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• Category:
  Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.