MG TC, the first postwar sports car from the British automaker, revealed how two-seat roadsters could provide wind-in-the-hair fun for American motorists. This was long before the Corvette, when the American car market was dominated by large family-friendly sedans and work trucks.
MG began producing the TA Midget in 1936. It got a smaller, modern XPAG engine - opens in new window or tab. in 1939 and became the TB. However, production stopped due to World War II. When hostilities ended, MG introduced the MG TC you see here.
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American servicemen stationed in England after the war got to drive the lithe roadster and spread the gospel when they returned stateside. Nearly 500 TC EXUs were produced in 1949, with minor tweaks for the US market. As such, the MG was the first ever sports car in America.
A sterling example of the 1949 TC EXU—decked out in fun competition livery—was recently listed on eBay. This fully restored, turnkey TC, located in Tomball, Tex., is offered at $24,995.
Not everybody agrees that the MG TC is the first sports car on American soil. Other candidates include the American Underslung in 1905 and Stutz Bearcat in 1912. Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
MG TC: Vintage Aero Style
This TC EXU looks the business with an unusual red-and-white checkerboard pattern on the hood (held down with a leather strap). The number 8 is affixed to the doors, but like the hood decoration, it’s removable—especially if the only “racing” it will do is to to the grocery store. The TC may look ancient, but it can reach 80 mph, and take on the modern interstate.
It's not necessarily a racer, but it looks like one.
Seller Amir Tamjidi’s business partner has a sizable collection of European cars and bought this TC on eBay four years ago.
Tamjidi told us:
It was in okay condition, but we wanted to put our touch on it. The owner likes World War I aircraft, and that’s where the hood design comes from. We restored the car completely, via our in-house shop. The collection has about 20 cars and we make sure they all get driven.
The TC has been rebuilt from top to bottom.
The frame-on restoration gave it an all-new interior, a thoroughly rebuilt engine, and a new top. There’s an oh-so-English tonneau cover, too. Sensible updates, such as a spin-on oil filter, have been adopted. Gaskets, brake cylinders and hoses, shock bushings, and electric fuel pump are all new.
Unique EXU features include special bullet taillights mounted on the gas tank, full-width bumpers with MG medallion, turn signals, a modified dashboard, and a temperature gauge to the driver’s right.
The interior of this pristine TC EXU departs slightly from stock, with an African wood dashboard, and reupholstered seats and door panels. Ohio-based marque specialist Whitworth rebuilt all the gauges. Before the restoration, the car led an easy life in a climate-controlled garage. Only 204 miles have been added since then.
The First Sports Car in America
These cars are throwbacks to the 1930s. The key features include:
- Body-on-chassis construction
- Ashwood framing
- Cycle fenders
- Externally mounted headlamps
- Solid front and rear axles
Enthusiasts are passionate about these early postwar cars. eBay Motors offers an abundant supply of MG replacement parts - opens in new window or tab..
The 1,250-cc engine, with twin SU carbs - opens in new window or tab., produces 54.5 horsepower. When the rest of the world was working on easy-fold power tops with roll-up windows, the TC used ineffective side curtains and a top that’s like a Boy Scout tent. Moreover, the car sits on narrow 19-inch wire wheels that, to Americans, look like they belong on a bicycle.
About 10,000 TCs were produced before the more refined (but still old-fashioned) TD appeared late in 1949.
MG TC: Lightweight and Tough
Acceleration is leisurely in the TC; it takes 14.7 seconds to reach 50 mph. There’s not a lot of power, but because of minimal bodywork, it weighs a svelte 1,822 pounds. The TC, TD, and last-of-the-line TF have strong followings. They may look delicate, but they’re tough as old boots.
The TC isn’t a performance car by today’s standards, but back then, it excited Americans who were used to ponderous lead sleds. They finally had options—a big chrome-laden American boat or a cute little sports tourer from across the pond.
Just 494 of these export-model TCs were built in 1949.
A TC is approximately 140 inches long and 56 inches wide. That’s 14 inches shorter and 14 inches narrower than a current Mazda Miata - opens in new window or tab..
The MG T-series marked the genesis of American sports car racing. Returning GIs would gather at surplus airfields, such as Sebring - opens in new window or tab. in Florida, and battle it out on a track laid on the tarmac. With its agile handling, the wee MG proved to America that going fast didn’t require heaps of horsepower.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.