1949 | MG TC

1949 MGTC
Chassis number: TC-5233
Registration Number: DSL591
Simply the best we have ever seen.
This 1949 MG TC was originally built for the home market. Its early years and first owner are unfortunately a mystery. The car was, in its early years, exported to USA where it remained until 1989. The TC was then re-imported to UK and bought by Michael Card who, with the aid of Steve Baker (renowned T type specialist) embarked on a full restoration to what is referred to as a "Factory Original" specification.
Michael and Steve were then in contact with ICI to find the original paint codes for the 1949 MG range. ICI were the original paint suppliers to the Abingdon factory. The paint was ordered from DU-Pont, paint code (HY599) and was formulated January 1999 at their request to exactly match ICI MG Red 9448 using ICI paint mixing codes.
The cars interior trim and seats were manufactured by Mike Collingburn Interiors, again a renowned specialist in T type and pre war MGs The restoration was completed in 1999 and was then briefly used and exhibited. The TC was entered into the Annual Silverstone Concours and received a second place award.
The car did about 3000 miles before being put into storage until mid 2019. At this point the current owner then purchased the TC from Michael with the intention to use the car as it was rightly designed and to exhibit it at local shows. The TC at this point had been restored for 20 years and as such showing a bit of age and requiring a bit of love and affection. The first job was to make a new hood, side screens and toneau cover with matching tool rolls.
The fabric required was purchased from Martrim in Cheshire and set about sewing up into the required items. The matching tool rolls were made and a full compliment of original tools were bought and restored. The owner worked on this car virtually every day since purchase as it became a labour of love. One of the recent additions is a picnic hamper that was woven to size for the car in Lithuania, from there the internal fixings, strapping etc was fabricated. The plates and cups were specially made by a colleague who does sublimation printing amongst other things.
A rear stainless rack was added to support the new picnic hamper and to house the period correct rear traficators (indicators were never fitted to home market IC cars). Quite a few items have been added to the Factory Correct" specification but kept all the original items with the car for any future custodian.
This TC has been featured on the front cover and inside of both
Classic & Sports Car July 2009
MG Enthusiast December 2001.
An article and pictures in Classic MG (North America) April 2021.
Pictures featured in an MG book, "The MG Story 1923-1980" by Malcolm Green.