LOT 229 •
1949 MG TC Roadster Chassis no. TC/9862/EXU Engine no. XPAG10600
Sold for US$18,135 inc. premium
Lot 229•
1949 MG TC Roadster Chassis no. TC/9862/EXU Engine no. XPAG10600
The Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia|7 June 2009, 12:00 EDT|Connecticut, Greenwich
1949 MG TC Roadster
Chassis no. TC/9862/EXU
Engine no. XPAG10600
Chassis no. TC/9862/EXU
Engine no. XPAG10600
Ted Leonard’s Auto Show dealership championed affordable, enjoyable sports cars in southern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
There was nothing that better expressed that objective than the MG TC, the sports car that introduced the British sports car – spare, upright, stiff, spare and exposed – to American drivers.
Directly descended from a series that began with the TA Midget in June 1936, the sports model of Nuffield’s Morris family echoed the earlier overhead cam MG M, J and P and the magical 6-cylinder K and N Midgets. The pushrod overhead valve four-cylinder T-series made sense, economic sense, and fortunately it still reflected the sporting sensibilities of Sid Enever and Cecil Kimber.
By modern standards the live axle semi-elliptical leaf spring suspension of the TA, TB and TC was stiff and unyielding. Judged by the rigid suspensions of earlier Midgets, however, it was smooth and compliant. That dichotomy may reflect why it came to be revered by a generation of GI’s who were too old to have experienced Stutz Bearcats and Mercer Raceabouts and thought “sports car” meant an MG that was quick, responsive, light, small and simple.
Later MGs had independent front suspension and MG engineers worked assiduously – and successfully – to create a modern driving experience in the later TD and TF. It overwhelmed the essential MG character even as it expanded the marque’s appeal. As it left the TC behind it also made the 1945-1949 TC the ultimate classic MG.
Not surprisingly MG built just over 10,000 TCs (two over 10,000, to be exact) and they saved the marque.
Ted Leonard was uniquely situated to appreciate the effect of the MG TC and it is not surprising that one of these classic MGs is prominent among the Rolls-Royces, Auburn and Packards within his diverse collection. Selling interesting cars to drivers in the middle decades of the last century Leonard’s Auto Show dealership must have seen truckloads of MG TCs pass through its shop. It is one of the choice rides for the sweeping curves, narrow lanes and the paved former cow paths of southern New England. Impractical but immensely rewarding, TCs dug their way through corners at speeds that stymied Cadillacs, Lincolns and Chryslers.
This isn’t a particularly pretty TC, even in its red livery with matching upholstery and beige cloth top, fog lights, fender mirrors, wide whitewall tires and Christopher Columbus radiator cap mascot. The repaint is sound, but aged. So is the interior and the faded top. Underhood the engine is covered with a film of oily residue and road dust. Look through the crud, however, and this is a sound, sturdy and real MG TC from the last year of the model’s production.
More than that it embodies Ted Leonard’s legacy, a real car just as it might have been found in the Auto Show back lot after Ted, Betty or their kids exercised it through the lanes of southern Bristol County and around Newport on an early, warm spring weekend. It was put away damp, not wet, and has a real history: a real car, owned, cherished and driven by real folks.
There was nothing that better expressed that objective than the MG TC, the sports car that introduced the British sports car – spare, upright, stiff, spare and exposed – to American drivers.
Directly descended from a series that began with the TA Midget in June 1936, the sports model of Nuffield’s Morris family echoed the earlier overhead cam MG M, J and P and the magical 6-cylinder K and N Midgets. The pushrod overhead valve four-cylinder T-series made sense, economic sense, and fortunately it still reflected the sporting sensibilities of Sid Enever and Cecil Kimber.
By modern standards the live axle semi-elliptical leaf spring suspension of the TA, TB and TC was stiff and unyielding. Judged by the rigid suspensions of earlier Midgets, however, it was smooth and compliant. That dichotomy may reflect why it came to be revered by a generation of GI’s who were too old to have experienced Stutz Bearcats and Mercer Raceabouts and thought “sports car” meant an MG that was quick, responsive, light, small and simple.
Later MGs had independent front suspension and MG engineers worked assiduously – and successfully – to create a modern driving experience in the later TD and TF. It overwhelmed the essential MG character even as it expanded the marque’s appeal. As it left the TC behind it also made the 1945-1949 TC the ultimate classic MG.
Not surprisingly MG built just over 10,000 TCs (two over 10,000, to be exact) and they saved the marque.
Ted Leonard was uniquely situated to appreciate the effect of the MG TC and it is not surprising that one of these classic MGs is prominent among the Rolls-Royces, Auburn and Packards within his diverse collection. Selling interesting cars to drivers in the middle decades of the last century Leonard’s Auto Show dealership must have seen truckloads of MG TCs pass through its shop. It is one of the choice rides for the sweeping curves, narrow lanes and the paved former cow paths of southern New England. Impractical but immensely rewarding, TCs dug their way through corners at speeds that stymied Cadillacs, Lincolns and Chryslers.
This isn’t a particularly pretty TC, even in its red livery with matching upholstery and beige cloth top, fog lights, fender mirrors, wide whitewall tires and Christopher Columbus radiator cap mascot. The repaint is sound, but aged. So is the interior and the faded top. Underhood the engine is covered with a film of oily residue and road dust. Look through the crud, however, and this is a sound, sturdy and real MG TC from the last year of the model’s production.
More than that it embodies Ted Leonard’s legacy, a real car just as it might have been found in the Auto Show back lot after Ted, Betty or their kids exercised it through the lanes of southern Bristol County and around Newport on an early, warm spring weekend. It was put away damp, not wet, and has a real history: a real car, owned, cherished and driven by real folks.
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistAuction Viewings
Lot symbols
| • | Exempt from tax |
| Zero rated for tax, no tax will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium. |