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1948 MG TC

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  • Mileage~58 at MOT
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.25-litre
  • LocationMalvern, Worcestershire

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1948 MG TC

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Video #2

Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

The MG TC - absolute post-war motoring royalty, and here's arguably one of the best examples on the market today.

The 1947 MG TC is more than just a vintage vehicle; it is the definitive post-war icon that resurrected the spirit of open-top motoring. Following the austerity of the Second World War, the TC arrived as a beacon of mechanical joy. While it borrowed heavily from the pre-war TB design, including the narrow body and leaf-sprung suspension, its timing was perfect. It offered a weary public a return to "motoring for the fun of it," a concept that had been sidelined during the years of conflict.

The first postwar model, released in 1945 by MG, followed on from its predecessor, the popular MG TB. The chassis remained the same as the TB, but the body was extended by 4 inches to give the cockpit more space. Just over 10,000 MG TCs were produced during the five-year production run.

This 1948 example was imported to the UK from California in 2022. As you’ll know, cars from a dry, sunny climate are often found in far better condition – even when they arrive in several boxes. A close look at this car shows just how well it has survived, and if you’re in the market for a car that's recently had a lot of time and money spent on it, then this could be the one. It comes with a fresh MOT valid until 14.05.2027.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Peter the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

There's nothing like a challenge when the car arrives as a jigsaw.

Life-long classic car enthusiast and restorer, Peter, purchased this 1948 MG TC as a project in 2022. The car arrived in what he would describe as kit form; basically, this meant the whole car was stripped down and packed into boxes.

Certainly not for the faint-hearted, Peter set to work on rebuilding the classic MG from the ground up at what has turned out to be no expense spared, which you will see for yourself in the History and Paperwork section, where there are invoices totalling over ~£40,000 to get the MG back up, running, and on the road.

Peter will be happy to answer any questions then the comment section below.

Peter
Vehicle Owner

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EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

The post-war era styling is instantly recognisable throughout the MG range.

Wheels and Tyres

The original spoked wheels have been refinished in silver and present well. There are some minor imperfections under the silver paint from pitting on the steel rims. The chrome knock-off centres have been replaced and are therefore in good order, with a bright finish, except for the spare wheel, which is original and shows some minor tarnishing.

A matching set of British-made Ensign tyres are fitted, all of which have a good amount of tread remaining.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

Walking around the MG we saw no dings or dents on the doors, wings, wheel arches, or bonnet.

We’ve highlighted our observations in more detail through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in the classic 'MG Old English White', the paintwork presents well. There are some odd areas which have been touched up; a couple to mention are the bottom of the rear wheel arch on the passenger side and the edge of the bonnet on the driver’s side. There are also some light signs of orange peel that could be flatted back to reduce by a professional paint correction detailer.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourself. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car to make up your own mind about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windscreen is in excellent condition and sits perfectly within the chrome frame, which has a highly polished finish. There is a full set of side screens, which have never been fitted and still have the plastic protection film on a couple of them.

All over the MG, the chrome is in excellent condition, with no tarnishing present.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Beautiful beige leather finishes off the interior of this British classic.

Seats and Carpets

Finished in beige leather, the bench seat is in excellent condition, as are both door panels.

A full set of beige carpets has been fitted, all of which are in excellent condition, having not really been used since its completion.

Dashboard

The dashboard fascia has been finished in wood and presents well, in keeping with the original style.

All of the instruments have been refurbished and are working correctly, except for the clock, unfortunately, this recently stopped working, but it has not been investigated as to why.

The odometer showed ~35 miles at the time of our visit, which is all Peter has covered since it was completed, since taking it for its MOT it is now showing ~58 miles

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A new steering wheel in the original style has been fitted and is therefore in excellent condition.

The gear knob appears to be original and is in good order.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

A nifty 1,250cc four-cylinder engine with twin SU carburettors produces approximately ~55bhp.

Engine and Gearbox

The 1,250cc engine has been rebuilt and runs with no issues reported - take a look at the History and Paperwork section to see the full extend of the engine and gearbox work . With a touch of choke from cold, the MG fires up on the button and runs smoothly.

A four-speed gearbox is fitted, which has just been rebuilt with new synchromesh gears and bearings.

The MG pulls as you would expect through all the gears, and there are no untoward noises from the running gear.

Suspension and Brakes

On the road, the drum brakes bring the MG to a stop with a firm feel to the pedal and in a straight line, with no issues reported.

The suspension, being leaf springs, has a firm ride without being harsh and is typical for a car of this era.

The Drive

It’s a wonderfully raw, mechanical experience that strips motoring back to its 1948 essentials. You sit comfortably behind that long, louvred bonnet, hands wrapped around the classic MG steering wheel, helping you feel every ripple of the road through unassisted mechanical steering.

The four-cylinder 1,250cc may not be the quickest engine fitted to an MG, but it certainly brings a smile and gains nods of approval from passers-by as you drive down the road.

Electrics and Other

All of the switchgear is in excellent condition, having been replaced along with the wiring. The lights and wipers are all working correctly, and aside from the clock, which Peter mentioned, no other issues are reported.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

The invoices pretty much add up to a complete parts manual.

Including the car, which, if you remember, was in boxes, Peter has totted up the amount he has spent. This can be seen in the invoices and in totals exceeding ~£40,000!

As Peter admitted, he does much prefer to carry out the restoration rather than driving them; they become somewhat of a labour of love, and he does save every invoice showing exactly what parts have been purchased and fitted, which will give you an idea of the amount of work put into restoring the British classic. The MG TC comes with a fresh MOT valid until 14.05.2027, even though it is exempt.

Whoever is the lucky winner of the auction will certainly benefit from hours and hours of work carried out and at great expense, but what a treat to see another classic take to the roads again.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C, and an HPI check. This confirms the car has not been stolen, written off, or has any outstanding finance. Please note: this check does not include mileage verification.

We’ve summarised the car based on the seller’s information above. As always, we go to great lengths to photograph and film the car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own informed assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So grab a cuppa, sit back, and enjoy reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are welcome for all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a time – we just need to speak with you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If you have any questions, no matter how small, please ask the seller in the comments section below before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win, just like in a traditional auction.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
15.05.2026 MOT 58
May 2022 - April 2025 Restoration
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Key Details
  • Year1948
  • ModelTC
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date1948
  • First UK Reg Date18.10.2023
  • CC1250
  • Mileage~58 at MOT
  • ColourMG Old English White
  • Interior ColourBeige
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #TC5252
  • Engine #XPAG5855
  • RestoredYes
  • Engine RebuildYes
  • MOTYes valid until 14.05.2027
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers0 former UK keepers
  • Tyre BrandEnsign
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~4 years
  • Key FeatureRestored
  • Vehicle RegistrationTXS 957
  • Driver’s SideRight
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body TypeConvertible
  • Auction ID3376
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Malvern

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Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.

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1 Comment
ColinB
ColinB
Admin
2 days ago

*** RESERVE LOWERED ***

Peter has decided to lower the reserve so the highest bidder is more likely to win the car tonight!

Thanks,
Colin.

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Vehicle Location

Malvern

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