1949 MG TC

This gorgeous 1949 MG TC is a California Black Plate original. It was beautifully restored between 2005 and 2006 by a reputed Orange County British car specialist. The car was built on October 14th, 1948. The car lived in Newport Beach on Lido Isle most of its life, being driven by its owner to the Lido Isle yacht club every Saturday. When the car was purchased by Mr. Peter C. of Huntington Beach, California, it was treated to the above-mentioned restoration. The goal was to fully restore the car mechanically, while preserving as much of the original finishes and components as possible. As such, the car went back to its beautiful MG red, with black interior and matching foul weather gear. The radiator slats are finished in black as is correct, i.e. matching the interior. Today, the high-caliber paint shows beautifully deep and smooth, without any checking or sanding marks. Very close inspection reveals a small rock chip here or there. During the restoration, the decision was made to retain the original chrome components, which still shine up beautifully and have a warm patina. Inside the cockpit, all details appear correct. The leather seats are without blemishes. The carpets are as new. The steering wheel has been refinished. The center instrument cluster, containing the ignition switch, starter and choke pulls has been left in its original black finish. The chronometric gauges are the originals and work perfectly. They have never been refinished and show a wonderful patina, much like collector watches of the era. The turn signals and their switch gear appear to be original equipment and use two fuel tank mounted rear indicators, while the front fender running lights double as front blinkers with their double filaments. The 19 inch spoke wheels are powder coated in the correct shade of silver gray. The upright bumper bars have been re-chromed. The car is accompanied by a large binder that details much of the restoration and the correspondence between Peter C. and the restorer. In 2012 the car changed hands and was sold by European Collectibles in Costa Mesa, California, to Mr. J. B. of Lido Isle, California. TC6832 remained as part of his classic car collection until a few months ago, when we were able to acquire this beautiful MG. The car is in excellent running condition and has been fully serviced. It is a turn-key classic, ready to be enjoyed by its new owner. I once read that you do not merely drive a TC; you dance with it in full Tango. Carrol Shelby drove a TC as his first race car and it is well-established that the MGTC started America's love affair with sports cars. Strong suits: A fully restored, very original California Black plate MG TC. Early replacement engine. Chassis and body tub original. Fully-sorted. All systems, gauges, switches, etc. function as designed. Show quality paint. Wonderful patina where retained, owing to a pampered life in California climate. Nitpicks: As mentioned, the chrome components are the originals and show blemishes and age. The convertible top has a rubbing spot from having been stowed improperly and abrasions to the rear window where it was folded. It was never put up in California and lived under the tonneau cover. Last, right after the restoration there was some weeping from the fuel tank sending unit, which left a small trail of darkened paint around the sending unit. Since the area in question is under the spare tire, it is not noticeable. Notes: The last three photos show the car in Southern California. First in Newport Beach when it was freshly restored. The last two when it was purchased by us. Price: $34,500