Buyer’s Guide — MG TC
What to know before buying an MG TC.
Overview
The MG TC was produced from 1945 to 1949, with approximately 10,000 built. It was essentially a mildly updated pre-war MG TB, but its timing was perfect — returning American GIs fell in love with it and brought hundreds back to the States, kick-starting the American sports car movement. The 1,250 cc XPAG engine produced 54.4 bhp, and the car weighed just 1,730 lbs.
What to Look For
| Ash Frame | The body sits on an ash (wood) frame. Check for rot at the bottom of all uprights and where the wood meets steel brackets. Poke with a screwdriver — soft wood must be replaced. |
| Chassis | Ladder-frame chassis. Check for corrosion and cracks at stress points, particularly around spring mounts and engine mountings. |
| Engine | XPAG 1,250 cc — robust if maintained. Check oil pressure (40+ psi when driving). Listen for big-end knock and check for oil leaks. Rebuilds are straightforward. |
| Gearbox | Four-speed non-synchro first. Should shift smoothly with practice. Double-declutching into first is normal. |
| Brakes | Drums all round, cable-operated. Adequate for the car’s performance but require regular adjustment. |
| Wire Wheels | Check splines carefully — worn splines are dangerous and expensive to fix. |
| Electrical | Simple electrical system. Check dynamo charging and all Lucas switchgear. |
Parts Availability
Good — specialists like Moss Motors and NTG carry XPAG engine parts and TC-specific items. The active TC community helps source harder-to-find items.
What a Good One Should Feel Like
Slow by modern standards but charming and engaging. The XPAG engine should rev eagerly to its 5,500 rpm limit. Steering is heavy at low speed but lightens up. The ride is firm with leaf springs all round. The TC rewards a sympathetic driver who works with the car rather than fighting it.
Price Guide (Approximate, 2026)
| Project / Needs Work | $20,000 – $35,000 |
| Good Driver | $40,000 – $60,000 |
| Excellent / Concours | $65,000 – $90,000 |