1949 MG TC

Built by Steve Baker and his son Luke, the well-known pre-war and T-type MG specialists, this aluminium-bodied MG TC special has been engineered in the style of a factory racing car. Finished in a fetching combination of burgundy and grey, it looks utterly sensational - and even better in the flesh.

The original MG TC chassis is said to be “immaculate with no significant modifications” and it still runs its original axles and braking system, albeit rebuilt. The engine, which has been rebuilt, is the correct MG-crested XPAG unit mated to a rebuilt TC gearbox. The car also has an aluminium radiator, oil cooler, and electric fan fitted for better cooling and increased reliability.

It sits on new MWS wheels and Blockley tyres, and the cockpit features a full set of either new or rebuilt gauges, including a matching pair of Jaeger instruments that measure speed and engine revolutions.

The aluminium body is new, so is in a very, very good condition. Wonderfully crafted, it’s both elegant and purposeful as well as being a guaranteed crowd-puller.

Carefully aligned panels provide the canvas for the beautifully applied paint. It’s clear the chaps take a great deal of pride in their work and the resulting sportscar makes us ache for a pre-breakfast run across country as the sun is rising and there’s a crisp kick to the air.

Ticking off every vintage fantasy you’ve ever had, the huge headlamps, separate cycle wings, wire wheels, upright chrome radiator and aero screens merge seamlessly into a very beautiful and evocative period-style sportscar.

Nor does it end there because twin alloy fuel fillers add another touch of cool but it’s the boat-style rear that is the car’s raison d'être; doesn’t it look fantastic?

The tonneau cover can be rolled back, left half on, or removed entirely giving the owner a choice of weather protection depending on the prevailing conditions as well as their own hardiness.

The centre-lock wire wheels are, like everything else, beautifully finished, and they, along with the spare wheel, are fitted with new Blockley tyres.

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. Their presence does not, of course, preclude the need for a thorough inspection - something the vendor would welcome, by the way – but it does perhaps give you a shortcut into their attitude towards maintenance.

Hopping into the car is easy, but for those of us with a few miles under our belts, stepping in is even easier. But, let’s face it, you’re going to hop in à la Terry-Thomas, aren’t you?

The reward for your athleticism is a fantastic interior, one whose minimalism is matched only by the quality of the fittings; when a cockpit is as sparse as this, you can afford to get every single detail right.

It starts with a pair of bright red leather bucket seats. Low-backed and all-encompassing, they hold you tight and look fantastic.

The driver’s view might be dominated by the huge Bluemels Brooklands steering wheel but it’s the instruments that draw your eye, especially the matching six-inch Jaeger rev counter and speedometer, which are nothing short of sensational.

The joy continues with further Jaeger, Eureka, and Lucas gauges that measure oil temperature and pressure, water temperature, and electrical charge.

The gear-lever and handbrake too, both of which are as lovely to look at as they are to hold.

The inside of the bodywork has been left in bare aluminium, which we think is an inspired choice that continues the sporting theme.

Of course, there’s nothing in there for you to do, either. Except jump in a drive it, obviously.

We are told that the XPAG engine was rebuilt using a 3/4 camshaft plus new pistons and bearings, etc. The gearbox has also been rebuilt, as has the braking system and axles.

Cooling, and therefore reliability, are assured with the installation of an aluminium radiator, oil cooler, and electric fan.

The side-hinged engine covers lift up to reveal a nicely organized and clean engine and, as you can see on the video, it starts cleanly and runs very well. We are told it drives even better, with a sprightliness that will amaze anyone used to sitting behind the wheel of a standard car.

It also makes a very nice noise indeed, which is almost as important, eh?

The underside is as clean and beautifully finished as everything else but if it were ours we’d replace the elastic bungee that is currently being used to hold the battery down with something more substantial.

Despite not needing one, the MG TC’s MoT certificate is valid until December 2023. This is a wonderful thing to see because it gives potential bidders further reassurance as to the integrity of both the build and the men who built it. That it was gained with no advisories should go without saying.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clean.

How much will this slice of hand-built British sportscar exotica cost you? Well, it’s hard to estimate with any accuracy due to its unique nature but we think the virtual hammer will fall somewhere between £30,000 and £40,000, which seems like incredible value to us given the craftsmanship involved and the quality of the materials and fittings used.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.