1949 MG TC

Vehicle Overview

Just driven into the Monterey Showroom is this 1949 MG TC from a prominent Pebble Beach collection.

Chassis No. TCEXU 7465

Engine No. XPAG 8274

Build Date: 12/22/48

In response to the growing market for British sports cars and to meet American safety requirements, 494 of the 1949 TC production run were designated for the United States. These models, known as EXU, differed significantly from the Home and General Export models. These differences, mainly safety related, included:

• Bumpers, front and rear
• 7" semi-sealed beam headlights (Lucas S700)
• High beam warning light
• Stop, tail, and turn signal lights (Lucas 482-1)
• License plate lamp (Lucas 467/1)
• Dual fitment front fender lights for turn signals 
• Dual 'Windtone' horns (Lucas WT 614)
• Revised intrument panel
• Separate fuse box for horns
• Gold Pearl steering wheel
• Rear view mirror
• Second map light (Lucas DF 41) 

The TC/EXU in its as-built form is rather rare today. Not only were very few manufactured, but many second or later owners discarded the special EXU equipment, thinking it to be non-original. 

Acquired by the selling estate on June 2, 1976, this car soon was completely disassembled for a full concours restoration from 1978-1984. The owner was a very well known and respected Concours judge on the West Coast, most notably at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, for decades.

During the body off restoration, no stone was un-turned to make this a perfectly original example, which can still be seen today. Photos of the restoration are included in the gallery below. 

In the diligent notes taken by the owner, the following highlights were documented in a log:

6-2-76 – Acquired the car

1978-1984 – 00000 – Concours Restoration, completed engine rebuild, early camshaft, .019 rocker clearance

3-24-06 – 00583 – Upgraded Steering Column

12-14-12 – 00586 – New Grose Jets, new 24F Battery

1-22-13 – 00586 – Low Fuel lite at 3 gallons

2-22-13 – 00586 – Installed rebuilt voltage regulator

6-13-13 – 00597 – All new brake shoes, Lubed front end, Cleaned old gas, Cleaned gunk from carbs

7-16-13 – 00597 – Installed upgraded distributor rotor

10-26-13 – 00597 – Checked gearbox oil – OK. Added brake fluid

11-26-13 – 00597 – Changed fuel pump, Added 1 gallon gas

4-19-14 – 00597 – Drained/Flushed block & radiator. Re-filled w/50% Prestone, DexCool & distilled wanter

4-20-14 – 00597 – Drained engine oil, re-fill & install new filter

8-17-14 – 00597 – Warmed engine, drained gas tank, added 3 gallons

1-25-15 – 00598 – Topped brake reservoir

Beyond this are DOZENS of pages of notes, with dates, parts acquired and at how much as well as the vendor. Every invoice, work order and part is documented - a truly incredible sight to see.

All pictures in the gallery, with more upon request. 

All inspections welcome. We ship worldwide.

Contact us at 831.373.3131 day or evening.