MG won numerous races in the 1930s, and its small, high-performance sports cars, known as Midgets, were well recognized on British race tracks and roads. The MG TC Midget was a body-on-frame two-seater sports car with an open-top part of the MG T Series. It's perhaps one of the most well-known MGs that have come out of Abingdon since WWII.

Between 1936 and 1955, MG produced the T-Type series. The TC Midget was produced from 1945 to 1950, with the 1945 MG TC Midget being the first of its kind. The TC Midget was also the first post-war MG. In addition to that claim to fame, the TC Midget has a well-earned reputation for contributing to the sports car fever in the US.

Owners of MG TC automobiles were able to drive their cars to and from early races, compete in them, and often win. Many of the best racing drivers of the time, like Carroll Shelby, Dick Thompson, John von Neumann, and others, got their start in the TC.

Let’s take a look at why the 1945 MG TC was such a precious automobile.

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The Intelligent Craftsmanship Of The MG TC

1945 MG TC Midget side angle
Via: Bonhams

The 1945 TC Midget had a length of 140 inches, width of 56 inches, and height of 53 inches. It was about 4 inches wider than the TB by the rear doors, giving it more space in the cockpit.

The width of the car was maintained, resulting in smaller running boards with two tread stripes. The tachometer was placed directly in front of the driver, while the speedometer/odometer was placed on the other side of the dash in front of the passenger as a nod to MG's prior attempts.

The TC Midget used 19-inch Dunlop wire wheels. The TC was exported to the United States, although only in right-hand drive. The export version has US-spec sealed-beam headlights that were slightly smaller, twin taillights, chromed rear and front bumpers with over-riders, and turn signals.

The 1948 MG TC

1948 MG TC MIdget
Via: Wikimedia

Morris components are used extensively in the 1948 MG TC. The tubular cross-members were replaced with channel sections, resulting in a smoother ride. The 1948 MG TC frequently used Morris components, and the channel sections replaced the tubular cross-members, which improved the ride quality.

A 1292 cc overhead valve powered the rear wheels by a pushrod four-cylinder engine positioned in the front. The engine produced 50 hp, and it’s equipped with two horizontal SU carburetors. Another first for MG was the four-speed manual gearbox, which included synchromesh.

The MG TC was launched as a two-seater vehicle that could be purchased open or closed. The open coupe was dubbed an Airline Coupe; however, the Airline was eventually superseded with a Drophead design. The Drophead had a soft-top that could be opened and closed based on the driver's preference and the weather.

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Engine And Performance

1945 MG TC Midget engine
Via: Bonhams

The pre-war MG TB shared an engine with the 1945 MG TC Midget. It had a 76-cubic-inch pushrod-OHV engine with a 7.4:1 compression ratio, which was improved in the TC Midget. At 5,200 rpm, it produced 54.5 horsepower.

The TC Midget had a four-speed manual transmission with a direct-drive fourth gear and a rear axle ratio of 5.125:1. It also provided owners with information on a number of different adjustment stages that may be used to meet specific needs. This is one of the many aspects why the XPAG engine's tunability is so popular among fans.

The TC Midget's engine was almost similar to the TB's, despite significant alterations. A hydraulically adjustable time chain tensioner was included. Each TC had a 12-volt electrical system that was powered by a single battery. Mechanical timing advance is incorporated into the ignition distributor.

The 1945 MG TC got 28 mpg (imperial) or 23.3 mpg (US) and took 22.7 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill.

The MG TC was equipped with a low fuel warning light on the dashboard. The fuel was pumped from the 16.21-gallon tank using an electric SU fuel pump with two semi-downdraft SU carburetors.

The 1945 MG TC Isn't Too Expensive Today

1945 MG TC Midget
Via: Bonhams

MG had made over 10,000 models by the time production came to a stop at the end of 1949, with the majority going to American buyers. The MG TC was the catalyst for America's love affair with British sportscars more than any other vehicle. It was small, light, sensitive, simple, compact, and quick.

Its latest auction sale was in 2020, where its median, low, and high price was $20,160, while in 2019, it sold for $18,476.

From 1936 through 1955, the T-Series was a popular and reliable two-seater sports car that was enjoyable to drive. The MG TC is regarded as a watershed moment in the company's history since it was the first British sports car to sell in significant numbers overseas.