Talk Morgan Forums Community Vehicle Talk (non-Morgan) MG TC ?

No comparison. A different era. I suppose a very early flat rad would be comparable though, but not a more modern 4/4.

I was once offered a TC barn find for £1,000, but couldn't find the money. Fibreglass wings, missing instruments, wrong wheels, damaged chassis.

My father ordered a blue MG TC at the Earles Court Motor Show in 1948. It was the first blue MG to be delivered in Australia (1949). He liked the Morgan but was worried the wooden frame would not stand up to the rough Australian roads. Given the state of today's roads I don't think he needed to worry.

Er....correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure that the T series bodywork was hung on an ash frame too.

Steve,

Comparing 1949 MGTC to 2008 Morgan 4/4 :
4/4 cost me 152 times as much !
TC relatively speaking was underpowered but never noticeably so back then.
SU carburation could be fiddled with and adjusted by the roadside if necessary - unlike the 4/4.
EXPAG engine of the MG was open to variety of tune mods. some off the shelf.
Fold flat screen was a joy to experience on the TC.
Road clearance was better than Morgan so bottoming out was not an issue.
My 4/4 has over twice the HP but on today's roads (50 years later) the TC would feel very underpowered and too highly geared. The TC never saw a motorway or a dual carriageway.
Today I have no desire to go back to a TC - I am happily attached to the Morgan and have even got used to its slight rev-hang and ECU. It seems to have adapted itself to my driving habits without need for a moments tinkering.
For MG reminiscence see Blog Post : F1 MG Magna - The romance

I never really checked on that but it seems you are correct. The MG TC has a fair amount of wood in it too, particularly around the doors. The ash frame of a modern trad is somewhat more complete. I have no idea of the structure of the 4/4 that was contemporary with the TC.

Have you made your mind up yet Steve? I suppose it depends on your type of driving. If you are not to be doing long distances on M'ways and fast main roads, it will be fine, but otherwise slow and underpowered.

I also owned an MGTA Tickford in my youth, then a number of TD and a TF or two over the years, and with my last TD which I kept for 30 years, I couldn't help feeling it would have been a great car with some MGB brakes, up rated suspension and a Duratec engine powering through a Ford 5 speed box, however that was only in my dreams, and I found it boring to drive, especially after I'd discovered the Caterham Seven range, so it eventually had to go.

I think once the novelty wears off, you will find it boring as well?

Peter, the 1952/3 4/4 frame in the factory museum is very similar to the current frame apart from the rear end style....and not treated of course!

I've always fancied a TC. It certainly can't be compared to a modern Morgan but it would be just the thing to drive over to Shelsley for the breakfasts and race meetings!
I do also have a strong hankering after an MGA Coupe. I very nearly bought one three years ago...a couple of days pondering over it and I lost it!

No haven't made my mind up yet... still dithering. I guess my reasons for having the itch are:
1) It looks such a pretty car!
2)I like the tinkering bit (and there doesn't seem enough of that on my 4/4)
3) I really only do short distances, Sunday runs out etc
4) They are still affordable
5) I like the idea of appreciating in value
6) It will fit in my garage (not many will!)

The one I'm lusting after is a 1 owner from new, matching numbers etc, lovely condition, but... Paul you may be right, after a bit I'd find it just a little too slow and dull.. arghhhh

Steve
I purchased a fully restored 1949 MG TC in 1999 and a fortnight later took it on a classic car rally around France. Brilliant. The TC is constructed in the same way as the traditional Morgan the difference of course being in the running gear but in many ways they have a similar feel. The EXPAG engine in the TC is a little beauty, quite high reving for that period but not in the same league as today's Morgans. The fun comes in the way that when you are doing 50mph in the TC it feels like 90 in the Morgan. Add to that scenario the 19" narrow wheels and you have a recipe for great fun and hardly any chance of losing your licence!
The hood is a doddle to use and waterproof as well. Enough storage space for a holiday for 2 in France without the need for a luggage rack. The mechanical side of things was a delight, everything easy to get at and spares readily available. I had the car three years and it proved very reliable. Sold the car for exactly what I paid for it so depreciation was nil. Only downside I can think of was the lack of a heater! I reckon I could use my Morgan every day if I wanted to but you would not apply that to the TC. For summer weekends away and a blast down your favourite roads when the mood takes you though it takes some beating, I certainly had no regrets.

Sir Percival,
That's a fair and tempting description of your 1949 TC that makes me feel the loss of mine all the more keenly after all these years. No more please it hurts!