1946 MG TC Ex-Goldie Gardner

• First owner was Goldie Gardner, ex-MG ‘Works’ driver and land speed record holder
• Subsequent race history within the MGCC and also at hill-climbs across the UK
• Still retains its race inspired fibreglass wings and 16’’ wheels
• More recent replacement chassis, Spax Adjustable shock absorbers, rear axle overhaul and VW steering column which is a desirable modification, all enhance the appeal
• Comprehensive history file including original buff log book and handbook, general invoices and magazine features
• Complete with its original full tool kit worth a small fortune in its own right

A landmark in the history of MG, the TC was the first British sports car to sell in serious numbers globally, proving a huge success in America where it paved the way for generations of Triumphs, Austin-Healeys and numerous others.  Launched in 1945, the TC may have been a mildly revamped version of the short-lived TB, but the formula of traditional sports car styling, sparkling performance and affordability made the latest MG a winner, with some 10,000 examples rolling off the production lines at Abingdon over the next five years.  Some useful modifications were made to the TB’s suspension, with new shock absorbers and conventional springs in place of the sliding trunnion set-up of the pre-war model.  The willing 1250cc four-cylinder engine produced 54 horsepower at 5200 rpm, delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed gearbox with synchromesh on second, third and top. With its upright radiator, separate wings and a fold-flat windscreen, the MG’s steadfastly traditional appearance bucked prevailing styling trends, lacking amenities like bumper bars or even a heater – all of which only seemed to enhance the TC’s appeal to hardy sports car drivers around the world. 

As evidenced by the accompanying buff logbook, this early example was originally the property of Major A T Goldie Gardner OBE MC, winner of three BRDC Gold Stars and a highly accomplished racing driver and record breaker both pre and post-World War Two. In 1939, his streamlined MG exceeded 200mph and took a number of 1100cc and 1500cc class records at Dessau, Germany. Indeed, between 1936 and 1950 he set over 100 international and national speed records in Europe and the USA and was a prominent member of the 'Brooklands 120MPH Club'.

His close relationship with MG naturally resulted in him taking possession of one of the new TC models for his personal use in 1946. Registered in his name on 23 March of that year, he kept the car until 1948 when it passed to the Watson family of Purley, Surrey. In later years it was pressed into use by Ken Cheesman racing in MGCC events and, more latterly, by Alf Hodkins who used the spirited MG for Hill Climb events. In fact, the car still retains its race-inspired fibreglass wings and 16’’ wheels from those exciting days, all now attached to a replacement chassis. In more recent years it has passed through the hands of MG Specialist Peter Edney and his father George before arriving with its present custodian in 2016, who in his own right is worthy of mention being a time-served MG enthusiast and MG race series competitor having owned twenty six MGs over the years. Described by our client as being mechanically superb and a joy to drive, still retaining its original registration number 'MG 6963', this is clearly an MG with a past that should be embraced and enjoyed to the full whether that be on the show field or even possibly back on the race circuit where it cut its teeth all those years ago.