1948 MG T-Series

TC Convertible

XPAG 1250 cc

Manual 4-speed

5735

Clear

Gasoline (unleaded OK)

I drive this beauty frequently, but never very far or very fast. I have taken it to a few car shows, and it has gotten wonderful comments, but it is a daily driver (not a total restoration). It is definitely a head-turner, and a great ride. Note that it is right-hand drive. Please read the entire description before bidding. CHASSIS/BODY: Chassis # 5735. All metal and wood are original and in excellent condition. This was a California car, and has always been stored inside since moving to Oregon … never driven on salt or gravel … there is no rust. The frame is completely straight. The paint is autumn red (not an original color). There are a few spots of minor discoloration, and some small paint chips have been touched up. All of the chrome is in excellent condition. The chrome vertical “bumper bars” on the front are not standard, but they look good and can be useful. Doors (suicide doors) and latches operate reasonably well. INCLUDED: The original TC owner’s manual, the original hand crank, the original copper mallet (for chrome wheel spinner hubs), the original leather tool bag and some of the original tool set … also a W.E.Blower MG Workshop Manual and other reference books. ALSO INCLUDED: A pair of Brooklands windscreens (see description under WINDSCREEN below). ENGINE: Engine #15797. Recently rebuilt XPAG 1250 cc from a 1952 MG TD. The engine is virtually identical to the original TC XPAG. It has new valves, hardened valve seats (OK for unleaded gas), etc. Starts and runs well, and does not burn oil. Compression is 120, 122, 120, 124. Oil pressure is 30 - 45. PROBLEM: After the rebuild, the rear cork oil seal leaked. I removed the sump, and replaced the cork seal and sump gasket. It still leaks. Apparently this is not unusual, as it is difficult to get it right (see http://www.mg-cars.org.uk/imgytr/oilleaks.shtml), but it is annoying. I’m getting too old to try it again. There are no other engine leaks. The front seal is the modern type. TRANSMISSION/CLUTCH: This is the transmission/clutch that came with the TD engine. All gears and synchromesh work well. The flywheel and all clutch parts are good. The gearshift knob is not original. NOTE: The TD transmission is quite different from the TC transmission, and it required some mounting modifications. I had to take a small notch out of the wood floor to accommodate the speedometer cable, and a small piece out of the driveshaft tunnel to accommodate the front universal joint. The modified mounts are easily removed, and the original TC mounts (included) are easily installed. Good luck trying to find a TC transmission. There is a guy who makes a 5-speed after-market version, for sale by Moss Motors (http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=51571). DRIVESHAFT/U-JOINTS: Excellent. These are also from the TD. REAR AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL: Original TC … everything works fine, but (of course) the rear end drips a small amount of gear oil. FUEL SYSTEM: The fuel pump is steady, gas lines and filters are clear. The gas tank is clean and has no leaks. Both SU carburetors are good. They have the correct TC air intake manifold and air cleaner canister, but the canister mounting is not standard. This is because the carburetor suction chambers (domes) are larger on the TD carbs, so the TC air cleaner won’t fit between them. IGNITION: Coil, distributor, wires, and spark plugs are all good. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: The battery is new (DieHard). There are no problems with the starter, generator, voltage regulator, starter relay, etc. The wiring harness is relatively new. There are no shorts or other electrical problems. COOLING SYSTEM: The radiator is original with all the brass fittings. It is solid and clean, with no leaks. The water pump is good. All hoses are new. The entire cooling system works well and has no leaks. STEERING (right-hand drive): The front axle, kingpins, steering gear, arm, and column are all good. The steering wheel is upgraded (see photos). WHEELS/TIRES: All wheels (including the spare) are 19” chrome spoke wheels … all in excellent condition. All 5 knockoff hubs are excellent. All 5 tires are very good. WHEEL BEARINGS: All good. BRAKES: The master cylinder is good. No leaks. The rear wheel cylinders were recently rebuilt, and the front wheel cylinders are new. The drums, shoes, springs, etc., are all good. SHOCKS (dampers): All are good. No leaks. WINDSCREEN: All chrome and glass are excellent. Wipers are hand-operated. INCLUDED: A pair of Brooklands windscreens with all mounting hardware (see http://xks.com/i-6917484-17-1950-windscreen-ea-brooklands-windscreen.html). These have never been mounted on the car. TOP, TONNEAU, and SIDE CURTAINS: New in 1997, all are in excellent condition. LIGHTS: Headlight housings are standard, but the headlights are converted to sealed-beam. The tail/brake/directional lights have been upgraded (see photos). INTERIOR: All leather is excellent, correct “biscuit” color. New carpet from Moss Motors. Lap belts are installed. INSTRUMENT PANEL: Mostly original, except for the starter button (push instead of pull) and directional signal switch (not present on original). The gauges, horn, and lights (including the reserve tank warning light) work. The tachometer is jumpy. The speedometer is not working. Actual mileage is not known. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE