1949 M.G. TC SUPERCHARGED SPECIAL

THE EX-JOHN BLANDEN

The M.G. TC, the final iteration of the family of traditional pre-war M.G. Midgets, began with the TA of 1936 and progressed through the TB series, to be launched post-war in 1946. It was reasonably priced, mechanically sturdy and capable of withstanding considerable tuning. It has often been said that the popularity of the TC with American servicemen based in Europe resulted in the sports car boom in the U.S.A in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Certainly in Australia the TC was also very popular and there were many TC specials built, some being constructed to a very high standard, with attractive monoposto bodies.

The noted enthusiast, collector and writer John Blanden purchased this car in well-used condition in c1970, and in John’s book “Historic Racing Cars In Australia” first published in 1979, it is pictured in its later form on page 254. This definitive Australian racing history reveals this car’s delightful shape and shows some of the multiplicity of M.G. specials that have been built. With spare parts still readily available, the M.G. TC remains a practical and exciting historic racing car, with a wealth of competitive opportunities at all levels of the sport.

It is believed that the original car was the Don Shinners/Bob Irvine TC. The body was removed and during Blanden’s rebuild and reconstruction, the chassis was shortened and stiffened.

The engine, gearbox and differential are offset to lower the centre of gravity. The engine is the robust M.G. XPAG series and the gearbox with shortened remote is TC The body, showing strong influence of charismatic Alfa P3 racers, is believed to have been formed by Colin Riley at Mansfield Park in Adelaide on the chassis and mechanicals commissioned by Blanden and constructed by Rob Butcher.

The car is currently owned by well known NSW collector and motoring enthusiast, Syd Reinhardt. Mr Reinhardt has restored the car mechanically and cosmetically at considerable expense. This M.G. Special is in superb competition condition and the extensive history file compiled outlines in detail the expense and care that was undertaken in its restoration under the current owner’s care. This fast and well known car is fitted with a Marshall J75 supercharger mounted under the exhaust extractors and has previously been an exhibit at the National Motor Museum at Birdwood in South Australia and appears in the book ‘TCs Forever’ by Michael Sherrrell. Amongst its previous custodians is Paul Samuels, builder of Wakefield Park Raceway at Goulburn.

CHASSIS NO: TC4811

ENGINE NO: 4643

UNREGISTERED