This is, of course, the traditional way to enjoy a British sports car. The MGA is a fine way to go out on the open road with the sun on your neck and the wind in your hair.
The owner of this MG TC (I think) enjoys the safer way. Is it to protect his investment in his classic British racing green roadster?
Or is he unwilling to take the risk that the MGA owner so willingly assumes: that his finely crafted sports car will find a way to become inoperable along the side of the road?
Both of these cars were recently seen through the JPC windshield in the last month or two. The MGA during August on the outskirts of Indianapolis, and the TC a couple of weeks ago on US 41 on the way to Evansville, Indiana. Fear not, both pictures were taken by either me or by Mrs. JPC while a passenger.
Not one to throw stones, but if it were me, I would follow the example of the MGA’s driver and drive the TC. If it breaks down, you at least had the thrill of driving one of England’s great postwar tourers. But if you cook the CVT in your Freestyle while pulling the TC on a trailer, well, that would be all the hassle, all (or more) of the expense, and none of the fun. I would rather take my chances with the MG.
My buddy had an MGA in the early 60’s. We had a great time driving around Southern New England in the summertime. Being by nature a RHD car, it had linkage for the accelerator on the right side, inside firewall, which I could pull with my foot. On occasion I would rev the engine while we sat it traffic and watch him get the evil eye.
Those T-series are not so hot at cruising at modern highway speeds. Unless you can take your time on a B-road long distance touring is not much fun. The MG A is much closer to a modern car. If they were able to fit an overdrive box from a MG B it could cruise effortlessly.
Looking at the state of the TC (ie v. shiny) he probably doesn’t want to repeat the 300hrs cleaning too frequently. David makes a good point too.
On your last point JP, having a tow vehicle break down is not much fun either as I can tell first hand unfortunately. (coil failed that can only be accessed from underneath the vehicle)
In all fairness, the TC would be like driving a Model T on the highway, I can sort of understand why it was trailered.
Yeah, I remember one guy saying that an MG TD would four-wheel-drift at about 15 or 20 mph in a corner. A TC, probably even more that way.
Had an 1960 MGA as a daily driver in1966 and 1967. An absolute joy to drive in the Sping, Summer and Fall. Not so much during Michigan winters.
My Midget was downright miserable in the winter. In part because I couldn’t put the top up. I had to use the Tonneau cover and bundle up tight!
I’m surprised that no one has yet suggested the possibility that the trailered car was thoroughly enjoyed on the road, broke down in typical British style, and is now being towed home…
I’d love to find a chrome bumper B and do a Toyota 22R swap, and upgrade the flaky British instruments with VDOs. Problem solved!
Wow, that MGA is sure an interesting shade of green!
That said, if the previous poster(s) are right, the TC may not be adequate for driving on the interstate but the MGA may well be though.
Gotta ask JP, what were you and the misses driving? That back rear wing window looks mighty suspicious in shape of the 1993-1996 Honda Civic hatchbacks, but knowing those cars, the rear speaker grill is in the wrong spot (it’s in the armrest recess areas in the back seat)
JPC has stated previously he enjoys the 271-horsepower thunder of a Kia Sedona.
That will be five bonus points for Mr. Tactful. But just to avoid confusion, the reflection in the rear view mirror in the MGA pictures is the side of my late, lamented 99 Town & Country.
Saw a MGA in the wild recently clean tidy 58 model I dont see many TCs around though but as for being suitable for modern traffic I passed a prewar Morris 8 on my way back from town today it was doing alright.
I guess I’m not much of a purist – I’d take an A over any MG-T car. It’s like a baby XK-120 – speaking of cars that probably only hit the road on trailers these days.