Est. 70 bhp, 1,250 cc OHV inline four-cylinder engine, Arnott supercharger, manual gearbox, live axle suspension with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 94"

- A supercharged example of one of the rarest postwar MG models

- An original “Export Unit” car, one of just 494 built

- Ex-Gene Ponder Collection

Following the close of WWII, Britain’s “export or die” industrial mantra spurred MG’s development of a TC roadster variant specifically for the hot American market. Coded EXU for “export unit,” the first MG TC EXU Roadster was delivered in December 1948, and production continued on an ‘as needed’ basis. In total, only 494 such roadsters were built, accounting for less than 5 percent of total TC production, and while the EXU had only limited success in the USA, it paved the way for the later TD and TF variants.

Features unique to the EXU included full-width bumpers, a centrally mounted MG medallion on the rear bumper, twin Lucas Windtone horns under the bonnet, central license-plate mounts, laminated windscreen glass, flashing turn signals and US-specification Lucas head- and tail-lights. The cockpit featured a gold pearl finish on the steering wheel as opposed to the traditional black, the rear view mirror was mounted atop the dashboard, two map lights were added, and the positions of the ammeter, oil-pressure gauge, ignition and light switches were altered. Superchargers were often fitted to add power to satisfy American tastes, often bringing power output to approximately 70 bhp and increasing torque as well.

This example was restored and driven just 26 miles prior to acquisition by the current owner in 2007. A rare crank-driven Arnott supercharger is fitted, and the car’s MG Red paintwork is complemented by a maroon leather-trimmed cockpit, a tan cloth top and a tonneau cover. Lucas “King of the Road” headlamps, fog lamps, a badge bar, and tall 19-inch chrome wire wheels complete its sporting appearance. With the extra boost from the supercharger, enthusiastic driving on an early Sunday morning or a trip out to the track for a few laps will be all the more enjoyable.