1948 MG-TC

50's vintage track history Previously owned by Karl Ludvigsen

SOLD

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In beautiful running condition with noted early 50’s ownership and race history.

In 2010 MG collector and Abingdon Spares owner Robert Seymour found TC7032 in a cellar in Connecticut, where it had been sleeping for 52 years. Upon discovering that this TC was the car that author/publisher/engineer Karl Ludvisen had owned while at MIT and ran in early road races, Seymour decided to do a ground-up restoration. The car was returned to factory specs, but retaining a few Ludvigsen touches, such as the exhaust cut-out device and oversize spotlight. Paul Newman’s engine builder, Larry Leifert, rebuilt and balanced the motor employing some known upgrades such as a modernized rear-main seal. The current owner acquired the car from Seymour in 2013 and in addition to routine annual maintenance, added halogen lighting and fresh tires in 2018.

Now being offered for sale at Historic Motor Sports in Candia NH. Provenance documentation includes period Ludvigsen photos and articles, ownership history, restoration and service records, and factory build sheet. Sold with clear Maine title and Bill of Sale.

About Karl Ludvigsen:

Ludvigsen is best known for his work over 50 years as a journalist, author and historian. He began his automotive writing and editing for MIT’s Tech Engineering News in 1953. He has served as technical editor of both Auto Age and Sports Cars Illustrated, east coast editor of Motor Trend and editor of Car and Driver. Currently he writes for Automobile Quarterly, The Automobile and Hemmings Sports & Exotic Cars, among others, plus various one-make periodicals and leading website publications.

Karl wrote the MG Guide in 1958, and the huge masterpiece on Porsche, “Excellence was Expected”. His adventures in his TC appeared in “They Started in MGs” by Goodwin.

PROVENANCE:

11/9/48: 7032 Completed at Abingdon.

6/52: Bought used in Chicago by Karl Ludvigsen after his graduation from Exeter Academy.

8/52: Ludvigsen ran the Sabot Rally in MI.

11/52: Now at MIT Ludvigsen ran at Thompson road course, Thompson CT.

9/53: Ludvigsen 3rd at time trials in MI.

5/54: Ludvigsen won overall in MG race at Thompson.

9/54: Ludvigsen enrolled at Pratt Institute; his TC was daily driver.

1955-56: Ludvigsen traded it to a dealer in Long Island for a TR2.

10/4/58: TC Sold to Montague Miller of Groton CT for $180.00 following a dashboard fire.

9/2/91: Miller began restoration.

2000: Dick Knudson, MG T Register, confirms build spec & Ludvigsen owner.

2/18/00: Miller ordered a bunch of restoration parts from Moss Mtrs.

and Abingdon Spares, but restoration not completed.

11/7/10: Sold to Robert Seymour

2011-2012: XPAG 7587 rebuilt to stock specs by Larry Leifert.

5/16/13: Sold to Current owner by Robert Seymour….engine, trans, frame. body in black. Restoration continued by Seymour. Work done includes:

Stronger front spindles, TF type.

Rear axle bearing seal kit to stop fluid leaking on brakes.

re-setting Ludvigsen’s handmade Thompkins steering kit.

6/14: TC7032 honored at 60th anniversary of Thompson Raceway, where it won in June 1954,

2014 – 2019 Driven by current owner every summer to local shows and club events and tours.

1948 MG-TC

SOLD

NEW ARRIVALS

1958

1954

1948