Police officers, who look after us all, often have a tough job. One of the benefits however can often take the form of the cars they drive. Back in the 1940s, the thin blue line was reinforced with MGs and, in particular, the TC. The history of this particular car is fascinating, pressed into service in June 1947 with the East Riding Constabulary in Beverley, Yorkshire alongside three others; FBT 29, FBT 30 and FBT 32, this brought the force's fleet of MGs to a total of 11 cars. All black with contrasting red upholstery & grille with FBT 31 driven by Traffic Officer Frank Perry. Unfortunately, the history of both car & driver from then until 1997, is patchy but FBT 31 was later partially restored and sold to Brian Schofield. He was unaware of its provenance but did begin its research.

Coincidentally, Brian had also been born in 1947 and also, coincidentally, just retired from the police force where he'd been a traffic officer! Due to its 'matching numbers', it's identity soon came to light and they were both clearly made for one another. It then went to Malcolm Clout in 2000, Bill Brookes in 2007 before finding its way into our vendors hands. Unlike many police vehicles, the East Riding cars were not modified in any substantial way. They didn't have sirens or bells fitted but some required a larger dynamo to power the radio which necessitated fitting a larger bulge to the bonnet. The vendor can't confirm whether or not FBT 31 was ever fitted with a radio. Nonetheless, this rare extra panel is included in the sale although not fitted and actually came from the owner of FBT 29 which still survives today. It's believed that FBT 30 and 32 now reside in the Benelux countries.

Improvements over the pre-war TB, like hydraulic brakes amongst others, make the TC a much more useable car. Also included are rear indicator units as well as a high-intensity brake lamp hidden discreetly behind the spare wheel. More importantly, the brake master cylinder and front wheel-cylinders phosphor-bronze and beautifully made. The brake system contains silicone fluid to alleviate brake-fade and prevent any damage from water ingress. There's also the popular and subtle steering box upgrade that does away with the notorious “Bishop's Cam” unit that would have been the original fitment (The original part is included in this sale). The radiator was also re-plated by Derby Plating in 2009 which still looks superb today. The engine was rebuilt in 2014 with a new, solid billet and stainless-steel crank. Furthermore, FBT 31 has stainless steel half-shafts and lip seals fitted to the rear axle alongside new rear wheel-bearings and modified stub-axles at the front, (as per Mike Sherrell). Beyond this, the carburettors were remanufactured using E10-compatible (10% ethanol/petrol) materials. A solid-state, fuel-pump and stainless-steel exhaust system are fitted to, once again, future-proof the car keeping her usable. The vendor then sold it a few years ago but, unsurprisingly, missed her too much, he contacted the new owner and back it came!

Loved, cherished & regularly used by the family including Lottie the dog (complete with doggles!), it has not been shy in coming forward with numerous trips around the UK and even a tour south of the Loire, France in 2023, again without issue. 940 miles in total and top-down all the way. With this sort of confidence, the encyclopaedic history that accompanies 'Masie', as well as a brand-new MoT test (with no advisories), you will have no concerns about being 'pulled-over' with a faulty brake light! Consigned by Edward Bridger-Stille

Lot details
Year: 1947
Make: MG
Model: TC ex-Police car
Registration: FBT 31
Chassis No: TC3034
Engine No: XPAG3620
Odometer: 1,834

* Well-known within the club
* Matching numbers with extensive history
* Sensible modifications and numerous subtle upgrades