1949 MG TC Kerrigan Special

1949 MG TC Kerrigan Special
Chassis no. TC/EXU/7514
Engine no. XPEG/TF 950 (see text)
1,500cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
Estimated 149bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Beam Axle with Leaf Springs - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Offered from the Robert "Bob" Koons Collection
*Historic racing MG which competed in the 1950 Pebble Beach Road Race
*Competition prepared in period by Spence Kerrigan and restored by Leroy M. Gane
*Featured in the film Racing Through the Forest and eligible for a host of events around the world

THE MG TC KERRIGAN SPECIAL

This historic MG was purchased as a used car in 1949 by Spence Kerrigan of Haywood, California. Soon after, Mr. Kerrigan prepared the car for racing by modifying it to stage II and entered it in the very first Pebble Beach Road Race on November 5, 1950. It was raced as number 9 and driven by Jay Chamberlain. This very car was featured in the 2016 film Racing through the Forest: The History of the 1950-1956 Pebble Beach® Road Races. In period, the original engine was modified by boring and sleeving the cylinders to bring the displacement to 1500cc. This modification, although well-proven in a similar car by Spence Kerrigan's brother Bill (who won many races in California), weakened the block and, after a few miles, split it like a watermelon. The MG engine was later replaced with a Ford V8 engine without altering the car's cowl or outward appearance.

The Kerrigan's MG was later dismantled for restoration and remained with Mr. Kerrigan until less than a decade ago. Then, it was purchased by the late Robert "Bob" Koons, joining his exceptional Columbia, SC-based collection of British sportscars. Starting in 2009, a magnificent two-year restoration was carried out by specialist Leroy M. Gane. Gane was Roger Penske's first race mechanic in the 1960s and 1970s. The MG's racing heritage was furthered by Mr. Gane incorporating numerous period speed and racing parts during the restoration (e.g. XPEG engine with a Lucas Laystall cylinder head, SU H6 carburetors, and Vertex Magneto). Other modifications included a fully boxed and seam welded chassis, twin leading shoe front brakes, and rack and pinion steering.

In the Kerrigan Special's impressive history file are the original instructions to participants in the 1950 Pebble Beach Road Race, as well as a framed map of the race course, photos of the Kerrigan's in the car around 1950, and many letters and documentation. This historic TC racer has been invited to the prestigious Rolex Reunion Races in Monterey and has raced successfully at SVRA events, including those at Watkins Glen International Raceway and Pocono International Raceway. Furthermore, it is a piece of American and MG race history; eligible for exclusive racing and rally events around the globe.