Todays car is a is 1948 MG TC 2 Door Roadster owned by Bill Sopkin. Bill will turn 93 years old on May 5th. Being a avid British car buff and owning them since the early 50s. He has owned a Jaguar 120, Jaguar E type, Triumph TR3, and a MG TD over the years. Bill traded his MG TD for this beautiful MG TC which he purchased while in his 70’s.
The car is finished in British Racing Green with a Tan leather interior. The MSRP was $2240.00. It is powered by a in line 4 cylinder (XPAG) with 2 SU semi-downdraft carburetors, 76.3 cu in, 1.3 L, developing 54 HP. It goes 0 to 60 in 23 seconds with a top speed of 78 mph. Transferring that power through a 4-speed manual transmission. The suspension in the front is a rigid axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and in the rear is a solid axle with coil springs. To slow it down it has hydraulic brakes with 9-inch drums all around. It rides on 4.50 X 19 inch tires mounted on spoke wheels with knock-off hubs.
Bill has been part of a dedicated British Car Club that meets in Golden Cove Shopping Center in Palos Verdes on the 3rd Sunday every month. This Cars and Coffee event gave Bill a chance to get together with friends, chat about their cars and just an excuse to drive his beautiful MG.
Howie Margolies and Lisa, Bill’s daughter, planned a cruise on Sunday, April 25th to celebrate Bills upcoming birthday. A group from the Golden Cove group took Bill on a cruise around Palos Verdes with Howie driving Bill in his TC. Bill truly enjoys this interaction with his friends and their cars. Lisa explains that they are a bright spot in her fathers life and the one thing that he looks forward to at his age. Lisa had lunch at their home after the cruise to celebrate the day. A great day for all. Happy Birthday Bill.
Frank
Thanks Howie Margolies for his helpful input and to Al Peña for all of his great photographs.
