The legendary 1949 MG TC, the first race car ever driven by famous racer and car manufacturer Carroll Shelby, will be put auctioned at No Reserve during the opening Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas from October 15th to October 18th. Part of the earnings from the auction will benefit one of Mr. Shelby’s charity organizations. The 1949 MG (Lot #819) gave Shelby a victory in a road race in Norman, Oklahoma in 1952, which was Shelby’s first step in a series of victories that positions him as one of the more prolific and legendary car racers in the U.S. His love for small British sport cars took him to assemble the celebrated Shelby Cobra using an A.C (Austin Cooper) chassis and body and Ford engines, a bond that also helped Shelby in the creation of the classic Shelby Mustang monsters, the GT250 and the GT500.

“My good friend in Dallas, Ed Wilkins, owned the car and let me drive it in the race. Because it was early in my career, I still had a lot to learn but knew how to go fast. This MG changed my life, because from that point forward, I knew that I wanted to be involved with racing and sport cars.” said Shelby

The 1949 MG TC couldn’t be in better conditions and features the original dark green colored body,1250cc, 4-cylinder engine and 3-speed transmission that has been tuned up to generate over 100 HP. The car also includes the SCCA Log Book, as well as the original fenders, bonnet and mechanical parts that were removed for competition upgrades. The car has been part of the Syd Silverman Collection for more than 20 years and has become famous in the vintage race car circuit.

 “We’ve sold some special cars during our 37-year history, but this MG ranks among the most significant vehicles to ever cross the Barrett-Jackson auction block. In 2007, we sold the ultra-rare 427 Shelby Cobra Super Snake, followed by Carroll’s personal ‘69 GT500 convertible this year in Scottsdale. Now, we’re offering collectors a chance to nab the race car that started it all for the legend over half a century ago, while also benefitting one of his charities. Carroll is an American icon both behind the wheel and under the hood – an inspiration to enthusiasts of all ages. In addition to the amazing story, this MG is in pristine condition and it’s track-ready. It would be quite a thrill to drive this beautiful sports car in a vintage race, knowing that Carroll crossed his first finish line behind the same wheel. It’s truly a collector’s dream and will serve as the cornerstone of our inaugural Las Vegas event” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson.

Considered “the World’s Greatest Collector Car Event”, the Las Vegas event will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center and feature several lots of collector vehicles and other events, which will be covered by SPEED channel in high-definition.


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