The Kings' MG TC was built in October 1947. "When we became its keeper in May 1991, we only got the history back to about 1980-85, when it was restored to about 60 percent of its current condition, mainly body work, top, interior, engine compartment, engine," Art said.

"The car came from an estate in New Jersey in the late 1970s or very early 1980s, two or three owners prior to us, where it had been for some time. When purchased, major items incorrectly restored needed to be reworked which looked more like a TD: dash, carbs and their controls, front fenders (a front end collision had been bodged with the leading edges curved down). The original gas tank had been crunched from the rear (no leaks), but repaired with filler.

"Early on, I refurbished the suspension (new springs and bushings), rebuilt the steering gear, replaced and rewired the dash (with a new old-stock clock, etc.), returning as much to mid-production (late '47/early '48) spec as possible, including 8 inch headlamps, but added seat belts and turn signals. In 1997/8, it had a major restoration of the front and rear fenders, front splash apron, running boards, gas tank, rebuilt all the wheels (Dayton Wheels does a great job in their restoration shop), repainted the scuttle, engine block, added a period heater. I was lucky enough to find an original, NOS, 3-spoke steering wheel.

Right: The King TC appears on the book jacket for Jonathan Stein's "British Sports Cars in America, 1946-81," Automobile Quarterly Publications (Kutztown, Pa.), 1993. ISBN: 0911968989

"The TC is driven 12 months a year, mainly on dry days and roads without salt. One tradition we started was to go out for a drive on New Year's Day, if the roads are dry and the salt is at a minimum. It's been driven to shows in Washington, D.C., Boston, Vermont, and central New York state. Due to work obligations, we've trailered to shows over weekends in the past few years. Unfortunately, my attendance at our Keystone club show in June has been spotty over the years because I direct a Lehigh Universtity program in Europe from mid-May through June, and can't get back to participate."

Art has been able to attach a child safety seat to the TC's seat belts so their 16-month-old grandson can go for rides. Their oldest grandchildren, ages 7 and 5, also enjoy riding in both the TC and the MGB-GT. They've learned to tell the difference among the post-war MG T models, and have learned to help with washing and detailing jobs for show prep.