TCMG History Part One: How It REALLY All Began
by Steve Simmons
Most of us know that our club was officially formed in 1954. What you may not know however, is that its history goes further back. John Bond was technical editor of Road & Track Magazine in 1949 when he and his wife Elaine purchased a used 1947 MG TC that they both drove and raced. When the TD replaced the TC just a year later, Mr. Bond had the idea that a group should be
established to honor and preserve the TC – a car that had done more than any other to start the sports car boom in America. In 1952 John was now owner of R&T, and along with fellow TC owner and R&T editor Ivan Galanoy he assembled a small group of TC enthusiasts with the goal of sharing resources and knowledge. They met in private homes over the next couple years as a support group to keep their cars on the road and in the public eye.
Then in 1954, a die-hard TC enthusiast named Frank Mason found himself parked next to another TC on a boulevard in Glendale, California. That TC just happened to be owned by Ivan Galonoy. The two of them struck up a conversation about their cars and the local sports car club scene. They both felt that while the Long Beach club was a fine organization, it had abandoned its TC roots by opening itself to all kinds of cars. They agreed that a TC-only group should once again be established, and agreed to a meeting to discuss further.
That meeting took place on June 19, 1954 at the Glendale offices of Road & Track Magazine, located at 540 W. Colorado Blvd. Some of the original 1952 group was in attendance, and Ivan Galonoy himself recorded the minutes. Other TCMG founding members present included Earl Sargent, Harvey Schnaer and Inez Whitney. Names of the other members present are unverified at this time.
The minutes from that meeting still exist, thanks to some forward-thinking individuals, and offer a fascinating glimpse into the birth of our club, now in its 69th year.
The minutes from the June 19th meeting are titled “TC Owners Club First Meeting”. Topics of discussion started with various sketches for a club emblem and a suggestion for the group to caravan to the races at Torrey Pines. Discussion was then renewed (from previous gatherings) on acceptability of modified TCs. The decision was made to judge on “appearance” for the time being.
The acting chairman indicated that the prime motivation for the club was for “shop” purposes with minor attention to social activities. Obviously this was before lifelong friendships had been formed, as today we focus equally on technical and social matters!
The Long Beach MG Club representative mentioned that their club originally started as a TC group but membership “deteriorated” to any sports car and after a while, any car. He also mentioned that the club had 26 TCs and that he would canvass that group for potential membership in the new TC club.
Much discussion took place on limitations, including geographical area and number of members. A cap of 50 was briefly considered. Out of town chapters were also considered, but this was mostly opposed due to the expense of corresponding with them! Toll free nationwide calling wasn’t available in those days, let alone email. All agreed to cooperate with the existing TC Registry and the search for a meeting hall was planned. The final item, incorporation, was discussed and ultimately approved. The group adjourned at 9:40 PM, with the plan to meet each Friday night for the time being.
I’m sure these TC-loving men and women knew they were starting something special, but I doubt any of them would believe that any sports car club specific to one make / one model could not only survive, but thrive for seven decades! I’m glad we continue to prove them wrong.