1968 MGC GT

HIGHLIGHTS


  • Amazing MGC owned by previous keeper since 1978
  • Recommissioned by classic car specialist after long lay-up
  • Smart repaint in BMC Factory Black
  • Never welded and completely original other than paint

THE APPEAL


In many ways the MGC is one of motoring’s great might-have-beens – a wonderful idea with bags of appeal, but not executed as well as it could or should have been when new, leading to it costing MG a fortune to develop.

The thinking was to create a car that could help BMC sustain US sales after crash legislation threatened to outlaw the Austin-Healey 3000. The Healey was a body-on-chassis design, but the MGB had been conceived as a monocoque to meet US safety regulations. It used the established BMC 2,919cc six from the Healey 3000, with a proven track record in both road cars and motorsport. 

To install the six-cylinder engine into the compact MGB, some significant feats of engineering were needed. It was not a marriage made in heaven, but by sheer will and problem solving. The lithe coil spring front suspension of the MGB had to be replaced with a torsion bar system, for example, whilst to accommodate the engine and radiator the bonnet had to be given a distinctive bulge.

It never achieved its sales targets, either. Only 8,999 cars were completed in a production run of less than three years, of which 4,457 were in GT form like this example making it a rare car today. 

This one is even more remarkable as it has been laid up for many years – it has never had an MOT since records were digitised in 2005 and has had just two previous keepers, the most recent since 1978. You don’t find that kind of provenance everywhere. 

The car has never seen any welding and has just been sympathetically recommissioned and painted by a Welsh classic car specialist, ready to live again.

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THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK


  • UK V5C
  • MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
  • Large file of invoices documenting recent parts and accessories purchased during recommissioning
  • Last change of keeper in 1978
  • Laid up for many years
  • Comes with original owners’ handbook and MGC Register club magazine from 1981
  • Sympathetically recommissioned and painted, but not fully restored – originality has been preserved wherever possible

THE INTERIOR


  • Original red leather seats with gently careworn patina
  • Crackle-finish dash
  • Retrimmed red carpets
  • Three-spoke sports steering wheel
  • Webasto sunroof
  • Gorgeous period Motorola push-button radio
  • Cabin is lovely overall with gentle signs of wear that reflect the car’s originality and add to its charm

THE EXTERIOR 


  • Repainted in BMC Factory Black to a good standard
  • Appears structurally excellent – the car has never been welded and while some surface corrosion is visible underneath there are no signs of anything major or concerning
  • Knock-on wire wheels with new 175/65/R15 tyres all-round
  • Wheels have gentle surface corrosion
  • Largely good chrome and trim
  • Period MG Car Club badge
  • Correct and original white and yellow reflective number plates

THE MECHANICS 


  • 2,919cc BMC C-Series engine
  • Four-speed manual gearbox with swich-operated overdrive
  • Mileage believed to be genuine
  • Starts, runs and drives well
  • Recent mechanical recommission and overhaul 
  • New stainless steel exhaust system

SUMMARY


This is a remarkable example of the MGC with a fantastic story behind it – you’ll not find another two-owner example in a hurry and it has been recommissioned in a manner that is sympathetic to its condition and history – the paint has been refreshed and the mechanical components overhauled, but the rest of it has seen as much originality preserved as possible, which gives it a wonderfully charming patina. A rare and lovely find. 

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1968
  • Make MG
  • Model MGC
  • Colour BMC Factory Black
  • Odometer 81,552 Miles
  • Engine size 2919
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Llanelli
  • Location Wales
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
6 bids from 4 bidders
  • graham-•••• £15,000 04/06/23
  • ashwin-•••• £7,000 04/06/23
  • Spadkin•••• £6,100 04/06/23
  • ashwin-•••• £5,251 03/06/23
  • ian-kil•••• £5,151 02/06/23
  • Spadkin•••• £5,000 02/06/23

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