Highlights
- Dry stored
- Recently restored to a high level
- Mechanically sound and well-running vehicle
The Appeal
The MGC was developed directly from the MGB, and was intended as a successor to the Austin Healey 3000. It was launched in 1967, and sold right around 9,000 units in its 2-year production run. It came in Roadster and GT (hardtop) forms. Its main selling point was its uprated 2,912cc straight-six power supply.
While the rest of the car wasn’t too far off from the MGB’s original design, there were notable changes to the front suspension (a special torsion bar suspension with telescopic dampers), a bulge on the bonnet to accommodate the uprated radiator, and an additional smaller bulge for carburettor clearance. There were also improved brakes to accommodate the increase in power, as well as 15-inch wheels.
While the rest of the car wasn’t too far off from the MGB’s original design, there were notable changes to the front suspension (a special torsion bar suspension with telescopic dampers), a bulge on the bonnet to accommodate the uprated radiator, and an additional smaller bulge for carburettor clearance. There were also improved brakes to accommodate the increase in power, as well as 15-inch wheels.
The straight-six engine, with its twin SU carburettors produces around 145 bhp at 5,250 rpm, with 170ftlb of torque at 3,400rpm. The MGC was capable of 120mph (193 km/h), with a 0–60mph time of right around 10 seconds, flat. A new gearbox was developed for the MGC’s updated power output. The transmission could also be specified with an overdrive unit operating on 3rd and 4th gear, such as this MGC is kitted.
The History and Paperwork
- Full restoration completed by current owner to a very high standard
- New hood fitted
- MOT exempt but passed 2020 with no advisories, less than 500 miles ago
This MGC is on its third owner, with a full restoration having been performed by the current owner in 2016 when the car was purchased in a partly-restored state. It is now in excellent condition after the restoration, and ready to be driven to its fullest. From the sandblasted original chassis on up, every care was taken to keep the car in as original state as possible. A large file of invoices for the restoration parts will come along with the sale.
The vehicle is MOT exempt, but the current owner last had an MOT performed in 2020, with zero advisories.
The Interior
- Black and red interior, perfect colour combination to the red paint
- Overall condition is near perfect
- All electronics functioning as they should
The black and red coloured interior perfectly suits the paint job and chrome. The interior is in overall nearly-new condition. It’s very clear that the vehicle has been dry stored and was cared for during its restoration and afterwards, as the soft bits are in great condition and show no signs of sun-fading or neglect.
The interior and dashboard are simple and very functional, clearly to-the-point and with usability and practicality in mind. Everything is placed within easy reach, all of the dials are easy to read, and it all feels solid and robust. The hand-wrapped black steering wheel with beautiful red MG logo detail on the horn button matches gracefully with the red of the rev counter detail, upholstery, and car colour. The owner states the electronics are all in working order.
The boot is clean and tidy, with all elements looking as-new. The boot rubbers and fittings are all present, and in great condition. The vehicle comes with a full-size spare tire as well as the original jack and wheel-nut mallet.
The MGC has also been fitted with a new pack-away style soft-top, which is still in near perfect condition on the inside and out. Other notable factory interior extras include a transmission overdrive switch, and a heater.
The Exterior
- Excellent condition paintwork and brightwork
- Bold red paintwork – perfectly suits the elegance of the vehicle shape
- Convertible top in excellent condition
The outside of the MGC is just as good as the inside. The stunning bright red paint and sparkling chrome-work really reinforce the nature of a true roadster; it’s built to cruise.
Paint and bodywork is all in order, other than a small impression in the rear wing noted in the photos. The chrome brightwork is shining like new everywhere you look. The trim line is straight and like-new condition.
The vehicle’s side window and windscreen glass is in excellent condition, with only normal spots as to be expected, which do not detract from the overall appearance. Headlights, taillights and side lights are all in above average condition and show no signs of fading or hazing.
Exterior rubbers and seals are all in excellent condition, except for the fuel filler-to-body seal which appears to be cracking a bit but still functional (see photo).
The convertible top exterior is also in good condition, with no age-related marks, tears, or holes evident. The rear plastic window on the top is not faded or sun damaged, and is easy to see through when driving. The connecting buttons, convertible mechanics, and overall operation of the top all perform flawlessly and with ease.
The wheels are in great visual condition, with no signs of curb rash or damage. While there are some small bits of tar from the road, they can easily be cleaned right up and present as near-perfect. All four tires are matching and there is plenty of tread remaining.
The Mechanics
- Absolutely flies through MOTs
- 2,912cc straight-six engine
- 4-Speed transmission with overdrive
- Owner states it runs perfectly and shifts smoothly
The engine bay shows very little signs of use. It has been cared for since the complete restoration, and as such is said to be in an absolutely ready and reliable state.
Suspension, steering, and pickup are all as good or better than to be expected. The suspension and entire underside of the car looks almost-new, with little signs of use since the restoration. The car runs straight and does exactly what it’s told. There are no unexpected quirks to quarrel with and the ride reinforces its sport cruiser roots.
The roof comes down quickly and with hardly any effort, meaning that it can be used as often as desired without any hassle.
Summary
This MGC is ready to be driven. The owner states it as being an excellent “straight and honest car” with every effort being made to keep it original. What could be better than feeling the exhilaration and sense of freedom that only a chromed-up convertible classic can provide.
Being completely ready to roll, this is a great chance to pick up a fully-restored and well-maintained, mechanically sound example of an original RHD MGC, and one of around 1,400 RHD roadsters ever made.
Being completely ready to roll, this is a great chance to pick up a fully-restored and well-maintained, mechanically sound example of an original RHD MGC, and one of around 1,400 RHD roadsters ever made.
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.
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