Launched in 1967 as a beefier alternative to the MGB on which it was based, the MGC was built for just two years before being withdrawn in September 1969 with a total of 8,999 cars being built; 4,542 were roadsters and 4,457 were in GT form.
Following the end of MGC production in 1969, London's biggest MG dealer, University Motors Ltd, bought 176 unsold cars as a job lot and began marketing some of them as ‘University Motors MG Specials’. Various modifications were offered and no two ‘Specials’ were the same.
This one was built in 1969 but was not registered until 1970. Originally a 1970 model in Sandy Beige, it has since been restored in more traditional British Racing Green. It also has a power steering conversion.
The car’s early history is unknown, but is recorded since 2005 when it was sold in a Bonham’s auction having been restored into the colour scheme it is now. 17 years on, it still looks great and is a rare and unusual MG variant that’s ready for its new owner to love and enjoy.
Tax and MOT exempt, the MGC is supplied with a UK V5C and documentation relation to it previously living in Jersey.
It also has the documents form the original Bonhams sale in 2005, some prints of its bare metal respray being carried out and some correspondence between the owner and the MG Owners Club around its provenance, which proves it to be a genuine University Motors car. There was some debate about whether it started life as a roadster or a GT, which is inconclusive.
It comes with lots of old MOTs and some fairly recent substantial bills.
Inside, the MGC has been retrimmed in beige leather, which has acquired a gentle patina now it’s a few years old. It’s still lovely, though, and replacement carpets also give the cabin a lift.
It has a gorgeous delicate wood-rimmed steering wheel and still wears a University Motors plaque on the dashboard.
It has a concealed radio and a Smiths heater, along with a supplementary overdrive switch as it was originally supplied without.
Restored in the early 2000s, the MGS still looks terrific, though there are a couple of signs of age. The roof, for example, is in very good, serviceable condition but has a few scuffs and marks, while there are also a couple of very minor paint blemishes – but nothing of any concern.
The vendor describes it as in very good condition underneath, while the chrome and the wire wheels are in very good condition.
The MGC uses the 2,919cc six-cylinder OHV engine from the Austin Westminster and Healey 3000, which is a smooth and responsive powerplant with a good turn of speed for its age.
It has a four-speed transmission with a fully functional overdrive, fitted at some stage in its life, as well as a very welcome power steering conversion.
We were able to conduct a decent test drive in the car and can confirm that it ran very well indeed, with no obvious problems or issues.
This is not only a lovely example of an MGC Roadster, but also a rare and interesting one with a fascinating backstory. It drives really well, looks great and the power steering conversion makes it much more usable in modern traffic.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1970 MGC Roadster University Motors Special
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