Description
Kelham Hall | Newark, Nottinghamshire
Viewing: Tuesday 9th September from 12pm
Auction: Wednesday 10th September from 9am
Location: Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX
1968 MG C GT
Estimate
£18, 000 - £22, 000
Registration No: FHC 101G
Chassis No: GCD11972
MOT: Exempt
Desirable home-market example finished in its original colour combination
Matching chassis and engine numbers
Lavished with over £17, 500 worth of improvement between 2017 and 2023
Sensibly uprated with 3. 09 differential, gas-flowed cylinder head, six-branch manifold and Revotec fan
Offered from a significant private collection
Intended as a flagship sports car to replace the Austin-Healey 3000 in the BMC range, the MGC was introduced in autumn, 1967. Based around the same two-door monocoque bodyshell as the humble MGB (albeit with a substantially altered engine bay and floorpan), the only visible differences were a distinctive bonnet bulge to accommodate the relocated radiator and a teardrop for carburettor clearance. The newcomer was powered by a 2, 912cc OHV straight-six engine and promised a 120mph top speed. Unable to compete with the popularity of its cheaper four-cylinder sibling, the MGC was dropped in 1969 after reputedly just 4, 544 Roadsters and 4, 458 GTs had been made.
Presented in its original colour scheme of Snowberry White with a Black interior, this MGC GT looks, to all appearances, like a fine and factory-correct example, but it is concealing an host of subtle upgrades. Originally sold by Caffyns Ltd. on 20th May, 1968, and still retaining its matching-numbers engine, the C impressively has history dating back to 1972, but it is in the past eight years that its life started to get really interesting.
Evidently the subject of some past cosmetic refurbishment, a previous owner commenced an extensive programme of improvements in 2017, beginning with the installation of a new radiator and new leather seats. These were followed in 2018 by some new chrome wire wheels plus an upgrade kit for the front suspension, and then in 2019 the MG received a new clutch assembly by Oselli. In 2020, the engine was breathed-on with a gas-flowed cylinder head, six-branch exhaust manifold, some carburettor tuning and an overhaul of the ignition system by MG Motorsport, and 2021 saw the refurbishment of the rear axle and the differential with a 3. 09:1 ratio, plus brake upgrades undertaken by MG Motorsport. Some smaller works were undertaken during 2022 and 2023, and in 2024 it benefitted from a new steering rack and a replacement thermostat. A Revotec electric fan has also been fitted.
Invoices reveal a total of £17, 500 of expenditure between 2017 and 2023, and the outcome of this meticulous upkeep is a car which we are assured drives beautifully and which the vendor has greatly enjoyed. To prove the point, it will be driven 40 miles to the sale. The MG is offered with a large history file including the current V5C, original sales literature, many invoices, MOT certificates and ownership history. A desirable home market, matching chassis and engine numbers example of this historically underappreciated flagship grand-tourer.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
