Highlights

Very early build number: Chassis no. 17
Older restoration holding up very nicely
Engine and gearbox rebuilt in 1993 with less than 3,000 miles covered since
Recent service and new classic Michelin tyres

The Appeal

As the 1960s drew to a close, the much-admired and highly successful Austin Healey 3000 was reaching the end of its lifespan. But, sensing there was still a market for a six-cylinder sports car, MG planned to fill the gap left by the Healey with a straight-six-engined version of its popular MGB. It was a clever idea, and while Abingdon’s board perhaps overestimated the demand for such a model, the MGC was a fantastic grand tourer.

Today, there’s a burgeoning demand for these rare cars, and this 1968 Roadster is a lovely example. Of the 8,999 MGC produced, this one is amongst the very earliest. Built in October 1967, it is chassis number 17 and retains its original colour and factory specification.

The MG was restored some years ago, with a full engine, gearbox, and overdrive rebuild in 1993. While this was some time ago, the car has covered less than 3,000 miles since, confirmed by the history file. The car is in good condition with some light signs of age commensurate with an older restoration. The car has covered only 2 miles since that test. It comes to market with a recent service and new tyres. The vendor states that it needs no immediate work and is ready to enjoy.

Now that summer is just around the corner, now’s the time to add this early MGC to your garage.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 26th August 1968
Original UK market RHD car
Factory built in October 1967, according to chassis records
Chassis shows this is car 17 of the MGCs built and a genuine C
Seven registered keepers
Two of the previous keepers were brothers, we are told
Accompanied by copious history, including details of the older restoration
Engine, gearbox and overdrive unit rebuilt in 1993
Vendor states mileage in 1985 was 83,139 miles and now shows 85,850 miles
Last voluntary MOT expired 25th September 2024 with no advisories
85,848 miles showing on last MOT
85,850 miles indicated
Sold with various spares and a workshop manual
Serviced in 2024 and new Michelin tyres fitted at around the same time

The Condition

Mid blue paintwork part of the older restoration and remains in good order
Some light marks to note to the paintwork, but nothing unsightly
Bodywork presents well with good panel fit to doors and no obvious damage
Vendor reports that the structure to the panels and the underside are well kept
No structural advisories on last voluntary MOT in 2023
Factory standard car with correct MGC bonnet and optional auxiliary fog lights
Chromework to bumpers and trim is bright and well-kept with some light age
Painted wire wheels in good order with recently fitted Michelin tyres
Non-matching chrome wire wheel spare wheel as shown
Tools and jack are in the boot as shown in the photos
Black vinyl folding roof in very good order with clear screens and no obvious damage
Supplied with a blue tonneau to match the interior and paintwork
Smart and largely factory-correct interior with black leather seats piped in blue
Seats are in good order with some light wear to note, as shown
Blue carpets present well with some light age and fading, but not unsightly
Fitted with a later wood-rimmed wheel with original included, showing light age
Crackle-finish dashboard is in very good order with no reported cracks or damage
Dials and gauges are in good working order with clear lenses and chrome rings
Fitted with a modern stereo as shown
Lights are in good order with clear lenses and no reported cracks or reflector faults
No electrical, lighting, switchgear or dial faults reported

The Mechanics

3.0-litre (2,912cc) BMC C-Series engine similar to the Austin Healey 3000 unit
Engine reported to develop around 150bhp when new
Four-speed manual gearbox with optional overdrive fitted
Engine, gearbox and overdrive unit rebuilt in 1993 around 3,000 miles ago
Serviced in 2024 with very few miles covered since
Extensive maintenance file showing regular servicing and repairs
No reported running or driving issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

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