1968 MGC – Classified of the Week

There are many classic cars out there, but there are a select few that are instantly projected onto the wall of your mind when someone utters the words ‘classic car’. The Volkswagen Beetle, the Mini, the Morris Minor and of course, the MGB GT. A car so ubiquitous in the classic car world, it’s known by even the most casual of observers. 

You’d think, then, that buying one may be a bit of a cliche. We would of course argue the opposite. The MGB GT has a devoted following and it also has an aftermarket industry that would make some modern cars blush. Companies like MOSS, for example, will furnish you with everything you need to keep your beloved MGB GT on the road. It’s a classic car that carries with it some peace of mind that it will never leave you stranded because of an apparently unobtainable part. There’s a lot to be said for that. 

But what if you have fallen for the lines of the MGB, but want to stand out from the crowd? You could paint it a loud colour and fit huge alloys, but we feel that might send the wrong message. Instead, you could look to acquire what for many is the ultimate MGB, which isn’t a B, because it’s one letter up the alphabet. Yes, we’re talking about the MGC. 

The B, so named because of the B series four-cylinder engine, was never a car that was known for thrilling, bottom-clenching performance. The C, however, sorted that out and then some. The name was in relation to the C series engine, a 2,912cc straight-six power plant with twin SUs and 145bhp on tap. The addition of this engine made the MG into a serious sports car, though only after tyre pressures had been set – as some early reviewers found out on the car’s launch. 

MG engineers had to do significant work to the MGB in order to fit the much larger engine, and they also had to fit the car’s most distinctive feature – that bonnet with a massive power bulge. The resultant car was a little, muscular thing that had those familiar looks, but with some added bite. 

The car we have here, a 1968 model, is arguably one of the nicest on the market at the moment. Restored in 2018 and having covered only 500 miles since, it is in excellent order throughout. The entire car has been worked on as part of the restoration, with the advert listing everything that has been repaired or replaced, which makes for an extensive list. Paint, interior, wiring, engine, suspension, brakes, fuel lines, nothing has been missed. 

Finished in Gris Perle metallic with matching black leather interior, the MGC sits on the correct chrome wire wheels on new Pirelli rubber (as per original specification) and is in, as you can see, incredible condition. And it could be all yours for just £15,990, which for a 1968 MGC in this condition, makes for something of a bargain.