Back in the 1960s, MG was on the crest of an export wave, with British sports cars dominating the US market and a global reputation as one of the world’s most revered performance brands.

But the MGB, great as it was, was seen by some to be lacking in power, while for it to compete in world endurance racing, a bigger and beefier engine was required. Furthermore, new laws in the USA meant that the Austin-Healey 3000, with its separate chassis, may soon be outlawed.

Enter the MGC. It used the monocoque construction of the MGB, but with the proven BMC 2,919cc straight-six under its bonnet. This unit was similar to the one previously fitted to the Austin Healey 3000, a fitting choice because the MGC was designed to fill the gap in the market vacated by the older car.

To install the six-cylinder engine into the compact MGB, some significant feats of engineering were needed. It was not a marriage made in heaven, but by sheer will, problem solving and far more investment than BMC originally wanted to spend. The independent coil spring front suspension of the MGB had to be replaced with a torsion bar system, for example, whilst to accommodate the engine and radiator the bonnet had to be given a distinctive bulge, as well as a raised front lip.

Alas, the MGC never achieved its sales targets, either. Only 8,999 cars were completed in a production run of less than three years, of which 4,457 were in GT form like this example, making it a rare car today.

This one has been in the owner’s collection for three years and has been used and enjoyed during his tenure, but he will soon no longer have the garage space needed for it, so he’s made the reluctant decision to part with it. It’s a lovely example – an older restoration that was treated to some substantial mechanical work by its previous owner, and has been well-kept during his ownership.
 

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