HIGHLIGHTS
- Sought-after model
- 3.0 litre straight-six
- Extensive history
THE APPEAL
With approximately 4,450 MG C Roadsters produced, it's safe to say these are a very sought-after and desirable model to own. With some slight improvements to the MG B’s monocoque structure, MG redesigned the chassis and suspension to accept the larger 3.0 litre straight-six. This reduced the passenger compartment's size slightly, but it was definitely worth it! An MG fitted with a 3.0 litre capable of hitting over 120mph is probably the perfect 70s Roadster.
This lovely example had a full restoration in the early 2000s, and looking at the number of thousands spent noted in the paperwork, it was a no expense spared resto which has stood the test of time and still looks very fresh today. The engine has had the cylinder head reworked to accept unleaded fuel. The mileage is thought to be original and does tally up with MOT history and invoices for work carried out. It is also believed that the interior is original, which has been treated to new foam in the seats to refresh them for several more years.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- V5 is present
- Registered 8th July 1970
- Extensive collection of invoices for parts and work carried out
- No expense spared restoration
- Thousands spent
- Restored around 2002/2003
- Less than 2,000 miles covered in the past ten years
- Upgraded cylinder head to accept unleaded fuel
- British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate
- MOT is valid until 17th May 2024 and passed with no advisories
THE INTERIOR
- Well-presented interior
- Original features
- Low mileage
Open the door and step straight back to 1970; the interior in the MGC is in excellent condition. The seats are finished in black with blue piping to compliment the exterior; the vendor believes these to be the originals. He has had some reconnellising work carried out to the faces, and new foam bases have been fitted, which has given them a new lease of life. The door cards are in good order with no damage to mention.
The dashboard presents well with no splits or damage. The Smiths instruments are in excellent condition and reported to all be working correctly, and the odometer shows a reading of 68,885 which, if you look back through the history, would suggest it is original. Fitted with a Moto-Lita leather steering wheel, this is in good order with no real signs of wear. Further across the dashboard, the switchgear and heater controls look in good condition with just a tiny amount of wear to the lettering, but are said to be working correctly, and there is a Pioneer radio cassette player fitted.
The carpets are in excellent condition, and a set of MG rubber mats are fitted to protect them. Inside the boot is also extremely clean; there is a fully fitted carpet which is nice and clean, and the spare wire wheel is present, along with a tool kit and bag. Lifting the carpet, you can clearly see how what a good condition the boot floor is in.
THE EXTERIOR
- Finished in Mineral Blue
- Fully restored in 2002/2003
- Excellent roof and tonneau cover
Restored in 2002/2003, the body of the MG C is in excellent condition, which suggests the restoration was carried out to a very high standard. The body has no dings or dents, and the panels all align nicely with an equal gap. The car has been repainted inside and out in the original colour of Mineral Blue. There are no noticeable chips to mention; we spotted a few minor blemishes at the bottom corner of the passenger door and the top of the driver's door.
The headlights and indicators are free from splits or cracks, and the chrome surrounds are in excellent condition, just like the bumpers, grille and window trims, where there are minimal signs of any tarnishing to the brightwork. In addition, all of the windows look to be in good condition with no signs of any excessive scratches.
The removable vinyl roof fits nice and tight, with no damage. The rear window is also in good order with no discolouration and very few scratches. There is also a double duck tonneau cover, which fits tightly across the cabin again and has no damage.
The wire wheels are finished in silver with a chrome spinner; they look in excellent condition, and there are no signs of corrosion. The tyres are a matching set of Vredestein Sprint Classic, with a good amount of tread remaining on each.
THE MECHANICS
- 3.0 (2912cc) straight-six engine
- Four-speed gearbox with overdrive
- Cylinder head ungraded to accept unleaded petrol
Setting the MG C apart from the MG B is the fantastic straight-six 3.0 litre engine. This engine transforms the car, obviously with much more power, and it sounds amazing, making it a win-win situation. The engine has had a conversion carried out to the cylinder head and can now run on unleaded fuel.
The car fires up without hesitation, and the vendor has reported no issues with the cars running. The gearbox has also been rebuilt, with is documented in the paperwork history. This is a four-speed with a dash-mounted switch for the overdrive. The gear change is smooth, and no untoward noises are coming from the transmission.
Looking at the MG C, it sits nice and level, and no problems have been reported with knocks or bangs coming from the suspension. The car also stops in a straight line; recently, two new rear brake cylinders have been fitted, and the rest of the braking system was checked over.
SUMMARY
It’s British, two-seater, open-top motoring at its finest thanks to the wonderful 3.0 litre straight-six engine. The car has been restored and is in excellent condition inside, outside and underside.
Perfect for the incoming summer months, the MG C Roadster is ready to jump in and enjoy. Rest assured that whether it’s a Sunday afternoon outing or a trip to a classic car event, the MG C will be well appreciated wherever you go.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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