1968 MGC roadster
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Highlights
・Only one owner in the last 18 years
・Bare metal respray and engine rebuild in 2005
・Full unleaded conversion
The Background
Produced as a successor to the iconic Austin-Healey 3000, the MGC was designed as an upmarket ‘GT’ version of the famous MGB.
Utilising a wonderfully torque-heavy 3.0-litre inline-six engine up front, the MGC was available as both a coupé and a roadster, allowing potential customers to choose the style that suits their needs without having to sacrifice performance.
Unfortunately, a faux-pas by the press garage during the launch event meant that road testers weren’t bowled over by the MGC, due to incorrect and uneven tyre pressures accentuating understeering issues.
This, coupled with the British Leyland take over, meant that the MGC never quite became the star it was destined to be, as the ‘C’ was dropped in favour of BL’s Triumph TR marque.
These days, however, the MGC is a widely-loved example from the heyday of British sports car sales, with a thriving fan base, numerous owners clubs, readily-available parts and plenty of knowledgeable enthusiasts meaning that the ‘C’ is finally enjoying the popularity that BMC had penned it for all those years ago.
The History
This particular MGC is a roadster, finished in classic ‘Flame Red’ over a black interior with red piping - a truly timeless colour combination, and one that suits the lines of the MGC well.
Having been purchased by the vendor during 2002, the vehicle has undergone significant restoration and rebuilding during the last 18-and-a-bit years, including the following:
- Full bare-metal respray in 2005 in Flame Red.
- A full engine rebuild in 2005 with numerous mechanical upgrades.
- Full gearbox rebuild during 2005.
- A full new wiring loom.
- Unleaded petrol conversion.
- 12v battery conversion.
- New chrome wire wheels during 2013, with fresh tyres in 2020.
During their ownership, the vendor has always worked on and serviced the car themselves due to their history as a mechanical engineer, and this MGC has been garaged throughout to protect it from the elements.
You may be asking yourself at this point, after all that work, why sell up? Well, it’s quite simple really - there’s another project waiting to take its place! That, and a classic boat, which as we all know is a wonderful way to spend lots of money, meaning this MGC is now looking for a new custodian to cherish and enjoy it.
The Paperwork
Due to having serviced the vehicle themselves, the vendor admits they haven’t been too hot on keeping a paper trail or formal records. There is, however, an MOT history, along with numerous photos of the car during the aforementioned respray in 2005. The V5 is also present, showing six previous registered keepers.
The Interior
Like a fine wine, the interior of this classic roadster has aged fantastically well, and remains inviting and strangely exciting to this day, thanks to the classic black-and-red colour combination.
The seats display a wonderful light patina to their leather covering, which is commensurate with the age and mileage of the vehicle and serves only to make the seats appear inviting and comfortable, with no signs of any rips or tears to the material.
The carpets look to be in excellent shape, including around the transmission tunnel where scuff marks can often appear, though this example appears to be free of such issues. The over mats are also in great condition, as are the centre console and dash, with the latter being wonderfully free of any cracks or issues as far as we can see.
The steering wheel has been swapped out for an original 13” Moto Lisa leather example, which is in great shape with very minor signs of use, in keeping with the rest of the interior.
The Exterior
On the outside, the Flame Red paintwork presents in excellent condition and looks radiant in the sunlight, with no signs of any impact damage, scuffs or notable dents to speak of. There are, of course, a few minor marks here-and-there, but this is to be expected from a car with 16-year-old paintwork
The wire wheels were new in 2013 and remain in outstanding condition with no kerb marks, with all four wheels sporting new tyres fitted in 2020. During the restoration in 2005, the car was fitted with new halogen light units on the front, and these remain in good working order.
The chrome detailing is in generally wonderful shape, with only a few minor marks to note such as a minor crease on the driver’s door, and some very light dulling/pitting is to be expected.
During 2019, a brand new Mohair roof was fitted to the car, which remains in near-pristine condition to this day, with no rips or tears to the material and no cracking or discolouration to the windows.
The Mechanicals
This is where things get really interesting, so grab a cup of tea and settle in…
During 2005, inline-six engine was completely rebuilt, gaining numerous discerning performance modifications and upgrades in the process. MG Motorsport carried out the rebuild, and in the process a fast-road cam was fitted along with a lightened and balanced flywheel, and the engine and ancillaries were converted to run on standard unleaded fuel.
Since the rebuild, the engine has covered around 15,000 miles and remains in rude health, pulling well and returning consistently excellent oil pressure readings - a great sign of a healthy engine.
In addition to the engine, the gearbox was also rebuilt at this time, while a new electronic distributor and coil were fitted during 2020.
Underneath, the chassis has also been fettled to improve the on-road handling of the car, necessitating the fitment of upgraded front torsion bars, a ‘quick’ steering rack, and a full poly-bushed suspension system to tighten up the handling and steering significantly.
Looking underneath, the floor pan and chassis are all wonderfully solid with no signs of any concerns that we can see, with the same being true of the engine bay which is mercifully free of any leaks, misting or other tell-tale problem signs.
The vendor reports the vehicle drives well, and there are no known faults with the car.
Despite being exempt on account of its age, the vendor has put this MGC through an MOT test during May 2021, resulting in a pass with only a minor advisory for a fuel cap sealing ring showing minor deterioration - excellent work for a 1960’s MG, and a strong vote of confidence for any potential bidder.
The Appeal
In excellent condition throughout and with a long-term ownership history and having previously been extensively restored, this MGC is a true gem of a classic British sports car.
This particular example also benefits from subtle - yet effective - handling and performance upgrades, ensuring that this ‘C’ drives and behaves better than BMC could’ve ever imagined during the late ‘60s.
With its non-overdrive transmission, 12v battery conversion and ability to run on standard unleaded fuel, this 1964 MGC truly is ready to simply jump in and enjoy, so be sure to get your bids in early as we expect this to be a popular one - good luck!
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1968
- Make MG
- Model MGC Roadster
- Colour Red
- Odometer 60,011 Miles
- Engine size 2912
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Worcestershire
- Country United Kingdom
7
bids
from 5
bidders
- le•••• £18,250 30/06/21
- le•••• £18,250 16/07/21
- Ga•••• £18,000 30/06/21
- Ga•••• £15,000 30/06/21
- Ga•••• £10,500 30/06/21
- an•••• £8,100 28/06/21
- Ch•••• £8,000 27/06/21
The Gallery
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