Close window
Print details

MGC Roadster

MGC RoadsterMGC RoadsterMGC RoadsterMGC RoadsterMGC Roadster
MGC RoadsterMGC RoadsterMGC RoadsterMGC RoadsterMGC Roadster
MGC RoadsterMGC Roadster
Lot number 156
Hammer value £12,600
Description MGC Roadster
Registration 68 DL 531
Year 1968
Colour Snowberry White
Engine size 2,912 cc
Chassis No. G-CN1/447G
Engine No. 29G-U-H/589

First seen in 1967, the MGC was BMC's attempt to plug the gap left in its range by the demise of the Healey 3000, but without having to build a completely new car. 

It used a modified version of the MGB bodyshell and was powered by a tuned version of the C-Series straight-six engine used in the Austin 3-Litre saloon. In the twin SU carburettor form used in the MGC, the engine produced 145bhp and could propel the car to 60mph in 10 seconds on its way to a top speed of 120mph.

It also had better brakes than the MGB, larger 15-inch wheels, lower geared rack-and-pinion steering and special torsion bar suspension with telescopic dampers. These tweaks, combined with a pronounced bonnet bulge to clear the larger engine, gave the MGC an altogether more purposeful look than the humble MGB.

However, it was no Big Healey, and the heavy engine blunted the car's handling somewhat leading to a mixed reception in the motoring press. Never properly marketed by BMC, the MGC was quietly shelved in 1969 after just 8,999 examples had been built, half of them roadsters and half GTs.

Nowadays though, because of these low production numbers, the MGC is keenly sought after. With modern tyres and a few subtle suspension tweaks the handling can be transformed and, with a strong torquey engine, they make excellent high speed cruisers.

This Snowberry White MGC was built in January/February 1968 and was supplied new to Leslie Porter Ltd of Belfast, Northern Ireland, in March 1968 with the registration number 6650 UZ. The current southern Irish vendor acquired the car in 2007 from a Mr Stinson whose family had owned it for a good few years.

The mileage at this time was 61,200 and the car was in very good condition, bills on file showing that it had a £4,000 renovation in 1990. The vendor used it on occasional MG outings and car shows but when the clutch began to slip in 2010 he took the opportunity to remove the engine and gearbox from the car, fit a new clutch, detail the engine bay, rust-proof the underside of the car and add some sound deadening.

He reports that the car drives very well and is used regularly in the summer. It rides on sparkling chrome wire wheels, has a new-ish hood in good condition and also a rare factory hardtop. Altogether a much-cherished car, in very good order throughout, which should give its next lucky owner a great deal of pleasure and could even be used year-round with the hardtop in place.
 

Please note that this car will need to be re-registered with the DVLA before it can be used in the UK.  

Close window
Print details