MGC GT

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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, without having to build a completely new car.

It used a modified version of the MGB bodyshell and was powered by a tuned twin-carb version of the C-Series straight-six engine used in the Austin 3-Litre saloon. Producing 145bhp it could propel the MGC 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 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 car has been the subject of an older restoration which has mellowed nicely. It has had just two former owners, the vendor believing that the indicated 84,000 miles is genuine, although there is insufficient documentation to substantiate this. It is reputed to drive well with an MOT until January 2016 and a recent rolling-road printout from Aldon-Tune shows a healthy engine. The clutch has been replaced and the car is well specified with overdrive, full length Webasto sunroof, original Radiomobile radio and wire wheels.

These overdrive-equipped long-legged MGCs make superb long-distance tourers, being both civilised to drive and pokey enough to give more modern cars a good run for their money.