MGC Roadster

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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, but without having to build a completely new car.

It used a modified version of the MGB body shell 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 carburetor 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 1,403 examples of RHD MGC Roadsters were built.

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 which can easily be tuned to extract 30% more power, they make excellent high speed cruisers.

As the accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms, XLK 607G was delivered to University Motors Limited, London, on 3rd April 1968, ordered in Mineral Blue with options of wire wheels, overdrive gearbox, tonneau cover and ‘pack away hood’. An extensive service and restoration file comes with XLK detailing the various investments made into the Roadster’s upkeep and improvement.

For the best part of the late 1990s and 2000s, this MGC was in the care of Victor Murrell of Essex who maintained the Roadster by having major chassis restoration work from Pleshey Motors in 2002. This included the replacement of the sills, the floor pans, both front wings and a host of minor details. In 2005 the really special MGOC seats were fitted, followed in October 2006 by a new set of wire wheels from Peter Edney.

XLK changed hands in May 2009 with the brokerage help of Doug Smith of MG Motorsport in Hertfordshire. It was shipped over to the Republic of Ireland into the care of the Mr and Mrs Kennedy of Dublin. Invoices show how the Kennedys prepared the Roadster to suit their desire to take part in long distance continental MG Car Club rallies.

Invoices from Doug Smith at MG Motorsport detail many thoughtful touches to ensure reliable service in far flung places. More major investments were made with Koni shocks absorbers, parabolic springs and Superflex polyurethane bushings, which account for the car’s sporting road manners today.

Imported back to England a couple of years ago, the car has had two UK owners since, both local to Leominster. Clearly a much-loved machine, the vendor states that the bodywork, chassis and running gear are in excellent condition, and although it has been used, it has also been pampered.

Looking great and still fresh in its original Mineral Blue, the Roadster performed beautifully on test with a really comfortable ride and assured road holding. Power is plentiful from the lusty six-cylinder, with buckets of torque and a lovely burbling exhaust note. The precise gearbox is a delight and the dashboard operated overdrive allows the driver to match his pace according to mood and road conditions in a most rewarding way, from a spirited charge to a lazy cruise.

Inside, the cockpit has benefitted from a walnut dashboard and door cappings and new carpets plus supportive MGOC seats. A new Mohair hood was also fitted June 2012. Supplied with MOT until October 2015, this lovely matching numbers machine will make a perfect companion on the long hot summer days that undoubtedly lie ahead of us!

A serial MGC owner, the vendor is only reluctantly parting with his last and best MGC to help fund his daughter’s extortionate University fees – indeed its last duty was to take said young lady to her Sixth Form Prom. Good old Dad, we only hope that daughter appreciates the sacrifice being made on her behalf and repays it with a First! Preferably followed by a high paid job in the City so she can reward his generosity with an equally good example of Abingdon's finest at a later date...