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1969 MG C Roadster
Highlights
- Handsomely and professionally restored in 1992
- Plethora of paperwork and invoices present
- Only 3 owners from brand new
- Restoration photographs from start to end
The Appeal
MG’s answer to the revered Austin Healy 3000. A softer six-cylinder version of the MGB should have been exactly what the world wanted, but it didn’t quite live up to its expectations, the rival Healy was a quintessential English roadster, undeniably impossible to dislike - a tough act to follow to say the least. However, this doesn’t make the MGC a bad car, extremely far from it in fact. It makes it a very rare classic roadster that doesn’t break the bank like its fellow rivals do.
Swapping out the B-Series 1.8 which powered the MGB and shoehorning in a C-Series straight six from an Austin 3-litre saloon (hence the name, MGC) and coupled to a desirable synchromesh 4-speed manual transmission, producing a stout 145bhp which was 50% more than the MGB. However, even though these performance figures seemed all too perfect, it was a lazy engine that seemed “reluctant to rev” according to Autocar. First impressions are what matter most in the car industry, and the MGC got given a hard time right off the bat.
It’s not all bad, though. The MGC is still quite the sleeper, and the sheer rarity of these cars now is more than enough reason to get an itch in your wallet - they even have some racing heritage with lightweight coupe’s competing at Sebring as well as the 84-hour Marathon de la Route at the Nurburgring, taking home 6th position.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered on the 5th of September 1969
- Registered as a historic vehicle, exempting it from road tax
- MOT history appears great with just the scattered failure for menial things
- Old MOT certificates present in the documentation folder
- Tax discs also present, even one from as early as 1989
- The Classic Transport Company restored the vehicle starting in 1992, providing a handwritten estimate report for the owner
- Paperwork of restoration works exceeds a total of £9,500
- British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certified copy of a factory record present
- Ample images of the vehicle throughout its restoration process in their own folder
- Recently serviced and detailed at the cost of £1,468 on April 3rd 2024
The Condition
- Excellently presented Mineral Blue paintwork thanks to careful ownership and a recent machine polish
- Panel fit and attention to originality notable
- Brightwork retains excellent shine, with some signs of patina noticed on the window surround on the doors
- Wire spoke wheels are in stunning shape with lovely spinners
- Soft top in wonderful condition with no rips or tears
- Interior aged restoration shows some gentle and charming patina, though still a beautiful place to be
- Seats are well kept and only show very gentle signs of use as to be entirely expected
- Rubber MG floor mats
- Switchgear all functional
- Toolkit in the rear with a full sized spare wheel
- Tonneau cover present and in excellent condition
- Undercarriage in wonderful condition
The Mechanics
- 3.0-litre inline-six cylinder engine, reported to remain in wonderful health starting at the turn of a key, purring healthily at idle with no unwelcome noises or judders
- Manual transmission also reported to remain in excellent condition, gliding easily through gears at the drivers instruction without rough or ragged engagements
- Rear-wheel drive configuration providing an excellent driving experience with well balanced handling characteristics
- Recent MOT pass on the 5th of March 2024 with only one minor defect noted
- Recently serviced with Autoart restoration with new oil and filter, new spark plugs, two new 6v batteries and carbs repaired
- Mechanically overhauled at the time of restoration
- New clutch fitted in 2009
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
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