Description
This beautifully rebuilt MGC Roadster was built between the 29th June and 3rd July 1968, leaving the factory in Tartan Red with Black upholstery, wire wheels, overdrive and heater, just as it is today. OTB 278G was supplied new by Joseph Cockshoot & Co Limited, a Manchester based Company who were founded in 1844 when Joseph Cockshoot left the family Hackney Carriage business and set up his own coachbuilding Company. The Company was hugely successful with a reputation for high quality craftsmanship and elegant design. The company won numerous awards and exhibited at major events such as the Jubilee Exhibition in Manchester in 1887 and in Paris Exhibition of 1878 when the company won a Premier Gold Medal. The turn of the century witnessed the emergence of the motor car and Cockshoots were involved from the start. In 1902 Cockshoots opened a garage in Deansgate, which was among the first in the county, and the next year the firm produced its first motor car body. The Second World War prompted Cockshoot to get involved in aircraft production again, although far more successfully than during the Great War. The company built major and minor components for aircraft including the 'Manchester', 'Lancaster' and 'Halifax' bomber aircraft. After the war, Cockshoots developed into one of the largest Morris distributors in Britain and remained a Rolls Royce retailer and in 1968 the Company was sold for £1 million to Lex Garages Ltd. Cockshoot & Company Ltd have their place in British Transport History and OTB 278G may well have been one of the last cars they ever supplied.
The MGC was sold by us in early 2022 and around 1000 faultless miles have been covered since. The C was with one of our long term clients, a retired Harrogate based lawyer who enjoyed fine weather use only. Previous to this, we has sold the MG in 2016 to another long term customer. This is a car we have known for a very long time, we actually sold it for the first time back in 2008 as a low ownership, largely original car with a mileage of around 80, 000, believed to be genuine. Several years later the C was taken to an MG specialist and subject of major work to include stripping down the bodyshell and rebuilding it as required, fully re-painting the car, new chrome wire wheels, a top quality interior re-trim with stunning new leather, carpets, new wood dash and brand new hood and cover. The engine and gearbox were removed, and the car mechanically rebuilt as necessary with work carried out to the brakes, suspension and steering system. The result of the restoration was a beautifully presented car that can be driven regularly, used for long distance touring or exhibited with pride at shows and events. Many years on now since its restoration, the MGC still presents beautifully and is first class mechanically having covered 13500 miles since the restoration, and 6000 miles since we supplied it back in 2016.
OTB 278G drives incredibly well with a superb, strong engine with super smooth four speed gearbox with overdrive. This C boasts excellent handling, braking with impressive performance and power. and with hydraulic power steering it really does feel effortless. The car is an absolute delight to drive and with the strong three litre engine and overdrive option, it really is ideal for long distance use or Continental touring. The car is stunning with superbly straight body panels, first class floors, sills, castle rails and jacking points, a deep, high quality paint finish, gleaming chrome work, a high quality, luxury upholstery with perfect hood and a carpeted boot and detailed engine bay. This is a great opportunity to purchase a first class, UK supplied MGC that has been carefully restored at great expense.
