Description
Introduced in October 1967, the MGC was the first ‘high performance’ version of the MGB, using a BMC C series, 6-cylinder engine of 2912cc, developed from that used in the Austin Healey 3000 and Austin Westminster. The MGC was not simply a tuned MGB – it was a considerably re-engineered car, with new torsion bar front suspension; uprated braking; new, stronger, all synchromesh gearbox with optional overdrive and it rode on 15” wheels, instead of 14” as on the MGB. This grand tourer was not as popular as the MGB however, and production ceased in summer 1969 after just over 9000 had been built.
This late model GT was first registered in May 1969, having been supplied new by Ruette Braye Motors in Guernsey and is one of only 335 automatics produced for the home market. It found its way to Jersey in the 1970's and was subsequently little used. It was sold through ourselves in 2014 to a UK-based MGC enthusiast and had only covered some 39, 000 miles to that point. The new owner undertook a program of restoration and improvement works – listed below. The MGC changed hands again in late 2017 and subsequently received a further raft of mechanical upgrades and improvements (also listed). It moved back to Jersey in 2023 and has been kept in tip-top condition.
As part of the work carried out in 2015, the car received a mechanical overhaul which included an engine rebuild by marque specialists The Village Garage in East Grinstead, with an unleaded head fitted and some performance upgrades for fast road use, including larger SU HD8 carburettors with K&N air filters and an improved exhaust manifold. The auto gearbox was overhauled, with a new inhibitor switch and seals.
As part of the second tranche of work in 2018, the car received:
• a new radiator and Revotec dual electric fan
• electric power steering
• new shocks front & rear – uprated telescopic conversion
• upgraded brake calipers, new brake discs and a new brake servo
• a Maniflow exhaust system
These significant renovation and upgrade works amounted to a spend of nearly £30, 000 on the car.
The most recent addition has been the fitment of new chrome wire wheels together with new tyres. The MG received a full service in October 2023 and is in excellent mechanical condition, running and driving very well.
The restoration work in 2015 included some panel work repair / replacement and a full repaint in the original Tartan Red. Subsequent work included the fitment of a new windscreen and colour matched Webasto sunroof. The latest addition of chrome wire wheels complements the rest of the excellent chrome trim and badging and sets off the first-class paint finish perfectly.
The interior is in near immaculate condition. Some interior trim has been restored; the seat bases have been upgraded and the seats retrimmed in black leather with white piping. A later MGB centre console has been fitted with appropriate instruments, which also provides a comfortable arm rest and some storage. A new music system has been installed. The car has an uprated heater matrix and a rare factory-fit heated rear window.
This automatic MGC is in excellent condition, with little expense spared in restoring and uprating the vehicle - adding a sensible performance increase, handling and comfort upgrades at the same time. The car is in very usable ‘fast road’ trim and provides a great driving experience.
The MGC comes with a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate and a good history file covering the work carried out since 2015.
The car is currently Jersey registered and we can assist with shipping and importation processes if required. We can ship worldwide.
