Highlights
- A ground up restoration by the current owner amounting to over 3000 hours and £22,000
- Every aspect of the MGC GT has been restored, renewed, or recommissioned
- Complete with an extensive paperwork file from the current ownership and its previous life
- Heritage certificate included
The Appeal
When the MGB GT was first introduced in 1962 it was always the intention of BMC to introduce a more powerful variant when a suitable engine had been identified and developed.
The pressure to develop the more powerful version of the B and B GT was exacerbated by the imminent demise of the Austin Healey 3000, also manufactured in the Abingdon MG factory, due to finish production in 1967.
The pressure to develop the more powerful version of the B and B GT was exacerbated by the imminent demise of the Austin Healey 3000, also manufactured in the Abingdon MG factory, due to finish production in 1967.
The engine finally chosen for the MGC hailed from the Morris stable – the BMC C-Series straight six, 2,912cc producing a pretty healthy 145 bhp.
The C-Series was significantly different in architecture to the MGB’s B-Series variant which required significant revisions to both the front suspension and, more noticeably, the bonnet profile.
It is this that gives the MGC its signature “power-bulge” and teardrop shaped prominence required to clear the forward carburettors.
The C-Series was significantly different in architecture to the MGB’s B-Series variant which required significant revisions to both the front suspension and, more noticeably, the bonnet profile.
It is this that gives the MGC its signature “power-bulge” and teardrop shaped prominence required to clear the forward carburettors.
The History and Paperwork
- This MGC GT was built between the 3rd and 20th July 1968
- The car was then supplied to BMC dealer Kennings in Derby
- Much of its subsequent life is unknown
- The current owner bought the car as a retirement project in 2015
- Prior to that it was believed that the car had been barn stored for a number of years
- On acquisition the current owner undertook a “labour of love” restoration
- The restoration work amounted to over 3000 man hours
- Out of hand costs for the restoration were in excess of £22,000
- Most of the work was undertaken by its engineer owner
- The engine was fully restored over the period of a year by Knight Engine Services
- The car includes a huge paperwork archive from its current ownership, restoration and before
- The highlights include the original owner’s manual
- A Heritage Certificate is included
- A full photographic record of the restoration and engine work is also available
- The current V5 in the name of the owner is on hand
- There are significant amounts of invoices included from all periods of the car’s life
- The car is registered as a Historic Vehicle
- As such it is understood the be MOT and VED exempt
The Interior
- The interior of the MGC GT is not only entirely original but in excellent condition
- The box pleated seats are finished in black and piped in red
- The dashboard and instrument panel has been stripped and refinished in back wrinkle finish
- The carpets, door cards and side panels were all replaced during the restoration process
- The headlining appears to be original and presents very well with no areas of issue
- A quality Mota-Lita three spoke steering wheel is fitted
- The rear bench is in equally fine fettle and folds forward to increase luggage capacity
- The boot is trimmed in black carpet to match the main cabin
- Under the boot floor is a full-sized spare wire wheel
- There is also space for tools and the owner will include a small trolley jack and mallet for removing the wheel spinners
The interior of this MGC GT is very original in ambiance and has been subtly improved with some well-chosen enhancements such as a new carpet set and door cards.
The Mota-Lita steering wheel and signature, white on black Smiths gauges combine to give a really authentic flavour of 1960’s British sports car ownership.
The Mota-Lita steering wheel and signature, white on black Smiths gauges combine to give a really authentic flavour of 1960’s British sports car ownership.
The Exterior
- The car is finished in bright “Tartan” red and exudes a deep and lustrous shine
- The bodywork has been a major focus of this extensive restoration, so the condition is sublime
- The exterior chrome has been professionally applied and appears faultless
- The panel gaps appear tight and symmetrical for this period of British sports car
- The light lenses and cabin glass all appear clear, bright and fault free
- The chromed wire wheels are in pristine condition throughout
- They are affixed with chromed, twin eared spinners
- The tyres are quality Uniroyal examples in the correct 185/65 configuration
- The tyres appear almost new and have covered just a few hundred miles
Whilst essentially the same design as a standard MGB GT, the prominent bonnet bulge with teardrop prominence makes a world of difference to the look of the MGC GT.
It exudes much more muscularity and serious sporting intent than its lesser sibling.
It exudes much more muscularity and serious sporting intent than its lesser sibling.
This example is impossible to fault. It looks amazing in its bright Tartan red paintwork with the bright chrome of the grill and wire wheels finishing the car off perfectly.
A real archetype of this iconic British GT car.
A real archetype of this iconic British GT car.
The Mechanics
- During the restoration the mechanical systems of the MGC GT have been fully addressed
- This work has included restoration and recommissioning together with subtle enhancements
- The BMC C-series engine of the C has undergone a full professional rebuild at a cost of over £7,000
- The gearbox and rear axle have also been fully refurbished
- New items include the clutch, water pump, alternator and disks and pads
- Enhancements include mechanical power steering, high torque starter motor and electronic ignition
- The radiator has been fitted with uprated, more modern cores to ensure effective cooling
- The underside of the car is also absolutely pristine with many new parts in evidence
- The mechanical work undertaken is detailed and photographed in the paperwork section
- Given all the above attention detailed here it is no surprise that this car is in a stunning mechanical condition throughout
With over 3000 man hours expended on this restoration and over £22,000 spent, it should come as no surprise that this car is in such excellent mechanical fettle.
The car has only covered around 300 miles since the work was completed, after all.
The paperwork even includes a glowing post restoration report by a specialist garage. This should give the new owner the ultimate peace of mind as regards the remarkable mechanical integrity of this MGC GT.
The car has only covered around 300 miles since the work was completed, after all.
The paperwork even includes a glowing post restoration report by a specialist garage. This should give the new owner the ultimate peace of mind as regards the remarkable mechanical integrity of this MGC GT.
Summary
In many ways the underside of this remarkable MGC GT sets the tone for the rest of the car.
The area of most cars which is least viewed and, hence, often least cherished is absolutely pristine in this case. It points to the thoroughness and fastidiousness of the restoration undertaken by the current owner.
The area of most cars which is least viewed and, hence, often least cherished is absolutely pristine in this case. It points to the thoroughness and fastidiousness of the restoration undertaken by the current owner.
If, like many, you have yearned to own a MGC as an icon of the 1960’s British sports car scene, then we are confident you will have to wait a very long time before one better than this comes along.
Don’t miss out, bid today to avoid disappointment.
Don’t miss out, bid today to avoid disappointment.
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