Description

1968 MGC Roadster

Restored to concours condition 30 years ago and only 14,500 miles since; current owner 10 years; never goes out in the rain; overdrive gearbox; excellent underneath; drives beautifully; a lovely example of this brawny British roadster

As the Heritage Certificate confirms, this MGC Roadster is an original UK market car that was built in March 1968 and supplied new via Parkside Garage of Coventry. Equipment included Tartan Red paint, black trim, overdrive, wire wheels, a heater and a folding hood.
We are told that the car was restored to concours condition about 30 years ago when the odometer was re-set to zero and 22 old MOTs show that it has only covered some 14,500 miles since. Although there are no bills for the restoration there are photos of the car looking spectacular at around this time plus two concours trophies from 1995 and 1996 (runner-up both times) and numerous show plaques.
Our vendor acquired the car in 2010 and has used it sparingly in fine weather only, covering a modest 2,200 miles in his 10-year ownership. A large history file details regular upkeep over the last 30 years, the most recent expenditure being for two new 12v batteries in July this year, an upgrade from the usual 6v arrangement. A new water pump, rotor arm and distributor cap were fitted in 2017 and a new fuel pump in 2011. Other features include inertia reel seatbelts, Foxguard alarm/immobiliser, battery cut-off switch, luggage rack and a set of five wire wheels. An original owner’s handbook is also present along with an agreed insurance valuation for £25k in 2018.
Apart from some microblistering on the boot lid/rear wing tops, the car remains in lovely condition throughout, starting promptly and running beautifully as we moved it around for these photos. One of only 4,542 MGC Roadsters made in total, we can’t help feeling that this quick and torquey sports car represents a shrewd investment at the guide price suggested. It is certainly a lot more fun than money in the bank…
For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com
MODEL HISTORY
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 carburettor 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 9,000 had been built, half of them Roadsters and half GTs, the majority of the Roadsters being LHD cars for the American market.
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, easily tuned to extract 30% more power, they make excellent high speed cruisers.