Description

1968 MGC Roadster

Fully restored in the mid-1990s and sparingly used since; overdrive; electronic ignition; stainless steel exhaust; a wonderful example of this classic high speed cruiser

It's amazing what difference a power bulge and a set of wide wire wheels makes: otherwise identical to the MGB, the MGC looks altogether more purposeful than its smaller-engined sibling.
First seen in 1967, the MGC was BMC's attempt to plug the gap left in its range following the demise of the Healey 3000, without having to go to too much trouble. On paper, sticking a lusty 2,912cc straight-six under the bonnet meant that the new MGC should have had the world at its feet, but it didn’t quite work out that way.
Period road-testers universally panned the new car for its heavy front end and sluggish steering and although it turned out that the problem was largely down to the press cars having under-inflated tyres, the damage had been done. Never properly marketed by BMC, the MGC was quietly shelved in 1969 after just 8,999 examples had been built, half of them roadsters and half GTs.
Nowadays though, because of these low production numbers, the MGC is keenly sought after. With modern tyres and dampers the handling can be transformed and, with 145bhp and bags of torque on tap, they make excellent high speed cruisers.
As the Heritage Certificate confirms, this gorgeous MGC Roadster was built in June 1968 and was finished in Primrose Yellow with a black leather interior, wire wheels, a heater and overdrive. It was supplied new via Leslie Porter Ltd of Belfast, the original green logbook showing that the first owner was a Mr T Collins of the same city.
Originally registered as 7775 UZ, the car was to remain in Ireland for the next 44 years, a good file of invoices and photos showing that it was treated to a total nut-and-bolt restoration between 1993 and 1996.
Other invoices attest to regular upkeep since including a reconditioned overdrive unit and new clutch kit in 2002; new hood frame in 2005; new prop shaft, chrome wire wheels and inertia reel seat belts in 2012; rolling road tune up in 2013; new alternator and clutch master/slave cylinders in 2014. A stainless steel exhaust with a lifetime guarantee has also been fitted along with electronic ignition.
Returning to England in 2012, the car had one further owner before our vendor spotted it for sale in 2014 at classic MG specialists, Former Glory of Middlesex, where it was described as being an ‘immaculate’ bare shell restoration and ‘exceptional to drive’ – statements that still hold true today.
Our vendor has kept the car garaged and seems to have spent more time polishing it than driving it, covering only 600 miles in his 7-year ownership. In fact 11 old MOTs show that the car has only covered around 6,000 miles in the last 15 years. Flying through its MOT earlier this month with no advisories recorded, it was driven some 30 miles to the sale on one of the hottest days of the year with no problems whatsoever.
Starting promptly and running beautifully as we have moved it around on site, with good 40psi oil pressure, this MGC remains in sparkling condition throughout and now only needs an enthusiastic new owner who can give it the more regular exercise it deserves.
For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com