1968 MG C GT

First seen in 1967, the MGC was BMC's replacement for the Healey 3000, without wanting to build a totally new car. The solution was to slot the silky smooth 3-litre straight-six engine into the MG B engine bay, which came hand in hand with some serious engineering. This culminated in the C having much more sophisticated underpinnings compared to the B. It’s safe to say the performance was improved, with twin-SU Carburettors producing 145bhp, allowing 0-60 in sub-10 seconds and a top speed of 120mph, combined with a more sleek, purposeful look. Visually the cars aren’t too dissimilar, but the more obvious clues are the bonnet bulge to accommodate the relocated radiator and ‘teardrop’ for carburettor clearance. It also had uprated brakes over the MG B, larger 15" wheels, lower geared rack-and-pinion steering and special torsion-bar suspension with telescopic dampers.

At its launch, the MGC had the potential to become a great commercial success, offering all the qualities of the much-loved MGB, with significant performance and styling upgrades, marketed at an attractive price. Unfortunately, due to a few ‘unfavourable’ road tests in magazines criticizing the MGC’s ‘nose heavy’ handling, and despite the fix simply being to adjust the tyre pressures, the damage was done, and it gained a reputation for understeer. Ultimately the MGC was put out of production in 1969 having made less than 10,000 examples worldwide, with 4,554 Roadsters and 4,458 GTs being built. Nowadays, the MG C is keenly sought after as, with modern tyres, and a few suspension tweaks, the handling can be transformed and when paired with the strong torquey engine (which can easily be tuned to extract 30% more power) they make excellent high-speed cruisers.

The Snowberry White example we have here forms part of The Twin Sparks Collection, and in common with the other cars, it is exceptionally well built. According to the accompanying Heritage Certificate, this car was originally finished in Snowberry White with Black upholstery as a UK, right-hand drive car, built on 7-9th October 1968 and despatched on 11th October 1968.

It was the subject of a comprehensive restoration in 2018, with a very well documented summary sheet showing which parts were purchased and from where. The majority of parts were bought from the MGB Hive and Moss Europe, with parts totalling some £6,378 and labour at £5,000. There are photos showing the car pre-restoration in its sorry state, indicating the level of transformation.

The history file isn’t as significant as some of the other cars, however, the cars condition will answer any and all concerns. In the original listing for the car in its project state, it states that a previous owner had the car for 26 years before the restoration owner purchased the car and started the work in 2018.

The car presents and drives exceptionally well. It is tidy and cared for underneath with a very impressive engine bay and a welcoming cockpit. Excellent value and highly recommended. With MGC GTs so hard to find these days, you’d be hard pressed to find a standard car at this price point, let alone a fully restored, immaculate example like this.