1968 MG C Roadster

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, without having to build a completely new car. It used a modified version of the MG B bodyshell 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 MG C, the engine produced 145bhp and could propel the roadster to 60mph in 10 seconds on its way to a top speed of 120mph. It also had better brakes than the MG B, larger 15" 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 MG C an altogether more purposeful look than the humble MG B. 

However, it was no Big Healey and the heavy engine blunted the car's handling somewhat leading to a mixed reception by the motoring press. Never properly marketed by BMC, the MG C was quietly shelved in 1969 after fewer than 2,000 right-hand drive MG C Roadsters had been delivered. Nowadays though, because of these low production numbers, the MG C is keenly sought after. With modern tyres and a few suspension tweaks the handling can be transformed and, with a strong torquey engine which can easily be tuned to extract 30% more power, they make excellent high speed cruisers.

This smart example dates from 1968 and is finished in British Racing Green with a rare removable hard top and the correct soft top. The look is enhanced by a set of 15" wire wheels with twin-eared knock-offs wearing decent Michelins all round. The gently patinated black leather seats are piped in white and the dashboard presents well with crisp Smiths instruments and a period Radiomobile push-button radio with a central speaker in its chrome surround. The MG benefits from upgrades to improve performance and drivability, including Spax suspension dampers and other parts from MG Motorsport and has very recently been serviced by CKL Engineering who have cared for the car in recent years. MOT exempt of course, it has covered less than 1,300 miles since its last MOT in June 2018 at 34,364 miles, with the only one advisory then being “Handbrake has little reserve travel”. Included in the sale are a raft of service invoices, historic MOT Certificates, spare wire wheel, jack and tool roll. 

The car presents really well, tidy and cared for underneath with a very impressive engine bay and a welcoming cockpit. Excellent value and highly recommended, an appraisal on file states: "wonderful history file going back to 1976  - no rattles or clonks - really good hood. Drives beautifully, sounds strong and healthy. Interior is fantastic and period correct (...other than MG badge on glovebox)" .