Lot details
Registration No: RVP235G
Chassis No: GCD14490
Mot Expiry: April 2011

Originally intended as a flagship sports car to replace the Austin-Healey 3000, the MG C was introduced in the autumn of 1967. Based around the same two-door monocoque bodyshell as the humble MG B (albeit with a substantially altered engine bay and floorpan), the newcomer was powered by a 2912cc OHV straight-six engine allied to either a four-speed manual gearbox plus overdrive, or three-speed automatic transmission. Equipped with new torsion-bar independent front suspension, telescopic dampers and lower geared rack and pinion steering, it was visually distinguished by a 'power bulge' bonnet and taller 15-inch wheels.

While early road tests criticised the car's 'nose heavy' handling, later reports were far kinder (which suggests that Abingdon's engineers quickly overcame the larger powerplant's extra mass). With some 145bhp and 170lb ft of torque on tap, the model was reputedly capable of 120mph. Nevertheless, too readily confused with the four-cylinder MG B, it was dropped in 1969 after just 4,544 Roadsters and 4,458 GTs had allegedly been made. Now, some 40 years later, the MGC's lack of period sales success only serves to make it more collectible.

The Mineral Blue GT on sale was produced in 1968 and is equipped with manual gearbox and black leather/vinyl interior trim, and rides on knock-on Minilite wheels. The engine was overhauled by BK Engineering just 6,750 miles ago. The work reportedly included the fitting of: a lightened flywheel; balanced crankshaft rods and clutch; a Kent 271 camshaft; a new oil pump; triple Dellorto carburettors and the block being sleeved and bored to standard size. A rolling road sheet from Tom Airey in 2005 apparently shows 162bhp at the flywheel. Recent attention to the bodywork includes the fitting of new door skins in 2003. This tidy looking C is MOT'd into April next year.