1969 MGC GT

Introduced in 1967 and only available for a couple of years, the MGC was a 2912cc, straight-6 version of the MGB. In twin SU carburettor form the engine produced a lusty 145bhp at 5250rpm and when fed through an overdrive gearbox or a three-speed automatic the car was capable of 120mph and 0-60 in just under 10 seconds. The body shell needed considerable revision from its smaller-engined sister, particularly around the engine bay and to the floor pan, but externally the only differences were a distinctive bonnet bulge to accommodate the relocated radiator and a 'teardrop' for carburettor clearance. It had different brakes from the MGB, 15-inch wheels, a lower geared rack and pinion, and special torsion bar suspension with telescopic dampers. Like the MGB, it was available as a Coupé and Roadster.

At its launch, the MGC appeared to have the potential to become a great commercial success offering all the qualities of the much-loved MGB with some significant performance improvements at a very attractive price. This was not to be, however, as a number of unfavourable 'Road Tests' in motoring magazines criticising the car's 'nose-heavy' handling sowed seeds of doubt in the minds of potential car buyers. The engine was 25kg too heavy and the need to fit an automatic box for the American market meant that it was mounted too far forward, however, a team of road testers managed to arrive at the optimum tyre pressures that resulted in the car handling perfectly. Sadly nobody told the people producing the Owner's Manuals and handbooks and the “Manufacturers Recommended Tyre Pressures” were wildly out resulting in the car's unnecessary reputation for 'understeer'. The British Leyland Group, owners of MG, didn't help by dithering, somewhat publicly, over whether the MGC would hurt the sales of the two other six-cylinder sports cars in the range (the GT-6 and the TR6) and then eventually dropping the Abingdon car.

Built towards the end of production, the 1969 MGC GT we have here has recently been superbly restored and is now finished in eye-catching Vermillion with a Black leather interior and sits on Silver painted wire wheels. The quality of this bare metal restoration is evident for all to see as it was carefully documented and photographed in 'Practical Classics ' magazine.

There are a couple of large history files with this immaculate car and it comes to the sale with a fresh MoT.

With its overdrive, torquey straight-six and sweet handling, this sparkling MG will be a superb, reliable period classic and with MG 'C' prices on the up recently, one of this quality must be a very sound and usable investment.