1969 MGC
This car is a project a very experienced British car enthusiast had begun on this rare MG model to complement his car collection. The car is well started. It’s a rolling chassis with all new metal work, body work and paint. The interior, engine bay and trunk have been refinished. The suspension has been completely rebuilt with all new parts, then powder coated black and installed on the car. Interior assembly has been started. The doors and door panels are complete. Included is new top, leather seats, carpets and panels. Chrome trim and body fasteners are in place, as is the windshield.
Now comes the fun part, the vast majority of the parts are included (value exceeding $8,500) with the purchase of this car. We have been inventorying the parts and so far have a fairly short list of missing components. A brand new wiring harness awaits your installation and then the brand new dash board. The 6-cylinder engine has had the machine work done and is ready for assembly with all the new parts that come with it. Overdrive transmission is also included, the owner indicated to me that is was in good shape but I would recommend having it rebuilt prior to putting it back in the car. Install the drive train, finish the brake overhaul (parts included) and complete the final assembly of the small items. After a few Sundays (just kidding) you can drive away in this rare and desirable MGC roadster. A photo cd will be included from an MGC restoration done by the same owner to assist you in your new project.
While the process of a restoration can and is a very enjoyable hobby, not everyone has the time to undertake a restoration. Brit Bits restoration services are available to complete this project for you, providing you with a turnkey car that you will love driving and showing off.
Call for further details or better yet, stop in and see the car in our showroom – it’s that nice.
History of the 1967-1969 MG MGC
British Motor Holdings watched the Austin-Healey 3000 meet an early demise in 1967 due to American emissions and crash regulations, and the company quickly searched for a six-cylinder replacement. The solution BMH identified was to fit a 3.0-liter engine from an Austin Westminster into an MGB, resulting in the MGC.
The engine generated 150 hp, which was more than 50 hp greater than the MGB. With overdrive, the car could easily cruise at 80 mph all day and topped out around 120 mph. On the outside, the cars sported a hood bulge and a chrome strip that ran across the bulge; otherwise it remained true to the MGB. Underneath, the MGB’s coil spring suspension was replaced with torsion bars and wishbones with limited travel in order to make space for the bigger engine. Wheels were increased to 15 inches. The MGC was a relative bargain at $3,350 for the roadster and $3,715 for the GT coupe.
Unfortunately, the six-cylinder was initially designed for an application in which weight was not a critical factor. The six-cylinder motor weighed 350 pounds more than the MGB’s four-cylinder motor, with all of that additional weight resting in front of the MGC driver. The result was a 55-45% front weight bias, which was exacerbated when the car was equipped with the optional Borg-Warner automatic transmission. To solve this issue, the steering ratio was lowered 2.9 turns lock-to-lock to 3.5, though the car still suffered from understeer.
Missing the Big Healey, the press was unkind to the MGC and sales were slow. Production stopped in 1969 after 9,000 models were built.
Today, an MGC is still a fun way to enjoy 1960s British motoring, though the driving dynamic is significantly different from an MGB. Also, the engine bay is quite cramped, which results in high running temperatures. The car has long legs and is reasonably well suited for American roads, which makes it a pleasing cruiser. Mechanical issues are similar to MGBs, which means there is plenty support available, though some MGC parts are becoming harder to find.