32,669

• Right hand drive 'Home Market' example
• One of only 1,403 examples
• Specification as per BMI Heritage Certificate
• Fully restored example

The MGC was the first 'high performance' version of the MGB. From early in the design stages of the MGB there was an intention to create high performance variants, using a range of Vee engines that did not make it to production. The MGC was much more than a tuned MGB, in fact it was a completely re-engineered car, but retained many visual connections to the MGB. On the outside the MGC was often mistaken for an MGB as the only visual difference was the heavily bulged bonnet with a transverse chrome strip that accentuated the bulges, and the standard use of 15” wheels instead of the 14” used on the MGB. Inside there were very few differences between the B and C, other than the 140mph speedometer and tachometer with a yellow and red banding, set against lower RPM than the MGB. During its short production, just 8,999 MGC examples were produced, a near 50/50 split of GT and Roadster production respectively, approximately 70% of all cars were offered for export markets, making UK 'Home Market' examples, the Roadster especially, just 1,403, some of the most desirable examples.

Dispatched for retail on 1st July 1968 and registered in London, this wonderful right hand drive 'Home Market' MGC Roadster is confirmed by the accompanying British Motoring Heritage Certificate issued to Captain J P Mitchell. Finished in the original Tartan Red with black leather interior, black 'packaway' hood, 15" disc wheels and full-size tonneau all as per the build sheet. This stunning example has had just four former keepers since the early 1980's, covering a mere 900 miles in the last three years and only 6,000 miles in the last 20 years. In exceptional condition and with a full lever arch file of history confirming ongoing specialist maintenance, restoration, MoT test certificates back to the early 80's, books and parts catalogues, we believe this is one of the finest MG's we have had the opportunity to offer.

The bodywork remains in excellent condition, the panel gaps are very good and the all-important seams are equally as impressive. The Tartan Red paintwork has been polished to a wonderfully lustrous shine, the original chrome bumpers, over-riders and grille are as new. The lenses are excellent and 15" original specified disc wheels, shod with near full tread 185/65/15 Dunlop SP Sport tyres, offer a more original 'feel' car for the purist. Inside, the original 'Banjo' three spoke steering wheel is found along with black leather seats with red piping showing minor wear and a pair of period Kangol seatbelts. A quality set of carpets which extend to the boot area are as new, as are the door cards and kick-panels, these are accompanied by a wonderfully clear, original dash with no add-ons which makes a lovely place to be. Being a Roadster, this MGC comes with an original specification 'packaway' hood, but we are informed it has been a 100% dry weather only car for the last four years at least, it is also supplied with the as new full-length tonneau.

We are informed that mechanically this MGC is a dream, the engine having recently undergone a full strip and rebuild and currently with 'running-in' mileage only which any new owner should bear in mind. The engine bay is period correct and in excellent order, from cold a little choke, a turn of the key and 'vroom', the car fires instantly, not a puff of smoke and settles into a turbine smooth idle with a lovely tone coming through the stainless exhaust system. We are informed the gearbox action is tight and accurate, boasting overdrive and the brakes are servo-assisted.

With just over 1,400 right hand drive 'Home Market' examples built, to find and offer a genuine right hand drive example of the MGC is a real pleasure and an example finished to this standard, a delight. With a great history file, spanning some 40 years and finished in arguably the best colour, Tartan Red and with a freshly rebuilt engine to boot, we feel you'll struggle to find a nicer, original specification example of this classic MGC Roadster! Consigned by Mathew Priddy