1968 MG C

First registered in 1968, this MG C has been substantially updated and upgraded during its recent history, being transformed into a fast road-rally specification car by none other than renowned classic car specialist Oselli Engineering.

Little is known about the car’s history prior to purchase by the current owner in 2021, but the car was given to Oselli in 2007 following an email from a previous owner about the car’s lacking performance and tendency to burn oil.

Originally earmarked for a simple rebuild and setup with reconditioned SU carburettors, this evolved quickly into an Oselli ‘Stage 2’ conversion, including fitment of electronic ignition (since upgraded with a hi-torq starter motor) fitment of rebuilt SU carburettors, head conversion to use lead-free petrol, K&N filters, a new clutch and other miscellaneous works including new radiator hoses, at a total cost of £4,952.87 in June 2007.

Alongside the engine works, this MG C GT also sports a brace of rally timing clocks (stage and total run time) along with a passenger foot brace, map light and numerous other small touches for competition use.

On the outside, the car boasts Sebring front and rear valences, which - notably - are the correct metal items, as opposed to fibreglass replicas which are far more commonplace.

In the years since coming into the care of the current owner, the car has been used on a number of road trips including a tour of the North Coast of Scotland (NC500) as well as attending numerous classic car shows, though the car has never knowingly competed in any events despite being set up for this.

Now, having been cherished and fettled by its current owner (who also owns a number of other classic vehicles, including another MG) the car is being regretfully put up for sale due to a change in circumstances, meaning that the storage location for the car is no longer available.

Finished in Connaught Green which was refreshed in September 2020, this ‘hot’ MG C presents in very good order overall, having been used and enjoyed, but evidently kept in fine order during its recent history.

There are, naturally, some marks to highlight, such as the usual stone chips and minor usage blemishes around the edges of the doors and handles, along with some more noticeable marks and scratches on the boot panel, rear nearside wing upper, indentations in the panel below the windscreen (seen in image 53) and some cracking visible around the boot weather seal.

The chrome details and window trims all show signs of pitting and dulling, though this is commensurate for the age and milage of the car, and serve only to add character to the car’s appearance.

As is typical for an MG C, the bonnet is not-quite perfect in its fitment, sitting proud on the offside edge in particular.

All four of the wire-spoke wheels are shod in matching RADAR Deluxe Classic tyres, and are in very good condition overall, though a thorough detailing would certainly be beneficial.

Inside, the cabin presents in excellent condition overall, though it has been extensively modified during the car’s upgrade to road-rally specification.

The high-traffic areas such as the steering wheel, shifter and switch gear exhibit light usage signs commensurate with the car’s overall condition, along with the carpet in the front footwells wearing a few small blemishes and scuffs. The steering wheel boss also shows some paint chips, but this does not effect its operation.

The updated competition timing equipment, map reading light and gauges are all working as intended, with the vendor reporting no known faults with any of the interior systems or switchgear.

Both front seats exhibit light patina, creasing and imperfections, but are free from any rips, tears or more notable wear.

At the rear, the luggage compartment shows more prominent wear than the rest of the cabin, though it remains in good order, and would benefit from an overall valet/detailing session as per the rest of the vehicle.

Under the bonnet, the Oselli Stage 2 engine is in rude health, having been maintained by the current owner to a very high standard.

Starting on-the-button even having sat for an extended period prior to our photography session, with no sign of any smoke on startup or idle, smooth running and a responsive throttle.

During our photography session, the car was happy to idle for extended periods, showing strong oil pressure and rock-solid temperature readings, with the seller reporting that during its run on the NC500 there were no incidences of overheating or other untoward mechanical behaviours.

In the engine bay itself, the block, head and ancillaries present in good order, but would be transformed by an afternoon’s polishing in the garage. We could see no sign of any oil or fluid leaks or staining, and the vendor reports no known faults with any of the mechanical systems on the car.

Included with the sale of the vehicle is the V5 registered keepers document showing just two former keepers from new, correspondence with Oselli by the former keeper, an invoice for the Stage Two conversion work, an invoice from September 2020 for the bodywork refresh in original Connaught Green for a cost of £2,747 and a plethora of other miscellaneous invoices and documents.

By virtue of age, the car is exempt from mandatory MoT testing, with the most recent exam having taken place in July 2019, showing a clean pass at 85,181 miles.

Competition-inspired cars are always a winner here at The Market by Bonhams, and this Oselli-tuned MG C GT is certainly no exception.

Tuned to a very high standard by Oselli back in 2007 and evidently maintained well and cherished ever since, this is a fantastic opportunity to obtain a mechanically-proven, used and enjoyed example of a ‘hot’ MG C GT with a number of tasteful upgrades and modifications.

Ready to get out on the road and enjoy to its fullest extent, we estimate that this ‘C GT’ will fetch in the region of £16,000 - £22,000 when the hammer falls.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Gloucestershire. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.