1970 MG C GT

First registered in December 1970 and supplied new to University Motors Limited of London with optional wire wheels and cabin heater fitted, this Mineral Blue example (commission number 3518P) has enjoyed the company of just two private keepers in its lifetime, and has recently been extensively restored to a very high standard by Keynsham Classic Cars.

Whilst the provenance of the vehicle being a late-model, last-of-the-line ‘CGT’ being supplied to University Motors is certainly an interesting and ‘eyebrow-raising’ note, the vendor is quick to point out that he has no confirmation as to whether this is one of the ‘specials’ which were modified, tuned and marketed by University Motors, or whether it is simply a wonderful, restored and numbers-matching example of the venerable MGC GT coupé.

Purchased by the current keeper in January 2019 following what was described as a “full nut-and-bolt restoration” by Keynsham Classic Cars of Bristol at a cost of £22,000, this restoration work included attention to the following areas:

- New front and rear wings, bumpers and over-riders

- New rear lights

- New floor pans, including boot floor

- New drivers door

- New front valence

- Fitment of new inner and outer sills

- New casel rails

- New steering rack

- Full braking system overhaul, including new calipers, shoes, drums, cylinders, brake pipes and unions

- Gearbox overhaul

- Engine overhaul including new clutch, gaskets, water pump, hoses etc

- Fitment of a new radiator

- New tyres and powder-coated wheels

- New leaf springs and shocks

- Full re-spray in factory Mineral Blue

Interestingly, the factory specification of this MGC GT was retained down to the original six-volt electrical system (with twin batteries under the rear seats) and the vendor is not aware of any upgrades or modifications being fitted to the vehicle.

Since purchasing the vehicle in 2019, the current owner has used the car sparingly for local ‘rallies’ events and drives, and has always kept it in a dry, heated garage and has reportedly never driven the vehicle in wet weather.

Resplendent in its recently-applied coat of Mineral Blue, there is no denying that this MGC certainly looks the part, and it presents in fantastic condition throughout.

Looking along the flanks of the vehicle, the door shuts are tight and crisp, and there are no signs of any impact damage, nor any noticeable dents or dings. The driver’s side door is a new item, as are both front and rear wings. Being particularly picky, it would appear that the bonnet sits slightly to the offside judging by the panel gaps, but this is truly nit-picking at its highest.

The paintwork, too, is of a very high standard indeed, showing only some light stone chips to the front end, along with a couple of other small marks which we’ve highlighted in the gallery below, but nothing that we would consider untoward for paintwork that has only covered a handful of cherished miles over the years. Unusually, there is a small patch of ‘orange peel’ noted on the front nearside A-pillar area, as seen in image number 136 and also on the upper edge of the tailgate, in image 137.

As is customary for a vehicle of this period, there are plenty of chrome details, trims and fixtures scattered around the bodywork. Whilst everything is present-and-correct, the trims around the windows show some patina and pitting, and are believed to be original. Speaking of the windows, the glass is also said to be original, and - as such - exhibits some imperfections and scratches, which we’ve shown below.

All four of the wire wheels were refurbished and powder-coated during the aforementioned restoration works in 2018, and remain in excellent condition to this day, shod in matching Continental rubber.

Inside, the overhauled and restored interior is a wonderful place to spend time, complete with the original style large diameter steering wheel, giving this ‘C’ a truly classic appearance and driving sensation.

The front seats have been re-trimmed in leather with new headrests for safety's sake, by the vendor (again in factory black, but with grey piping) and remain in excellent condition throughout on account of their limited use, free of any damage, scuffs or unsightly marks, with only a few creases to attest to their use. The original seats are also available by separate negotiation should the buyer so wish. The rear bench is also in good order, though there are a few small marks to the base.

Up above, the headliner is clean, taut and secure throughout, whilst the carpets also remain in decent condition down below, with some light wear visible around the transmission tunnel, seat runner areas, and in the front foot wells, though the latter is covered by a set of rubber over-mats. The surround for the handbrake lever is also coming un-stuck (image 233) though a touch of adhesive should sort this issue.

Elsewhere, the dashboard is in excellent shape and shows no cracks or damage, with the same being true of the door cards, inner door jamb areas and the centre console.

The various high-traffic touchpoints such as the door pulls, steering wheel, shifter and handbrake display a very minor usage patina, in keeping with the rest of the car’s condition overall.

The vendor notes that both window runners require some minor adjustment, and that the passenger door and boot locks are working loose. The screen washer is also inoperable, and the heater motor occasionally squeals on startup. We also noted that the rev counter has an intermittent fault, as shown in the video below.

Under the bonnet, the inline-six engine at the heart of this CGT presents in very good order throughout, and - as confirmed by the accompanying Heritage Certificate - is the original item for the vehicle, meaning the chassis and engine numbers match.

Looking around, the block, ancillaries and the engine bay as a whole present well, with no signs of any major leaks, staining or untoward issues that we could find.

This ‘C performed impeccably during our test drive and shoot, running well, giving good performance out on the road, and generally behaving itself. The transmission is a joy to work through, whilst the suspension is also nice and quiet, though the exhaust does knock slightly when traversing speed bumps or especially broken roads, as noted also by the vendor.

When idling, there is a slight vibration/rock from the six-cylinder unit up front, so perhaps some very minor carb tweaking (or a good old ‘Italian tune-up) may be required to perfect its performance, but nothing that stops the car from being driven and enjoyed as-is.

Underneath, the chassis looks to be in exemplary condition throughout, finished in body colour and presenting in the sort of condition you could eat your dinner off of. As such, we’ve included plenty of photographs of the chassis towards the end of the gallery below, so that you can appreciate just got good it looks.

Part of what makes this particular MG C GT so appealing is its history. We’ve already mentioned that it was supplied new to University Motors of London, and from there it passed to its first registered private keeper via Applegate, the invoice for which (along with a key fob) remains with the car.

In addition to purchase invoices, the all-important British Motor Trust Heritage Certificate is present and shows not only the original specification but also confirms that this is a matching-numbers example.

Alongside this, there are numerous MoT certificates, early invoices from the 1970s when the car was nearly-new, and other miscellaneous paperwork, the service record, owners handbook, and period press material.

The V5 is present, showing just one former keeper, and the invoice for the ‘nut-and-bolt restoration’ at a cost of £22,000 in 2018 is included in the history folder.

As always, we’ve photographed all of the documentation we’ve received, and this is available to view in the gallery below.

A number of miscellaneous spares and parts are also included with the sale of the vehicle, including two MGOC inertia-reel seatbelt kits in grey to match the seat cover piping.

Benefitting from a meticulous £22,000 restoration in 2018, only two registered keepers and an interesting early history and provenance, this 1970 MG C GT is finished in arguably one of the best colours for the model, and remains in outstanding factory-correct condition throughout, having been used sparingly and considerately since being restored.

Offered for sale with an estimate of £16,000 to £20,000 this ‘CGT’ would appear to be fantastic value for money, given its condition and the cost of the aforementioned restoration being higher than our estimate. If you’re looking for a late-model ‘C’ then look no further - this is it. Good luck!

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, 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’.