1969 MG C Roadster

The MGC was produced for just two years between 1967 and 1969. A total of 9000 examples were built making it one of the rarer models of the MG Roadster range. The MGC was an attempt by BMC to plug the gap in its model line up left by the demise of the Big Healey’s. It utilised the large BMC 2912cc straight six engine that was used in the Austin Healey 3000 and also the Austin Westminster. The intention was to give the sporting roadster a performance upgrade over the smaller but lighter 1798cc four cylinder engine, which was found in the MGB Roadster.

Unfortunately for BMC, the MGC wasn’t a hit with buyers and it was subsequently dropped by BMC in the summer of 1969. Fast forward to today and the MGC is highly sought after due to its rarity and that mighty Big Healey derived straight six engine.

This very fine looking MGC Roadster was first registered on the 1st of August 1969. It was originally ordered in Old English White and was the subject of an estimated 2,000 hour restoration in 1980, which is documented in the history file.

It made its way to Germany in 2009, where it received a number of tuning upgrades, before returning back home to the UK in 2015, where it regained its original registration number.

We are actually very familiar with this MGC Roadster as it was previously sold by us to its current owner in 2020. Since acquiring the car the current owner states they have covered just 500 miles in that time frame, so they have decided to pass custodianship to someone who will give this rare roadster the use it thoroughly deserves.

The MGC Roadster presents very nicely in the photos and looks very sharp in black, which is a colour that really suits the muscular nature of this Roadster. Indeed the power bulge on the bonnet is a hint of what resides beneath.

The seller rates the paintwork as 8 to of the 10 and it certainly has a lovely deep shine to it. As it is an older restoration there are some marks and imperfections as one would expect, however that extensive 2,000 hour rebuild appears to have held up well.

Elsewhere on the car, the chrome work looks to be in good shape and the black hood, which was fitted in 2020, looks as good as new.

The black colour scheme is set off very nicely by the 15-inch wire wheels, which were fitted to the car when it lived in Germany. These have been painted rather than chromed and are finished by a set of chrome knock offs. There is also a matching wire wheel spare, which is a nice touch.

There is also a luggage rack fitted to the boot which adds to its practicality.

The seller notes that the wing mirrors are currently off the car as they are the incorrect type for this MGC. One has broken and the other was removed for its recent MOT test.

The black exterior is matched by a black interior, making this a triple black motor. The black leather seats are pipped in red which is a nice touch. They are in decent shape with a few marks and signs of wear here and there.

Moving to the doorcards and dashboard, these are also in good condition with the white lettering on the switches, dials and gear knob still bright and clean. And it is all set off by the Mota-Lita steering wheel which looks just right.

The seller states that the carpets are showing signs of wear and a new set would really uplift the interior. However the carpets are perfectly usable as they are, which means you can jump in a drive and not have to worry.

Modern speakers are fitted in the doorcards, with one missing a grill. The original factory single speaker grill is also present. There is actually no stereo fitted to the car, which is something the new owner could explore if they wished to do so. We think though with that straight six up front, it is those tunes which will be played the most.

This MGC was fitted with a rebuilt engine and a Peter Burgess gas-flowed cylinder head in 2015. The specification is very impressive and includes a 0.040” overbore, a Kent 714 camshaft, a forged steel crankshaft, and a lightened flywheel. These enhancements will have certainly upped the performance of the big six engine and the seller confirm that it drives very well.

The engine bay itself looks great and the engine, its ancillaries plus the twin SU carbs and the inner wings are in nice clean condition.

Also under the bonnet are braided oil cooler hoses, an electronic ignition system and a K&N performance air filter. It also benefits from a sports exhaust. The 4 speed gearbox is said to change nicely and the overdrive works as it should.

Other recent parts include the clutch and brake master cylinders, plus a new fuel tank.

In the current owners custodianship they have had new headlights fitted, along with work to the rear brakes, plus some other maintenance items which were taken care of in March of this year. These are documented in the history file photos below.

Moving to this MGC Roadsters history file, it is very impressive indeed. There is a very extensive typed record from 1979 right up to the 1997, which carefully documents all the works carried out to the car over that time frame. It is incredibly detailed and really shows the care and attention that was lavished on this rare motor.

The rest of the history file includes invoices for ongoing maintenance over the years, including from its time in Germany and the recent works undertaken by the current owner.

The MGC Roadster also benefits from a current MOT Certificate with no advisories, which is valid until 22 March 2024. This will no doubt be peace of mind for the new owner.

When it was launched in 1967, the MGC was meant to be the performance model of the roadster lineup. That didn’t quite work out, hence it was only available for two years. Fast forward to today and the foibles and quirks of MG’s from this era have really benefited from the strides made in classic automotive engineering. MG Roadsters have a loyal following because they are great drivers cars and are one of the best all round practical classics you can buy. The fact that this is a C Series Roadster makes it even more special. With that BMC six cylinder up front and its performance tweaks, we can just imagine how good it sounds blasting down the road. And with summer just around the corner, the dream of roof down classic car motoring beckons for the new owner.

We estimate this car to fetch between £16,000 - £20,000 in auction.

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’.