With over half a Million sold between 1962 and 1980, every automobile enthusiast should be familiar with the iconic MGB. Unknown to most, however, is the rare 1967-69 MGC. Conceived as a replacement for the aging Austin Healey 3000 by BMC brass who felt the need to continue offering a 6-cylinder sports car in their lineup, the "C" was subsequently fitted with an engine originally developed for the 3-liter Austin saloon.
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With little to distinguish it outwardly from its smaller cousin, except for 15-inch wheels, a small rear badge, and a chrome-trimmed hood bulge on the lightweight aluminum bonnet, the "C" was not a smashing sales success. Only 4,449 "GT" hatchback Coupés were made, of those, just 1,773 were earmarked for U.S. delivery.
Four decades later, finding a superbly preserved, low-mileage example is a rare occurrence, indeed!
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The 1969 MGC-GT Coupé presented here, VIN *BMC69GCD1U8582G*, must be one of the finest examples of its kind anywhere; it might very well be the lowest mileage survivor in the United States.
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Sold new on February 1, 1970 at Stephen Boyd's Burbank Sports Car Center to a young Lady from Los Angeles, the car has remained in Southern California ever since. After driving her MG for just a couple of years, the car developed a transmission issue--which turned out to be minor--and was sold to the proprietor of the Downey Firestone tire store, who did not move it for the next decade. It was finally awakened from this long hibernation in 1983, at just 12,500 miles, when it was acquired by a knowledgeable enthusiast who revived the car and kept it in excellent running condition, adding a mere 1,400 miles to the odometer during the next 27 years.
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Included with the vehicle is important documentation, such as the original service book with dealer stamps, the small, square California "pink slip," the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, parts invoices, an MGC workshop manual, and most valuable, a two page, hand-written affidavit from the owner of 27 years verifying the car's low mileage.
Original keys are present as well!
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Heritage Certificate confirms build date. Manufactured during the week of June 26, the car was one of the final U.S. delivery models to leave the factory gates. All numbers match as listed on the car's "birth certificate"--engine, gearbox, even the key number.
Feel free to click on the letter above for a close-up look at the long-time owner's statement.
Original 1970 blue-and-yellow California license plates have graced this MGC for over 40 years now. Amazing!
Let's inspect this fine sports car closely now, starting with the engine bay.
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Engine compartment looks very clean, just like you'd expect it from a low-mileage car. Prominently displayed are the unique dual brake boosters for the power brakes (discs up front). Smog pump was removed but comes with the car. Originality abounds, down to the factory-installed insulation pad underneath the bonnet. Note factory dual carb setup.
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The main difference between the lowly "B" and the grown-up "C" is found right here: a 2,912cc, 6-cylinder power plant, delivering plenty of go thanks to 145 healthy horses, almost twice the power you'd get from an MGB! Not unlike the Big Healey it replaced, the MGC's BMC-sourced 6 is traditional in its design; with a long stroke, it is perfectly suited to work in harmony with an automatic transmission.
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MGC's coachwork looks phenomenal. Sheet metal is arrow straight, just as it left the Abingdon factory. Factory fit and finish are very much in evidence. Brightwork is in excellent condition; all glass is original and excellent as well.
Note rare, fender-mounted, passenger side rearview mirror.
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Primrose Yellow is one of our favorite 1960s-era colors. Frequently found on Jaguar's E-Type, it's quintessentially British. Actually, the MGC-GT was often called "the working man's XK-E" and rightfully so, with its big six engine and hatchback design! Paint is smooth and glossy, without any dings, dents, scratches, or bubbles. You'll have to look very closely in order to find a few pinhead-sided rock chips that have been touched up carefully.
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Surveying the GT's cozy cockpit, we are please to note its original, leather-covered, banjo-type steering wheel. Overall patina is consistent with low, low mileage.
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All gauges work perfectly. Factory "break-in" sticker is still affixed to speedometer.
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Macho-looking, chrome-dipped shifter console is a piece of art. Period-correct AM/FM radio works perfectly!
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Comfortable front seats are covered in supple leather and fit like a glove. The original head rests are included as well. Check out original seat belts, front and rear.
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Rear bench looks like it's never been used, it's really just suited for small children or Corgi dogs.
Factory headliner is flawless and the interior lights work as well!
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The MGC-only, 15-inch painted wire wheels with chrome knock offs are in excellent condition and shod with near-new MICHELIN performance radials of the dimension 185/65R15.
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Ready for a test drive?
So are we, but before we take off, let's check out trunk and undercarriage first.
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Designed with help from Signore Pininfarina himself, the B's hatchback version not only looks very attractive, but is also very practical for daily use. Ask anybody who owns a BMW Z3 Coupe! No doubt, the MGC-GT is one classic car that can do double duty as a daily driver.
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Beneath the wooden partition you'll find the matching spare rim, jack, spanner, and copper hammer. Jute-and-vinyl tool bag is included, too.
Trunk floor is 100% free of corrosion. The term "reference quality" applies here. This is exactly how these cars were finished originally: slightly dull paint, factory primer and all.
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Being a 13K-mile, unrestored, rust free California car, MG's undercarriage looks gorgeous. This car has never seen a salty road or harsh winter, has never suffered from corrosion damage. The original, factory-applied Primrose Yellow paint still peeks through here and there. The pinkish spots visible in the pictures not being rust, but factory primer. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view |
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Tuesday, January 4 was just another beautiful winter day here in San Buenaventura: mild, yet sunny and dry, and we were happy to start up the MGC for our indispensable test drive and photo session.
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Right away, we notice the delightful sound of the straight-6. Utterly different from the B's olde 4-banger, it reminds us of a big Healey or Triumph TR250. From low, low engine revolutions, the C accelerates without any hesitation--no shifting needed!
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Suspension, brakes, switch gear--everything feels like it's three years old, not four decades. It's very evident that this MG has been lovingly cared for by a car person who maintained it in this fabulous working condition for all these years. Especially the supple over-the-road ride is a revelation. Not too often does one have the opportunity to experience a car that still runs and drives exactly like way back, when it was new!
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Unearthing a superior MGC-GT Coupé is no easy task. We've done our homework and realize that fine examples of this über-rare Brit are traded between $17,5K and $25K, if and when they do surface.
Finding one of heirloom quality, that has lived its entire life in Southern California and has traveled a mere 13,982 miles in 41 years is as likely as winning the Powerball jackpot.
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This is not an "entry level" MG, to be sure. However, even if you paid a pretty penny, we'd still consider it a bargain, as you'd not only own a very collectible 1960s sports car, but one that is simply irreplaceable.
Addendum:
We sold this low mileage MGC-GT in Spring of 2011 to an enthusiast in the U.S.
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