I remember seeing a few of these three-door hatchbacks on the road as a teenager (along with the cool-looking fastback Triumph GT6) but didn’t know the story behind them or their rarity. Only 1,773 GTs were sold in the US between 1967-1969 and this one has an automatic transmission, making this MGC GT even rarer. It’s currently taking a snooze in Raleigh, NC and offered for sale here on Craigslist with an asking price of $3,750. Cheers to Chuck Foster for bringing this MG to our attention.
When the new six-cylinder MGC made its debut at the Earls Court Motor Show in October 1967, it was intended to replace the Austin-Healy 3000 (British Motor Corps owned MG, Austin, and Morris). But, Donald Healy axed the idea of having his name on what was essentially a rebadged MG, and with the rather “unenthusiastic” road test reviews from the press plus strong competition from Triumph, the MGC experienced poor sales and was never profitable. This ’69 marks the last year for the low production MGC.
The seller provides only five photos and few words describing this MGC or the story behind it. Based on the dust and the 1999 Virginia license plate, it appears to have been sitting in a garage for a while. The seller shares that the “engine turns but does not run” and there is “rust in rockers, but have all replacement pieces.” The Pale Primrose Yellow paint appears faded, but overall, this MGC GT looks all there and straight and a good candidate for restoration. There’s currently no title, only a Bill of Sale.
There’s only one dark photo of the black interior. One can see a crack in the dash pad, the carpet probably needs replacing and that it has a floor-shifter automatic transmission, but we can’t tell the condition of the rest of the cockpit. Only one photo is also shown of the non-running 2.9 liter, 2912-cc straight six engine and the seller states the mileage as 92,000. With the challenge of fitting a larger engine (that had to be mounted further forward for weight distribution) and a larger radiator, MG had no choice but to add a “bulge” to the bonnet as it’s called over in England. It’s not my cup of tea from a styling aspect, but form had to follow function in this case.
Only about 9,000 of the MGC’s ever left the factory (roughly split between the convertible and 3-door hatchback GT) with about 4,200 being sold here in the US, so any surviving MGC is a rare sight. Sure, there are lots of questions lingering about the condition of this car and more photos are needed, but on the surface, it looks like this rare MGC Grand Turismo could be a good candidate for a restoration. What do you think, mate?
The steam sure fizzled on these too. For a spell, ANY MGC was bringing big bucks, like the Big Healey. With a price like this, in this condition and not sold, for what most British car buffs consider one of the neatest cars to come out of England, AND IT’S NOT SOLD, tells me interest is fading, especially for a project. Mmm-hmm, see? If we wait long enough, this is what I figure will happen to the entire classic car hobby someday. I doubt I’ll see it. Just a note on the automatic, they weren’t as rare as the author makes it seem. These used the Borg-Warner 35, 3 speed and a BUNCH of cars used it, from AMC to Vauxhall. I read, the MGC was supposed to cater to upscale women, and most chose the automatic. The entire time I had my MGB,( 1973-1980) I never even knew they made a 6 cylinder one, and I’d love to have this. Wonder if they’d trade a squarebody for it?
Is it still availsble
Our Air Force slogan “shot ’em down first and sort it out on the ground” applies to this car. At that price you loose nothing grabbing up this car.
Lost the other o in “shoot”. Can still hear my old English teacher…
These were known for being a bit nose heavy and the slush box wouldn’t be much help there. Leyland I think had an idea this car might replace the big Healeys but early reviews were not good. So numbers were not there and Leyland was just not able to build another car.
Is it missing a carb? Hard to tell for sure from the photo.
Dual carbs on the left side down from and in between the fuel filter. Pictures might have been better if seller wiped the body oil off the camera lens on his phone
Swapping out the horrible BW automatic for a proper 4 speed w/od would be cost prohibitive along with the needed resto. That’s why there is NO interest. I’m looking at a late model Triumph GT6+ that needs resto, so would consider this if it were stick.
I have had several MGBs and a GT. (Chris B. has my GT now) And I look at this and just say, no thanks.
Might be a good Brit classic for a millennial who has never seen a clutch pedal.
I owned a big Healey and have driven MGCs and I’m certain the guy who thought an MGC would replace a Healey was wearing a silk tie and had a finance background.
I have owned an MGC GT with the BW 35 for 44 years and I have enjoyed every minute of it!
The reality is, these are are two different cars. The MGB and the MGC look identical… they are NOT identical. The MGB is a good “sports car”. The MGC is a good “grand tourer”. Do not expect the MGC to be a “canyon carver”, it’s NOT. Do not expect the MGB to be comfortable for a “sustained drive”, it’s NOT.
Go into it with proper expectations and each will deliver in their own best way.
I believe the man that owns one. I had a Volvo 164 with a BW and it was awful, even after the rebuild. But, maybe these were programmed differently. I fully understand and agree with the ride/handling qualities.