1968 MG C GT

Having established that unlike its common or garden smaller brother the MGC is a rare beast, this one is rarer still. The car’s first owner is listed as MG Cars of Abingdon, so it’s highly likely this was one of the Oxford factory’s publicity cars (we’d like to reassure potential buyers that the tyres are now inflated to the correct pressures).

On top of this the car’s number plate, RMO 64F, is very close to that of the works MGC GT RMO 699F, which competed in the 1968 Marathon de la Route, and also in the Sebring 12 Hours.

This historic car has been the subject of a very thorough and wonderfully sympathetic restoration which, while returning it to first class condition, has also been carried out in such a way as to preserve the car’s unique patina.

At first it’s easy to think you’re walking round a beautifully presented MGB GT until you spot that the wheels are filling the wheel arches rather more enthusiastically than the B’s 14 inch items. The C sits a little higher, and the 15 inch wheels were fitted primarily to accommodate the 11 inch front discs Abingdon’s engineers specified to haul its increased weight to a safe standstill.

The impression that this is not your usual MG coupé of the period is affirmed when you spot the bonnet. It has a large power bulge covering 80 percent of its area running down its central section, capped off by an aluminium trim strip near the front of the panel. There’s also an excitingly bulbous hump that’s there to clear the most forward of the two SU carburettors.

The impression is that this is a bit of a factory hot rod, albeit a very conservatively styled and restrained one. But it certainly looks rather more special than your average MGB GT.

The bright red paint gleams and is fabulously complimented by the beautiful chrome wire wheels but, as we’ve said, the car doesn’t look over restored.

There’s clearly been a new tailgate rubber fitted as it’s yet to settle and allow the opening hatch to be adjusted to sit closer to the shell, but this is simply a matter of time. We also note that the front side/indicator units have their lenses on upside down – the amber indicator should be on the inside. However, it would only take a few minutes with a screwdriver to sort this out.

There’s a small crack in the paint finish by the passenger door handle that would take a professional about an hour to sort out, and there are also some slight dents in the aluminium trim that runs around the windscreen rubber, again, something that could be easily remedied at little cost.

The traditional MGC black crackle finish dash is in perfect condition and the restorers have thankfully resisted the temptation to fit any kind of walnut ‘upgrade,’ so the car retains its 1960s period feel. There is an aftermarket gear knob, and the black leather seats have red piping to match the outside colour, but otherwise this is exactly as it would have been in 1968 (period wood-rimmed steering wheels are allowed as many owners fitted them from new).

The large overdrive switch on the far right of the dash reminds you that this is a long legged cruiser that can whisk you across 100s of miles with ease, and the 140mph speedometer assures you that motorway speeds are no strain for the big six MG.

Modern inertia reel seatbelts replace what would have been fixed versions originally – another very sensible upgrade that just makes the car easier and safer to use.

Early cars like this retained a foot operated main beam/dip switch, something we thoroughly approve of as its possible to dip your lights while flicking out of overdrive and indicating to make that over-taking manoeuvre simultaneously. You’ve got to be on the ball, though.

Under the bonnet this is clearly no MGB. From its twin 12 volt batteries, to the 2.9-litre straight six BMC C-Series engine which fills the engine bay, and is noticeably different to the four-cylinder car, with the top mounts for the front telescopic dampers clearly visible (the B has lever arm units). The detailing under here is impressive, with the long C-Series rocker cover complete with all its period labels – and it’s a welcome relief to see a pair of SU carburettors that haven’t been over polished, just lovingly refurbished.

A modern electric cooling fan has been fitted, which is a sensible modification for any classic car, and especially one with a large engine in a cramped engine bay. This GT can cope with modern traffic conditions without breaking a sweat.

As you’d expect with a car that’s had this level of restoration work, everything under here is as it should be. Again, the differences to the MGB are obvious, with the C’s completely different front suspension design channelling suspension forces through torsion bars that run alongside the front chassis rails.

We’d be tempted to get the car thoroughly wax rust proofed to keep it in the lovely condition it’s clearly in, although as it is it’s very easy to see that everything is as solid and sound as you’d expect from a high class restoration.

There is a stack of documentation with the car that we’d encourage any potential buyer to examine, including a photographic history of the extensive restoration work that has been carried out.

Most importantly, there’s a heritage certificate that confirms that the car’s first owner was MG Cars of Abingdon, thus confirming its provenance.

These are rare beasts at the best of times and this one is rarer still, having MG Cars as its first owner. This, and the expertly carried out restoration work make this a special opportunity to acquire a very possibly unique slice of MG history.

Our estimate for this car is £16,000 - £18,000.

Viewing is always encouraged and as stated this car is located at our Abingdon headquarters; we are open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.