The MGC was introduced in 1967 and built until 1969. Only about 4,500 roadsters and 4,500 coupes were built.
Built as a 2,912 cc, straight-six version of the MGB. It was intended as a replacement for the Austin-Healey 3000 Mk. III. The first engine to be considered was an Australian-designed six-cylinder version of the BMC B-Series. In the twin SU carburettor form used in the MGC the engine produced 145bhp (108kW) at 5,250rpm.
The body shell needed considerable revisions around the engine bay and to the floor pan, but externally the only differences were a distinctive bonnet bulge to accommodate the relocated radiator and a teardrop for carburettor clearance.
It had different brakes from the MGB. Fitted with 15-inch wheels with Pirelli Cinturato tyres, a lower geared rack and pinion and special torsion bar suspension with telescopic dampers.
The heavy engine and new suspension changed the vehicle’s handling, and it received a mixed response in the automotive press. Poor reviews also stemmed from the fact that, despite BMC’s marketing, the MGC was not a direct replacement for the Austin-Healey 3000 and neither was it a higher-performance MGB.
This particular car was delivered as a left-hand drive for the American market, originally white, it was repainted in British Racing Green by Maskell’s in Shepparton. It is on display at MOVE, the Shepparton Motor Museum.
