Lot 221 - 1969 12990 C GT

Early in the design stages of the MGB there was an intention to create high performance variants, using a range of V8 engines that did not make it to production. One such variant was the MGC  - very much more than a tuned MGB and in fact a completely re-engineered car  although retaining many visual connections to the MGB. On the outside the MGC was often mistaken for an MGB as the only visual differences were in the heavily bulged bonnet with a transverse chrome strip that accentuated the bulges and the standard use of 15" wheels instead of 14". Inside there were few differences between the B and C other than the 140mph speedo and tacho with a yellow and red banding set against lower rpms than the MGB. Under the skin though and the differences became obvious with most changes up front. The engine was a BMC C series six cylinder 2912cc unit of the type used in the Austin Healey 3000 which added considerable weight as well as bulk. This required a new torsion bar front suspension along with uprated braking.

This MGC GT is fitted with a manual gearbox and overdrive and was subject to a cosmetic restoration to an extremely high standard by the previous owner who owned a body repair shop.  It was restored over a period of time only replacing cosmetic parts that required replacing, keeping the originality of the car wherever possible and, at the same time, the suspension and braking systems where completely overhauled. The current owner has recently had the car fully serviced, had two twelve volt batteries fitted, to replace the original six volt batteries to boost starting power and for reliability, and new Firestone 185/65/15 inch tyres all round. Finished in the original colours of old English white with black leather seats, it comes
supplied with a V5C registration document, an MoT test certificate which expires in May 2014 and old test certificates. This is an extremely sound example that drives well and has been properly detailed underneath including a Wax Oil; the new owner can be safe in the knowledge of a job well done.  This represents an extremely well appointed, well prepared and, as the name suggests, well considered Grand Tourer.