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Curated Auction

1968 MG MGC Roadster

At a Glance

~29 Year Ownership | Well Maintained | Excellent Presentation

  • Mileage~79,720
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine3.0L
  • LocationPortsmouth

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£5,000
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ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£5,000

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Video #2

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Photographer and Editor

All of the charm and character of the MGB, but with smooth and powerful straight-six power.

When the first versions of the MG MGC were introduced in 1967, it was considered a natural evolution of the original MGB. Fitted with the twin SU-carburettor ~145BHP C-Series 2912cc straight-six engine, it served as a potential replacement for the Austin-Healey 3000. Outwardly similar to the MGB, apart from the protruding section on the aluminium bonnet and bigger wheels, the MGC was structurally stronger, with upgraded braking and running gear to help cope with the extra power.

The engine is a well-proven unit capable of offering strong performance with reasonable fuel economy, the C remained MG’s flagship model until its demise in 1969. Only ~9,000 were produced, half of which were exported to the States, making it one of the rarer variants of an MG in the UK. The MGC gained a following in the proceeding years, thanks to its smooth power delivery and exceptional ability for long-distance and relaxed driving, it also attracted a notable pedigree in motor racing.

This superbly presented 1968 MGC Roadster is finished in "Flame Red" with a black leather interior has been with the same owner since 1996, and comes with a record of meticulous maintenance. Believed to be car number 330 off the production line, this very original car has a handful of upgrades and until recently it was used regularly. It comes with its heritage certificate, and its original 'Buff' style logbook, a current V5 and is MOT and Road Tax exempt.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Richard the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

We've taken our MGC to countless MG events all over the country, it will be missed.

Richard bought the car in 1996, having previously enjoyed his experience with an MG Midget. Although he was hunting specifically for an MGB, he came across this smartly presented MGC and was persuaded by its power hike and sparkling presentation.

The car has been well-travelled and driven to dozens of MG events. Until very recently, the MGC, Richard and his wife were still making new friends, until a health issue curtailed any further adventures. Richard will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Richard
Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Smartly presented in a Flame red finish, this MGC is all ready for the summer.

Wheels and Tyres

The satin-finish wire wheels are in good shape, with tight spokes and no signs of obvious damage. They are complemented by chrome spinners, all in excellent condition.

The car is fitted with a complete set of Yokohama 185/65/15 tyres; they date from 2016 but have plenty of life with even tread.

Bodywork

The panel fit is flush with the body, and the gaps are even, particularly the aluminium bonnet. All doors open and close without too much effort. The structure of the car looks solid. The eng ne bay, chassis rails, wheel wells, suspension mounts, battery cages and boot floor look great, the floor pan and jacking points have a liberal amount of protective seal and appear in good shape too. We didn't observe any panel damage aside from some small signs of corrosion on the bottom front corners of both front wings.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The "Flame Red" paint has a smooth lustre. There is very little road wear or chips, other than mild signs of age on the front valance, mild touch-ups on the bonnet edge and a couple of spidering marks on the top of the rear wings. The colour consistency of the offside door changes slightly in the bright light, but otherwise, it shows all the positive signs of a car that has seen regular indoor storage.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windscreen and its seals and chrome are all good, the side windows show mild scoring. No issues were noted on the lights and lenses.

The chrome trim displays positively, with mild signs of age on the door handles. The bumpers are flush to the body and look smart.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

The unblemished interior is complemented by the excellent leather seats.

Seats and Carpets

The black leather seats with red piping are in excellent shape. The car is fitted with a set of damp-free carpets and mats, which are in good condition, only showing mild wear on the transmission tunnel.

Dashboard

The crackle finish dashboard is tidy, with no notable flaws. All switches and dials display well and function as they should.

A 1990s-era removable FM Radio/Tape player has been fitted and Richard has fashioned an MG placeholder to cover over the console when removed.

All the door cards and interior trim are in good shape. The passenger door seal was mistakenly knocked off in the photos, but has now been refitted.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel is in excellent condition as pictured. The gear lever and rubber gaiter look in good condition as pictured.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Smooth and refined, the 3.0-litre engine has been dependable.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine starts up without issue with a bit of choke and soon settles down with an even idle. There were no excessive exhaust fumes as all dashboard warning lights remained off. The engine was left running for 10 minutes with no negative actions and started up immediately when warm too.

The durable 3.0-litre straight-six engine is smartly presented and shows evidence of regular upkeep. The car remained leak-free during our visit. The cylinder head has been adapted to accommodate unleaded fuel.

The gearbox operates smoothly, with no crunches or unwanted noises picked up on our trip. Richard is happy with the performance and feel of the clutch.

Suspension and Brakes

Richard's diligent maintenance schedule has ensured that the suspension works without any problems, absorbing the road well while sustaining a balanced and comfortable ride.

The brakes have a positive action, with no signs of wobbles or unwanted noises.

The Drive

The MG became the default open-top British roadster simply due to its durability, styling and excellent parts availability. The 3.0-litre engine added power and improved cruising ability to an already well-sorted chassis.

Filmed on a beautiful spring evening by the seaside, the test drive portrayed a feeling of freedom and carefree motoring. The car pulls well and offers a pleasing engine tone which is aided by the stainless steel exhaust.

We kept the speeds at a minimum, as the engine soon warmed up and found its natural rhythm, on the road it felt composed. The gearbox was free of whines or rumbles and the steering was free of any wobbles. Richard knows the car inside and out, and its maintenance records suggest that whenever a fault develops, he investigates the issue straight away.

Electrics and Other

The car has been kept to its largely original specification with the exception of the following upgrades; a new Stainless steel exhaust, inertia belts, twin 12v batteries, isolation switch, cut-off switch to coil and power socket.

The hood was not raised due to its lack of use, Richard told us it is in good condition but there is superficial damage to it, two small splits where the perspex is joined to the fabric on both sides.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

An early example of the MGC, it comes to market from ~29 year ownership, just 3 former keepers, and an impressive documentation of its maintenance reflecting careful ownership.

First registered by Loxhams Morriservice in Preston in February 1968, the MGC retains its original ‘Buff’ book, which documents its first two owners into the 1970s. There is photographic evidence of a five-year 1986 restoration. The car was obtained by a classic car dealer who sold it to Richard in 1996.

Over the ~29 years, Richard has kept personal records of the car maintenance and expenditure (including miles covered) and documented almost everything relating to its upkeep - his documents state every aspect of the attention carried on in the car. Highlights before 2012 include a stainless steel exhaust, refurbished wheels, waxoyl treatment, new leaf springs, new bonnet, fuel pump, water pump, and bodywork repairs.

Work since 2013 covers a new master brake cylinder, a new hi-gear starter motor, refurbished rear shocks, a new radiator and a new Mohair tonneau cover. He also records the cycles of suspension/steering lubrication, services and engine hoses, brake, carb, cooling, maintenance, wheel balancing and refurbishments. There is a folder of invoices dating back to 2014. It comes with its Heritage certifcate and is MOT and Road Tax exempt.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
20-11-2017 MOT 71,906
02-11-2016 MOT 70,146
27-11-2015 MOT 68,438
05-11-2014 MOT 66,851
31-10-2013 MOT 64,521
16-10-2012 MOT 61,280
17-10-2011 MOT 59,158
15-10-2010 MOT 56,416
22-10-2009 MOT 53,164
29-10-2008 MOT 50,113
29-10-2007 MOT 46,939
06-11-2006 MOT 44,146
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Model MGC Roadster
  • Transmission 4-Speed Manual
  • Reg. Date 23-02-1968
  • CC 2,912
  • Mileage ~79,720
  • History Since 1996 - recorded and carried out by owner
  • Colour Flame Red
  • Interior Colour Black
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # GCN1-430
  • Engine # 409
  • Restored Yes in 1986-1991
  • MOT 20-11-2017
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes - all clear
  • Former Keepers 3
  • Tyre Brand Yokohama
  • Tyre Age 2016
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~29 years
  • Key Feature Originality and regular maintenance
  • Auction ID 2644
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Portsmouth

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    Auction Bidding

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    Current Bid £5,000
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    Auction Ends Thu 1st May at 8.00pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  2
    £5,000 bid by Belsey17.04.25 @ 20:26:11
    £1,000 bid by GTBebbo17.04.25 @ 07:03:41
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a MGC like this is £158 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Spring 2025.

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    Vehicle Location

    Portsmouth

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