HISTORY OF THE MGC
The development of the MGC came at a transitional time for BMC, as
increasingly stringent U.S. safety regulations threatened the aging
Austin-Healey 3000's continued viability in one of its most
important export markets.
Rather than develop an all-new car, BMC hoped to recapture the
market of Austin-Healey buyers by adapting the MGB platform to
accommodate a larger six-cylinder powerplant. With the goal in mind
of building a powerful GT that would serve as a replacement for the
Austin-Healey 3000 and a High-Performance sibling to the MGB; the
MGC was born.
Powered by the BMC 2.9 Litre C-Series Straight-Six OHV engine, the
MGC entered production in October 1967. While the most immediate
visual clues differentiating the MGC from the MGB were its 15"
wheels, rather than the MGB's 14" wheels, and the distinctive
bonnet bulges, the car itself was much more than an MGB with a
six-cylinder engine. In truth, the platform was extensively
reworked to accommodate the larger engine and its additional
weight. As a result, MG redesigned the front suspension, replacing
the MGB's traditional coil springs with torsion bars, similar to
those employed by the Jaguar E-type. While the MGC shared the MGB's
basic arrangement of front disc and rear drum brakes, the MGC
utilized a larger-capacity, power-assisted Girling system.
Unlike the MGB, the MGC's four-speed gearbox was fully synchronized
from the outset, while optional Overdrive further distinguished the
model from its four-cylinder sibling. The finished car was capable
of approximately 120 mph and boasted a 0-60 mph time of around 10
seconds!
Despite its improvements in power, brakes, and suspension,
contemporary road tests were frequently critical of the MGC's
heavier steering and tendency toward understeer, creating a
reputation that followed the model for decades. It was later
suggested that improperly low tire pressures on early press cars
may have exaggerated these characteristics. Regardless, the early
reviews proved difficult for the MGC to overcome.
Further complicating matters was the 1968 formation of British
Leyland, which placed MG under a new corporate leadership
structure. It has long been reputed that management saw little
reason for MG to compete internally with the six-cylinder Triumph
TR6. Whatever the combination of factors, MGC production ended in
September 1969 after approximately 9,000 examples had been
built.
Today, the MGC's limited production and six-cylinder powerplant
have resulted in a resurgence in popularity. Modern tire technology
and proper inflation can improve many of the handling
characteristics criticized when the cars were new, while the MGC's
more aggressive appearance, robust mechanical specification, and
effortless straight-six performance have helped redeem its legacy.
Particularly within collector-car circles, the short-lived
six-cylinder MG has developed an enthusiastic following as a
distinctive English Grand Tourer.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
The 1968 MG MGC Roadster featured here is finished in its
factory-correct color combination of Tartan Red over a Black
Interior with matching Black folding convertible top. Per the
accompanying E-Heritage Certificate from the British Motor Museum,
Car No. GCN1U2290G was completed at MG's Abingdon works on June
11th, 1968, for the U.S. Market.
While the early history of this MGC remains undocumented, the car
has a personal connection to IT'S ALIVE! dating to the early 1980s.
Our owner/proprietor, Jeff Homsher, acquired the car around 1981
and drove it regularly before selling it to Lou, the father of
Jeff's high-school girlfriend in the summer of 1983.
Despite no longer owning the car, Jeff maintained the car for Lou
personally throughout the next three-plus decades. When IT'S ALIVE!
opened in 2018, Lou and his Red MGC were one of our first
customers, bringing in the car for routine maintenance and annual
service. When Lou found it increasingly difficult to get in and out
of the car, he purchased a more accessible BMW Z3 and sold the MGC
back to Jeff in 2019.
Once again, as part of the IT'S ALIVE! collection, the MGC received
a thorough cleaning, inspection, and continued mechanical
attention. Under the care of our in-house specialists in 2023 a
full tune-up was performed with the installation of new Spark
Plugs, Plug Wires, Distributor Cap & Rotor, Points & Condenser and
Ignition Coil. Additional 2023 repairs saw the fitting of a Tonneau
Cover and the replacement of a leaking Valve Cover Gasket.
More recently, in early 2026 the MGC was prepared for resale,
during which a complete rear axle brake job was performed with new
AP LOCKHEED Wheel Cylinders, Rear Brake Shoes and a Rear Brake
Hose. The Front Brake Hoses were replaced for good measure.
Additional 2026 investment saw the procurement of an electronic
Heritage Certificate from The British Motor Museum in the UK. The
included details confirm the car was originally finished in its
current color combination of Tartan Red over a Black interior and
Black folding convertible top. Even more significantly, the Engine,
Body, Commission, Gearbox, and Rear Axle numbers presently found on
the car correspond with those recorded on the Heritage
Certificate.
Today, MGC No. GCN1U2290G presents as an extremely well-loved
example, clearly subject to decades of routine care and continued
preservation. The car is believed to have been subjected to a
sympathetic restoration during the 1990s under previous ownership
which included a complete exterior repaint, renewed interior and
carpeting, a replacement convertible top, and numerous pieces of
renewed or replaced trim and brightwork. Both front seats were
replaced prior to IT'S ALIVE!'s reacquisition with later MGB units
featuring adjustable headrests, providing an additional measure of
occupant protection over the original headrest-free
configuration.
An ideal example of this rare and charismatic British sports car to
drive and enjoy, this MGC is equally at home on a Sunday drive to
the winery or parked among the crowd at a local Cars & Coffee. With
its 72-spoke chrome wire wheels, Tartan Red finish, and
unmistakable straight-six soundtrack, it offers considerably more
presence than its familiar MGB silhouette might initially
suggest.
Benefiting from recent service, known history dating to the early
1980s, and exceptional numbers-matching documentation, IT'S ALIVE!
is pleased to offer this 1968 MGC Roadster in its factory-correct
color combination to its next caretaker. For the enthusiast seeking
something rarer and more distinctive than the ubiquitous MGB, yet
still unmistakably British, this MGC presents a compelling
opportunity.
If you think you might be the next caretaker of this classic, then
give us a call at 314-710-6600 or email
[email protected].
