1968 MGC Roadster
£23,950
- Make
- MGC
- Model
- Roadster
- Year
- 1968
- Body
- Convertible
- Engine
- 2
Overview
This 1968 MGC Roadster is a well-maintained example of Britain's short-lived performance classic. Powered by a lusty 2.9-litre straight-six engine with six-branch manifold and twin exhausts, it combines genuine originality with thoughtful modifications. The Snowberry White bodywork, restored in the early 1990s and recently refreshed, looks particularly striking with its quality black hardtop fitted. The interior remains in good order with black leather seats and a wood-rimmed steering wheel. Mechanically sound with uprated suspension, electronic ignition, and a smooth-engaging overdrive gearbox, this is an original UK matching-numbers car with full Heritage certificate and comprehensive MOT history.
From the Dealer
- •Original UK matching-numbers car with British Motor Industry Heritage certificate
- •Straight-six engine with six-branch manifold, twin exhaust, and electronic ignition
- •Quality after-market black fabric hardtop and convertible hood in good condition
- •Mildly uprated suspension with poly bushes and SPAX rear dampers
- •Long MOT history from 1990 to 2016 with supporting documentation
About the MGC Roadster
▶
The MGC Roadster was a British sports car produced in the 1960s, positioned as an upmarket open two-seater that competed with cars like the Austin-Healey 3000. It featured a straight-six engine, which was larger and heavier than its MGB predecessor, affecting handling characteristics. The car appealed to drivers seeking traditional British roadster motoring with more power and refinement. Its inline-six engine was notably smooth but made the front end heavy compared to contemporary rivals. Production was relatively brief, and the model remains a curiosity in the MG lineup, often overshadowed by the simpler, lighter MGB.
Pros
- +Smooth, willing straight-six engine with good mid-range power
- +Elegant traditional British roadster design
- +Well-appointed interior for the era
- +Reasonable performance for a 1960s roadster
Watch out for
- −Heavy front end compromised handling balance
- −Expensive to produce, limiting commercial success
- −Overpowered compared to chassis design
- −Poor rear weight distribution affected dynamics
Common issues
- !Engine overheating due to inadequate cooling
- !Electrical gremlins typical of British Leyland cars
- !Rust and corrosion in structural areas
▶See full dealer details
Overview **Overall Comments** This is a well maintained, original car in good condition. It benefits from a number of useful modifications and additional fittings and drives very well - the straight 6 engine pulling lustily with a throaty exhaust note. The personalised registration plate shown in most of the accompanying photos has been retained and the car now carries its original UK registration AKX 540F. **Body** The bodywork underwent some restoration works in the early 90’s and has been well maintained since, with some recent cosmetic tidying carried out in our workshop. The car looks particularly smart in its Snowberry White finish when the quality after-market black, fabric-covered hardtop is fitted – which is in good condition, as is the regular convertible hood. A boot-mounted luggage rack has also been fitted. **Mechanical** The engine revs cleanly and is fitted with a six-branch manifold, twin exhaust system and electronic ignition. The gearbox changes cleanly and the overdrive engages and disengages smoothly. The suspension is mildly uprated, being poly-bushed and fitted with SPAX dampers at the rear. **Interior** The interior is not new, but is in good condition – carpets, doorcards and black leather seats finished with white piping. A Moto Lita wood-rimmed steering wheel has been fitted. Asking Price £ 23,950 History Introduced in October 1967, the MGC was the first ‘high performance’ version of the MGB, using a BMC C series, 6-cylinder engine of 2912cc, developed from that used in the Austin Healey 3000 and Austin Westminster. The MGC was not simply a tuned MGB – it was a considerably re-engineered car, with new torsion bar front suspension; uprated braking; new, stronger, all synchromesh gearbox with optional overdrive and it rode on 15” wheels, instead of 14” as on the MGB. This grand tourer was not as popular as the MGB however, and production ceased in summer 1969 after just over 9000 had been built. First registered in 1968, this is an original UK matching numbers car, with British Motor Industry Heritage certificate. A long MOT history (from 1990 to 2016) is on file, together with old tax discs, receipts for work carried out etc.
