One of my all-time favourites. If you are seeking a really honest and very useable example of a true British great, this rather lovely MGC presented in Old English White on original painted wire wheels with upgraded Black interior piped White ticks all the boxes. The subject of comprehensive recommissioning and substantial detailing undertaken by it`s previous keeper of the past 7 years, the MG comes with a large file of recent history as well as a considerable MoT Certificate trail going back to 1992. With working Overdrive and optional factory-fitted heater, this is a long-distance GT car to be savoured but could easily be used and enjoyed on a daily basis.
Believing that a replacement was needed for the Austin-Healey 3000 Mk. III (sales had been flagging for some time), MG decided to develop their already popular “B” and shoehorn a larger, more powerful engine under the bonnet with necessary required improvements to suspension and braking systems. Initially developed with Geoffrey and Donald Healey, two actual prototypes were produced, one carrying a Healey badge, the other being MG although in truth, other than a different grill, there was little to chose between them. Codenamed ADO 51 and ADO 52 respectively, engine choice was the biggest decision and after some deliberation, the new 7-bearing variant of the Morris C-Series was chosen as fitted in the 3-litre saloon. With twin SU carburettors, the engine could develop a healthy 145BHP, some 50BHP over the standard B-Series although certain modifications were required to the bonnet to accommodate the radiator and carburettors themselves. Fitted with 15” wheels, upgraded brakes and torsion bar suspension with telescopic dampers, the “C” finally went into production in October 1967 albeit ultimately only in ADO 52 form and badged as an MG. Available as either a coupe (the GT) or an open two-seater (the Roadster), the car could be optioned with either a 4-speed manual gearbox with Overdrive or 3-speed automatic `box. The car received a mixed response in the motoring press of the time owing to the heaviness of the bigger engine and it`s effect on the handling and roadholding. Despite early intentions, the “Big” Healey remained in production and was sold alongside this new offering at essentially the same price. Over the next 2 years, just 8, 999 examples were built split almost 50/ 50 between GT`s and Roadsters before production ceased in September 1969.
Our car dates from December 1968 and was sold new through Kennings Limited of Chelmsford, Essex. The Heritage Certificate accompanying the car confirms it to be a Home Market example originally supplied in Light Primrose Yellow with Black Trim sitting on wire wheels with fitted Overdrive and a heater. Sadly, we know little of it`s early life but from the paperwork we do have, understand that it was cosmetically restored and repainted in Old English White sometime in the late-1980`s. By the early 1990`s, the MG was living in Sussex with mileage recorded of 53, 584 (from the 1992 MoT Certificate). Annual MoT inspections thereafter reflect limited but regular use, the car recording some 3500 miles over the next 8 years before being sold in the summer of 2000 to a gentleman in Llanidloes in Mid-Wales. We believe from the paperwork that he was probably just the third registered keeper. For the next 17 years, the MG was largely dry-stored venturing out for MoT inspections in 2005 and 2006 but with less than 100 miles covered since acquisition. In 2017 and now showing just 57, 200 miles, the car was sold to an enthusiast in Poole, Dorset who after some basic recommissioning and MoT work put the car up for sale again. It was purchased by another keen MG owner near Blandford in January 2018 and so began a new chapter for the car with a rolling programme of further recommissioning and extensive detailing right up to the present day. Notable highlights include a new rear valance and repainting of the roof, bonnet and hatch panels (owing principally to micro blistering evident following years in storage), an updated interior with replacement MGB seats (fitted with headrests for safety), a centre console, new seat belts, a Motolita wood-rimmed steering wheel (providing better leg clearance), replaced drivers side carpet and overhauled door-cards with new window winders, new rear suspension and brakes with replacement road springs, all new cylinders and shoes, replacement head-lights and fitting of driving lights, a new fuel pump, new 6V batteries, new tyres all `round and a full service (less than 800 miles ago) to include replacement plugs, engine and gearbox oils, filters, all new ignition parts and a full grease-up of kingpins and the underside. From the receipts in the file, something in excess of £5, 000 was invested to get the MG to the standard it is today. Since acquiring the car, we have undertaken our own on-ramp health check and given the car a good coat of polish.
The MG presents just as can be seen in the photographs. Panel-work and paintwork is typical of an older cosmetic restoration and repaint with just a few age-related blemishes. But that said, it polishes up nicely and presents extremely well. Painted wire wheels fitted with new Dunlop tyres are in excellent order as is all the chrome complimented by new badges and branded mudflaps. The recently upgraded cabin also presents well with superb Black edged White seats, tidy carpets and wood-veneer dash and wood-rimmed wheel adding a touch of tradition and class to otherwise quite an austere interior. Excellent visibility is ensured from the MGB seats themselves (they sit a little higher than the originals) and this comes into play on the road when pulling out of junctions. Not that junctions will ever be an issue – this is a car for long distance cruising. Effortless cruising at that. It is sublime with long legs made longer by the Overdrive which switches in and out instantaneously. On a sunny November morning, I took the MG for a lengthy test run across the West Dorset Downs and memories of previous MGC`s came flooding back. They are infectious and a wholly different car in nature and character to a standard “B”. Beefy performance that revs freely thanks to the 7-bearing design, a notchy and very positive gearchange, and noticeably excellent brakes and general road manners reflecting recent work in these areas. Often compared at the time with the “Big Healey”, I personally feel that the “C” is nicer and easier to drive with far more forgiving handling. Come and experience it for yourself – it doesn`t disappoint on any level.
Our car comes with a Heritage Certificate, an extensive run of MoT Certificates from 1992 onwards, a large file of receipts for work undertaken from 2018 to 2025, a collection of old tax discs, an original Handbook, a servicing guide, current V5C and a current MoT Certificate to February 2026. The MG is naturally both MoT and road tax exempt.
A genuine and very useable example of a true British sporting great.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
£15,995