Vehicle Story
Produced between 1967 and 1969, the MGC and MGC GT are rare cars with only around 9,000 models having been built. Its lack of consumer appeal is thought to have been because few potential buyers were prepared to lay down the extra money needed to buy one when it looked so much like an MGB, even if it did have a straight-six engine under that bulging aluminium bonnet.
And that is an important difference because the three-litre engine, with its 145bhp and 170lb/ft of torque, is enough to give the MGC a top speed of 120mph, which was a revelation in its day and is still more than adequate on today’s roads, making it a fine choice as an everyday classic or long-distance cruiser.
It is ironic that many drivers now prefer the MGC over the more common MGB, something that’s probably due to the former being much rarer and making a much nicer noise than the latter – and the subtle looks, which were perhaps its downfall in period, now say only good things about the driver, at least to the cognoscenti.
It’s also faster and more accelerative than its four-cylinder cousin, which is kind of the point. After all, if you’re going to drive a rakish British sportscar, then you really do want the full-fat option, don’t you?