Guide for purchasing from MGC (Merchants Guild Cooperative)
The MGC, a lesser-known sibling to the iconic MGB, has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity among car enthusiasts. With prices for top-condition MGC Roadsters now exceeding £30,000, this grand touring cruiser has earned renewed respect.
Made its debut at the 1967 Earls Court Motor Show, the MGC shared near-identical profiles and interior layouts with its four-cylinder MGB stablemates. However, it was equipped with a more robust Salisbury rear axle, a more robust manual gearbox, and a larger Girling braking system compared to the MGB. Under the hood, the MGC featured a C-Series engine, a robust and long-lived unit with no inherent weaknesses.
Despite its promising start, the MGC initially faced criticism for its heavy steering and underwhelming performance. However, with the passing of years, these issues have been largely forgotten. Enthusiasts have unlocked the car's latent potential through tuning and modifications, transforming it into a long-legged cruiser with a smooth-delivering straight-six engine.
One design quirk that has remained is the MGC's slightly undersized coolant radiator due to its location. Regular flushing of the coolant helps maintain good circulation in the MGC, and many examples have been upgraded with an electric fan to aid cooling.
However, when considering a used MGC sports car, there are some common issues and considerations to keep in mind. Rust is a major concern, particularly in key areas such as the undersides of the front wings, vertical steel splash panels, and the boot floor. Suspension and steering issues are also common due to the car's nose-heavy design, placing considerable strain on these components.
Despite these challenges, the availability of parts for the MGC is favorable, making maintenance and restoration efforts more manageable. Most parts, including panels, interiors, and drivetrain components, are generally available and affordable. However, attention should be paid to body and interior component fittings, as some trim and interior components may be harder to find or have quality variations in replacement parts.
In summary, the MGC offers a unique blend of comfort and performance for those seeking a grand touring cruiser. While careful attention should be paid to rust, mechanical wear, and specific design quirks, the availability of parts and the car's latent potential make it a worthwhile investment for enthusiasts.
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The MGC has become a popular choice among car enthusiasts who appreciate its grand touring capabilities, enhanced by road tests that testify to its smooth-delivering straight-six engine and its transformation into a long-legged cruiser through modifications and tuning. With a lifestyle often focused on cars and sports, these enthusiasts choose the MGC for its unique blend of comfort, performance, and the challenge of maintenance and restoration, thanks to the favorable availability of parts compared to other classic sports cars.
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