1969 MG C Convertible review from North America

When I first attained the car it was at a used auto dealer and needed much attention. We completely rebuilt the car from the ground up. Following the restoration, the only problem was an occasional carburettor rebuild.

Before purchasing my first MGC I had read numerous reviews on this unusual car. Most of the reviews didn't give the car spectacular marks and several noted it as being "not much more than an MGB". These writers must have been intoxicated when they compared the two.

Having owned an earlier model MGB, I felt the six-cylinder "C" was a much superior car. My MGB was highly modified, but the stock "C" had far greater torque.

The big engine sounded more like a Jaguar XKE and it would leave vehicles with similar displacements far behind when leaving a traffic signal. When equipped with an electrically activated overdrive it was quite a highway cruiser as well. At 75 miles per hour my "C" was turning just over 1200 revolutions per minute.

Handling was another issue. The suspension between an MGB and MGC was slightly different because of the increase in front weight. The car had significant oversteer and was unforgiving in tight quarters. While the MGB seems to be well balanced, the "C" was lopsided at best.

Basically, an MGC used the same engine as the famed Austin-Healey 3000 Mk. III. However, the Healey is a much more sought after car. The MGC can typically be purchased for $6000 - $12,000 (US Dollars) and is an interesting addition to any collection.