The big story
Is the MGC undervalued?
‘It’s a well-kept secret’
The MGC remains a muchoverlooked model in the ‘big bruiser’ segment, and while Cobra values pulled Sunbeam Tiger prices up, the ’C has trailed somewhat in the wake of its much-loved Austin-Healey 3000 predecessor – the car it was supposed to replace.
For intending ’C owners, their values mean a greater chance of buying a big-engined sports car for reasonably sensible money, particularly as much of the market seemingly does not understand this model. Two GTs found new homes in March – Classic Car Auctions sold a 1968 example for £16,940 and Historics sold a 1969 car for £15,400.
More recently Historics’ May sale saw a 1968 MGC Roadster make £17,696 and a 1969 ’C GT £10,500. But, just as when new, they remain controversial, as Mathewsons’ Derek Mathewson explains: ‘I can’t get my head around the fact that when a competent engineer fits a three-litre engine to a vehicle designed, marketed and accepted as having a 1.8-litre he’s considered a loony who has de- valued his pride and joy. But when the factory does it, not only will it become more desirable, it increases in value.’
Mathewson sees ’C values being 50 per cent greater than those of a likefor-like ’B, but the automatic is ‘most certainly the one to avoid.’
The ’C’s similarity to its smallerengined ’B sibling may count against it, and that applies just as much to performance as appearance. TA Classics’ Mark Springett says: ‘The ’C is a great car, but so is a well-sorted ’B. The ’C isn’t a rocket ship but remains a well-kept secret.’
Marks continues: ‘I’ve seen some advertised for £35,000, but their values don’t seem to be pulled along by big ’Healeys. At the end of the day why have a ’B when you can have a ’C?’
There is a more supportive view, however. Historics’ Edward BridgerStille says: ‘Everybody loves a bonnet bulge and the MGC has two of the best in the business!
‘And this wasn’t the only part of this good-looking and powerful sports car that BMC got right – uprated suspension, bigger wheels, low production numbers and a convertible option all serve to make this successor to the MGB underpriced, in my opinion.
‘ With the GT in the teens and less, and the gorgeous convertible at only early twenties, the styling alone places this as one to watch but with high cruising speeds, competition beckons and this opens it up to a much wider audience. Especially if you happen across the holy grail of C’s, the Downton conversion!’