BUYING WITH CONFIDENCE

CONCOURS £30,000- 40,000+ 1 SHOP AROUND

There are many restorations available. A top, basic-spec GT is £30k, but roadsters and cars with excellent provenance command more.

2 LOOK AT THE TWEAKS

Discreet performance modifications that enhance usability can lift values if done well. Cars with racing pedigree can exceed £50k.

3 AGE DOESN’T MATTER

Production only lasted two years and few changes were made, so the time of production has little bearing on overall values.

GOOD £18,000- 30,000 1 HOW USABLE IS IT?

Period authenticity is increasingly important, but factory-correctness needn’t be too strict. MGC owners often aim to cover a lot of miles.

2 CONDITION COUNTS

Options such as a Webasto roof and Laycock overdrive increase desirability and value, but judge primarily on condition.

3 HOW’S THE CABIN?

The cockpit should be one of the less-problematic areas, so be unforgiving of scruffiness – it’s an obvious haggling point.

USABLE £10,000-18,000 1 IS IT LEAKING?

A smart hood may have recently replaced an old one that was leaking for years, so inspect carefully. Water ingress mean rust and trim damage.

2 LOOK FOR CORROSION

This determines whether a car is genuinely usable or a project. Rust in the sills or structural, triangular box sections spell trouble.

3 CHECK THE BODY

Despite appearances, the ‘C is very different from the ‘B, especially forward of the A-pillar. Replacement body shells are not available.

PROJECT £6000- 10,000 1 THERE AREN’T MANY

‘Cs are scarce, and therefore pricey. Half were exported – less than for other British sports cars – mostly roadsters; viable imports are fairly rare.

2 CHOOSE CAREFULLY

Basket-cases have sold recently for around £7k, but budget over £9k to avoid something that’s more trouble than it’s worth.

3 WHO WILL HELP?

As an owner of a less-common MG you’ll find a bustling network of supporters, not least within the mighty MG Owners’ Club.