MGC

Ian Hobbs – Register Secretary

Ian can be contacted on 0417 877 127 or via email.

My email address has changed, the new address is mgcgt@optusnet.com.au

Upcoming Events

To be advised.

The MGC was a 2912 cc, straight-6 version of the MGB sold from 1967 through to 1969 with some sales running on into 1970, and given the code ADO52. It was intended as a replacement for the Austin-Healey 3000 which would have been ADO51 but in that form, never got beyond the design proposal stage.

The first engine to be considered was an Australian-designed six cylinder version of the BMC B-Series but the production versions used a 7 main bearing development of the Morris Engines designed C-Series that was also to be used for the new Austin 3-litre 4-Door saloon. In the twin SU carburettor form used in the MGC the engine produced 145 bhp (108 kW) at 5250 rpm.

The body shell needed considerable revision around the engine bay and to the floor pan, but externally the only differences were a distinctive bonnet bulge to accommodate the relocated radiator and a teardrop for carburettor clearance. It had different brakes from the MGB, 15 inch wheels, a lower geared rack and pinion and special torsion bar suspension with telescopic dampers. Like the MGB, it was available as a coupé (GT) and roadster.

An overdrive gearbox or three-speed automatic gearbox were available as options. The car was capable of 120 mph (193 km/h) and a 0-60 mph time of 10.0 seconds. The heavy engine (209 lb heavier than the 1798 cc MGB engine) and new suspension changed the vehicle’s handling, and it received a very mixed response in the automotive press.

The MGC was cancelled in 1969 after less than two years of production – 9004 cars made. Today the car is considered very collectible and the main causes of the poor reputation relating to handling have in the main been overcome by better tyres and subtle modification of suspension settings.

The Book, ‘MGCs Down Under’, is now available.

Description:

The chapters cover a range of topics from the creation of the MGC, with a particular focus on the Australian connection, personal stories from MGC owners, Bruce Ibbotson’s modification and Richard Mixture’s technical ramblings, to how the new MGC ended up Down Under in Australia, New Zealand and Papua. It also includes a list, with thumbnails photos, of MGCs in Australia and New Zealand – who knows, your MGC might be there.

‘MGCs Down Under’ is 285 mm x 217 mm with 208 pages and full of useful photos.

The Book is excellent value at AUD $79 for the soft cover, plus packaging and postage.

Email the Register Secretary to obtain a copy of ‘MGCs Down Under’, mgcgt@optusnet.com.au.