MGC GT

Description

The MGC GT is an increasingly rare car and this one is an even rarer automatic. Unlike the more common MGB GT, it has a 2.9L straight 6 engine and suspension is similar to the Jaguar XKE using torsion bars rather than lever arm shocks and springs. I have a British Heritage title showing matching engine and transmission numbers.

I bought my MGC GT automatic from an MG enthusiast in California many years ago. The car had spent most of her life in Arizona and is in remarkable condition. She was white with original British Racing Green engine bay when I bought her. I have since stripped the car down to the shell and had it sand blasted and professionally sprayed in epoxy primer before I painted her in Tartan Red.Both front fenders were replaced with excellent used and correct originals. . The hood louvers were cut by a local hot rod builder.

I would grade my paint job as a solid 8 out of 10 and the only filler is over a couple of small metal patches I welded in on both sills and a small area under the tailgate around the gas filler cap which appears to have suffered a minor bump sometime in the distant past.
When I removed the engine and transmission for painting, I modified the front slam panel to be removable for easier maintenance and installed heat/sound installation to tunnel and interior. While the power unit was out, I replaced the kick down cable as well as the rubber seals around the gear change shaft, the reverse light/inhibitor switch and the transmission pan gasket. Like all MGC automatics, the engine must be started every couple of weeks or so to avoid transmission fluid leaks but the work I did has minimized this issue.
The major work completed in addition to the above include replacing all window and door seals, replacing all suspension bushes with poly bushes and upgrading the front anti roll bar. The dashboard was replaced with a restored version of with the one fitted to European and Canadian cars (with a lockable glove box but retaining all original gauges and switches). The original Abingdon Pillow dash comes with the car. I had the sun visors recovered and also replaced the headliner, rear quarter interior panels and carpets. Most importantly, the original brake servos and brake master cylinder were professionally rebuilt and disc pads, rear linings, brake hoses, caliper seals and front wheel bearings were replaced. All splined hubs were also replaced with new as were the tires.

The differential was rebuilt with new thrust washers and center universal joint replaced. A new battery with cutoff switch coupled with a replacement high torque starter motor rounds out the starting system and replacement headlights help visibility at night.
I fitted a set of triple Herbold intake manifolds, rebuilt two SU carbs and added a third SU along with a new stainless exhaust but retaining the original headers. Triple velocity stacks were added and I also have a set of three air filters. The original SU fuel pump will convey with the car but a modern electric pump is fitted in the spare wheel well.The car starts easily on choke and runs beautifully. Oil pressure reads 30lbs at warm idle. I believe the engine is internally unmodified and sounds fantastic.

The swan neck adaptor was recently replaced with a billet aluminum unit along with a new thermostat and finally, a set of inertia reel seat belts were added to the front.

The mileage shows 25,635. Of course at 50 years old, it is difficult to say if it is accurate but going on overall condition it seems about right. The engine runs great with no signs of smoke or overheating in the driving I have done.

The list of things that still need to be done;

My paint job is pretty good but up close, the aluminum hood shows a small patch of metal abrasion through the paint from when I stripped it. I applied several coats of good quality paint. (Dupont acrylic enamel) and it doesn’t look bad but buffing will improve it. In keeping with the period look, paint is base coat only. If I kept the car I would probably strip the hood again, apply a thin skim of putty to the affected area and repaint it.

The area around the gas cap needs a little more sanding. Some time prior to my ownership, it suffered a minor impact and has a small amount of filler in it but needs a little work to make it look perfect.

I do not have the chrome trim around the rear window though the rubber seals around all of the glass are new. I used chrome finish plastic locking strip to improve the looks but the trim is still available from specialist suppliers.

The front windshield is new but has a small crack at the bottom which is not easy to see. It might be repairable in the car by a glass repair shop. I still have not sourced the correct windshield washer bottle/bag but nipples, tubing and motor are all in place. The tachometer sticks occasionally but a tap on the glass will free it up.

I would very much like to keep this rare car but need to focus on other projects and she needs to be driven and loved by her next guardian.