MGC GT 1970 – Time Capsule
Owned by one family since new, stored for over four decades and brought back to life by the late owner’s son. This MGC GT is as factory new as a 54 year old car can be. As a friend of the family we found a nice new custodian in the Netherlands, who enjoyed this MG next to another great British GT in his collection. Both 2+2 sports cars with a straight six engine, paired to a manual gearbox and rear wheel drive. Very pleasant to drive and a treat to take along on long distances through Europe. Now it’s time to pass on this time machine to add extra miles to this gran turismo.
During the refurbishment a technical overhaul took place, but also the original paint was brought back into its factory-new condition by removing the old layers of wax. The MGOC Workshop Manager Ian Wallman, who worked on the car during its refurbishment told: “A car is only original once and this is exactly that!”. What helped, besides a low mileage of only 4,926 miles at that time, is the fact that its body shell was treated with an anti-rust wax from the dealership. Underneath a barnfind look was a shiny Mineral Blue MGC GT. Even the banjo-style steering wheel and black leather(ette) seats looked untouched.
The son enjoyed his dad’s car for a while until we imported it in the Netherlands. He had experienced how it must have been to own a ‘brand new’ MGC GT decades earlier. Today this one-of-a-kind example is still at its best. It drives like a freshly delivered car. The engine runs smooth, there are no vibrations while accelerating, braking or just cruising at any given pace. The 4-speed gearbox is like a hot knife through butter, very quick and easily. All gears are synchonized. Their ratios fit the engine’s power range in such a good matter that you’ll never think it would need an overdrive or 5th gear. Very impressive.
Pressing the throttle by only a millimeter already results in a very direct response. The car picks up at low rpm’s – even at idle – and offers a relaxed, but sporty driving experience below 2500 rpm already. If you rev it up, it wants to go too, but you don’t need to for a fast ride. Even for longer drivers and passengers there’s plenty of cabin space. The GT in its name is a true abbreviation for its grand touring capabilities. In this case, it still feels like the car is brand new. Check out the walkaround and driving video below.
At our workshop we’ve maintained the MGC while the current owner took it on a couple of road trips and classic car rallies. We are proud to show this time capsule in real life, but please reach out if you want high resolution photos of the entire car, engine bay and undercarriage. The car is turn-key ready, currently on Dutch registration and can be shipped worldwide.
- First registered in 1970
- Original condition
- Stored for over 4 decades
- Only 6800 miles
- Drives like new
- Very well maintained
- Headrests
- RHD
- Wire wheels
- Manual 4 speed gearbox
- 147 hp
- Top speed: 193 kmh