In the world of classic MGs, the MGC has received something of a raw deal over the years. Despite the idea of a six-cylinder MGB looking on paper like a winning plan, the car was destined for a short life and for much of the time since has been the victim of poorly-informed criticism.
This tended to hold back MGC values which took their time until they started to rise in the last few years, while the MGB raced ahead as the most popular classic car anybody can remember. The four-cylinder car’s success has now seen values of the older and more expensively restored cars climb to the level where they’re overlapping the more affordable MGCs, which makes an interesting conundrum for the prospective MG owner with £20-£25,000 burning a hole in their pocket. Do you go for the intriguing but slightly left-field MGC or the safe option of the MGB? Courtesy of Oxfordshire MG specialist Former Glory, we try to make that decision.
MGC
Since I was busy getting distracted by the ex-Police MGB GT V8 in the showroom, I didn’t realise Former Glory proprietor Nigel was firing up an MGC for me. In fact, I’d assumed the throaty six-cylinder bass which was making the building’s walls vibrate was something altogether more exotic – one of the E-Types on the premises perhaps, or maybe a customer’s Big Healey. It was explained to some extent by the stainless exhaust and trio of Webers revealed with the bonnet up on this particular car, but it does neatly illustrate the step up the MGC represents from the common-or-garden B.
Denne historien er fra January 2020-utgaven av Classic Car Mart.
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Denne historien er fra January 2020-utgaven av Classic Car Mart.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
3D Technology To Preserve Classics?
Traditionally, the unavailability of a critical component has had major repercussions for owners of historic vehicles, putting the brakes on a restoration project or even forcing a historic vehicle off the road.
UPCYCLING
Two British-made modern classics which made credible sporting saloons despite their unlikely origins.
NICHE WORK
A crossover model before the term had even been invented, the original Range Rover could well be the perfect multi-purpose classic.
CLASSIC REVIVAL
Fancy an MGB without the welding and SUs? The much modernised RV8 should fit the bill.
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Solid State
Although a well-preserved Volvo 120 Series ‘Amazon’ makes a good choice as an occasional everyday classic driver, the range can be confusing. We play the numbers game and reveal some of the Amazon’s main foibles.
Round-Up - 1990s Jaguars
Following Ford’s acquisition of an independent Jaguar in 1989, the Coventry-based luxury car maker underwent a transformation that led to the introduction of a range of capable models that today are reasonably affordable as well as being fun to own and drive.
Myth And Rumour
The Stag may have suffered a poor reputation when new, but in the 21st century it’s one of Britain’s most popular classics – and justifiably so. We take a look at the pros and cons of investing in Triumph’s sporting flagship.
The Full English
An English-built Citroën meets English wine as we enter a slightly bizarre parallel universe.
Tailgate Revolving Doors
Paul Guinness looks back at his experiences from 35 years ago, when he helped to arrange a club stand at the first-ever Classic Motor Show at Birmingham’s NEC