Following decades of remarkable success on both the racetrack and sales floor with its quick and nimble, primarily four-cylinder sports cars, Britain’s MG returned to six-cylinder power in 1964. The “large engine MGB” project, internally coded ‘ADO52’, culminated in the 1967 release of the MGB-derived MGC. Neatly bridging the gap in parent company BMC’s product lines created by cancellation of the beloved Austin-Healey 3000, the MGC was available in Roadster and sleekly styled GT Coupe forms and looked much like the MGB, aside from a pronounced hood bulge clearing the intake system, and larger-diameter 15-inch wheels. To accommodate the larger engine, however, the coil-type front springs of the four-cylinder MGB were exchanged in favor of torsion bars and wishbones, similar to those of the MG’s corporate sibling, the Jaguar E-Type.

With 150 horsepower and plenty of low-end torque on tap from its lusty BMC-sourced 3.0-liter (2,912 cc) inline six-cylinder powerplant, the MGC was the most powerful car MG produced during the era. Contemporary road tests revealed that while it was just one second quicker than its 4-cylinder predecessor in the zero-to-60 mph sprint, the MGC offered more relaxed high-speed cruising and a much higher top end exceeding 120 mph. Available gearboxes included a choice of a newly-designed, fully-synchronized four-speed manual unit or floor-shifted three-speed automatic supplied by Borg-Warner.

In addition to the open-air roadster, the MGC  was also available from the model’s October 1967 Earls Court debut in handsome fixed-roof ‘GT’ form, with the GT’s signature hatchback roof designed by none other than Italy’s famed Pininfarina. Featuring a fastback-style rear treatment with a large rear window and versatile hatchback configuration, the MGC GT delivered excellent luggage space and welcome weather protection for year-round enjoyment. MGC production, including the GT, ran to September 1969. According to marque authorities, total MGC production totaled 8,999 examples, including 4,457 of the sleekly styled GT.

Produced during June 1969, the 1969 MGC GT offered here is an original North American Export model equipped with left-hand drive, shipped new to Portland, Oregon. Lovingly cared for by just two owners for the first 46 years of its life, this wonderful 1969 MGC GT is understood to be an original, unmolested and very well-preserved car that has never been fully disassembled or restored. Exceedingly handsome, the vehicle appears to retain the majority, if not the entirety, of its factory-applied Pale Primrose Yellow paint finish. Lending further credence to the originality of the paint finish, no masking-tape lines, nor physical evidence of repainting has been found on the car.

The recently restored black leather interior is to correct factory specification and looks particularly smart in contrast to the exterior finish. The 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine and engine bay are exceptionally clean, correct and fully detailed. Accents include excellent brightwork and chrome 72-spoke knock-off wire wheels mounting complementary Vredestein radial tires, including the fully mounted spare wire wheel and tire inside the rear hatch, which also houses a proper roadside jack inside a storage pouch.

Retaining the original, numbers-matching Austin-sourced ‘six’, the GT’s desirable features and options include a pushbutton AM/FM radio, cigar lighter, heater, wire wheels, a sporting 4-speed manual gearbox, and the flexibility afforded by optional Laycock overdrive. As a 1969 model, this captivating MGC notably benefits from the improvements made during production at MG’s Abingdon works, including a revised 3.70:1 axle ratio, closer-ratio transmission gear clusters, and reclining seats. A corresponding British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate lists the MG’s factory-original data and factory-fitted equipment. In summary, this collector-grade 1969 MGC GT offers an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire an unrestored example of MG’s handsome and rare Grand Touring coupe of the late 1960s. Simply put, it stands as an outstanding example of one of Britain’s greatest sporting marques.

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