1967 MG C GTS

Coupe
Chassis number: AD052/1060

The MGC is equipped with an Austin 2968cc inline 6-cylinder engine with gas flowed and polished aluminum head, intake manifold sporting triple 45 DCOE Weber Carburetors and Downton exhaust manifold. Standard steel under pan with light alloy skin panels and superstructures. One of two lightweight MGC GTS to come out of the famed Abingdon MG works factory before closure in 1969. MBL 546#, known affectionately as 'Mabel' raced successfully from 1967 through 1969 in four major long distance International endurance events.

MBL 546E was the first of two factory built lightweight MG C-GTS to come out of the famed Abingdon MG 'works department'.

MBL 546E started her racing career in the 1967 Targa Florio under the guise of an MG GT with an inline 4-clinder 2004 cc B engine. Originally painted Tartan Red, the Italian organizers required British cars to be painted in their International colors, so Mabel was hastily painted British Racing Green and remains in this green and red color combination to the present. Later that same year, the MGC model was announced and the more powerful Austin six cylinder 2968 cc 'C' engine was installed for the 1968 12 Hours of Sebring where she finished 10th overall and 1st in class. Today, MBL 546E dons her 1968 84 Hours of Nurburgring livery. MBL 546E is well documented in numerous books on the subject of the Works Department MGs.

The MG MGC was announced in 1967 and offered in roadster and GT configurations. Power was supplied by a 2912 cc OHV six-cylinder pushrod engine capable of producing 150 horsepower and propelling the vehicle to around 120 mph.

In comparison to the MGB, the MGC brought many mechanical and performance improvements at a low price. Unfortunately, its demise in 1969 was attributed to its similar styling to the MGB and poor press from the automotive media. The engine had been moved back in the engine bay to create a 53/47 weight distribution. Even with these improvements, the press criticized the car as suffering from under-steer.

It is unfortunate that the MGC was not well received. The styling was very similar to its predecessor which led many to believe that the vehicle was the same model. What really transpired were many mechanical updates and few cosmetic changes. The engine was quiet and smooth which gave many drivers a false sense of security and as a result, often overextend the vehicle through the corners creating under-steer. By 1969, the vehicle was discontinued.

by Dan Vaughan

For many years, MG's chief engineer, Sid Enever, had wondered if a six-cylinder version of the MGB could be built and would fit within the body shell. Though many changes were required the skill of the team assembled was shown as the near-impossible feat was accomplished. The engine was to sit as far back in the engine bay as possible to help with weight distribution and to eliminate potential problems that the additional weight could introduce, such as poor handling, steering, and braking. A major problem arose when the sump of the engine and the front cross-member wanted to occupy the same space. To resolve this issue the original cross-member, shock absorbers and coil springs were removed. A new front suspension was fitted in its place. The hood was given a bulge to help conceal the large engine. The 14-inch wheels were replaced with larger, 15-inch wheels. Disc brakes could be found in the front and rear which helped greatly in slowing the vehicle down. The top speed was in the neighborhood of 120 mph.

At the 1967 London Motor Show, the Abington-based company introduced its six-cylinder creation. It is believed that there were six body shells of the MGC GTS created. They were comprised of steel with aluminum body panels. The enlarged fender flares accommodated the larger tires. All were originally painted red but later changed to green. The change in color occurred right before the Targa Florio race when Italians complained that the red color was reserved for their vehicles.

A few of the MGC GTS racing appearances include visits to Sebring, Nurburgring, and the Targa Florio.

The large bulge and flared fenders gave the vehicle a very aggressive stance and were very visually appealing. The lightweight body and powerful engine made this vehicle a formidable contender on the racing circuit.

by Dan Vaughan