MG MGC I gallery (1967–1969)

Produced from 1967 to 1969, the MGC was engineered as a powerful six-cylinder grand tourer based heavily on the unitary construction of the iconic MGB. Available in two body configurations—a two-door open roadster and a closed 2+2 hatchback coupe dubbed the MGC GT—it was intended to succeed the Austin-Healey 3000. Power came from a revised 2.9-litre (2912 cc) BMC C-Series inline-six engine producing approximately 145 horsepower, breathing through twin SU carburettors. Transmission choices included a four-speed manual gearbox with optional overdrive or a three-speed Borg-Warner automatic transmission. Accommodating the significantly heavier and bulkier powerplant required major structural changes under the skin. Engineers redesigned the engine bay, created a distinctive raised bonnet bulge, and replaced the coil-spring front setup with a newly engineered torsion-bar suspension with telescopic dampers. Although criticised in period reviews for understeer and heavy steering compared to the agile MGB, the MGC excelled as an effortless long-distance cruiser across Europe and North America before production ceased after around 9,000 units.