1969 MGC Cabriolet – Exterior and Interior – Auto Zürich Classic Car Show 2021
Not every sports car succeeds by fitting expectations. When MG introduced the MGC Cabriolet in 1969, it offered more power, more weight, and a different driving character than buyers associated with the brand. The result was a car that puzzled contemporaries—and later earned a more nuanced reputation.
Technical Details:
The 1969 MGC Cabriolet is mechanically defined by its 2.9-liter inline six-cylinder engine, sourced from Austin-Healey and derived from the C-Series powerplant. With a displacement of 2,912 cc, the engine produced approximately 145 horsepower (gross) in period specification, a significant increase over the four-cylinder MGB. Fuel delivery was via twin SU carburetors, and power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox, with optional overdrive available on higher gears.
To accommodate the larger engine, MG reworked the front structure of the car. The MGC retained the MGB’s unitary body shell but featured a modified front substructure and suspension geometry. Most notably, MG replaced the MGB’s coil-spring front suspension with a torsion-bar front suspension system, paired with revised steering components. The rear suspension remained a live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. Braking consisted of front disc brakes and rear drums, providing adequate stopping power for the increased performance.
Despite its sporting intentions, the MGC was heavier than the MGB by roughly 120 kilograms, which affected handling balance. Top speed was quoted at approximately 120 mph (193 km/h), and the car offered stronger mid-range torque and relaxed high-speed cruising rather than nimble agility. The MGC Cabriolet was therefore positioned closer to a grand tourer than a lightweight sports car.
- Manufacturer: MG (Morris Garages)
- Model Name: MGC Cabriolet
- Year of Manufacturing: 1969 (production period 1967–1969)
Design:
At first glance, the 1969 MGC Cabriolet appears nearly identical to the contemporary MGB Roadster, but subtle visual cues distinguish it. The most obvious difference is the distinctive bonnet bulge, required to clear the taller six-cylinder engine. This raised section alters the car’s profile slightly, giving it a heavier, more muscular presence compared with the flatter bonnet of the MGB.
The rest of the exterior follows familiar MGB proportions: a long hood, compact passenger cell, and short rear deck. Chrome bumpers front and rear maintain the car’s late-1960s elegance, and wire wheels were commonly specified. The Cabriolet body retained traditional open-top roadster elements, including a folding soft top and removable side screens in earlier configurations.
Inside, the MGC’s cabin closely mirrored that of the MGB, with a padded dashboard, clear instrumentation, and straightforward switchgear. Seating was comfortable enough for longer journeys, reinforcing the car’s touring orientation. While the interior did not emphasize luxury, it conveyed a sense of solidity appropriate to a car with greater power and higher cruising potential. The overall design communicated continuity rather than reinvention, masking the significant mechanical differences beneath the surface.
Historical Significance:
The MGC was conceived as a response to shifting market demands in the late 1960s. Buyers—particularly in North America—were seeking more powerful sports cars capable of sustained high-speed driving. MG’s solution was to adapt the proven MGB platform rather than develop an entirely new model.
However, the MGC arrived at an awkward moment. Contemporary road tests often criticized its handling, largely due to early suspension tuning and tire choices that did not complement the heavier engine. These initial impressions shaped public perception, even though later evaluations and modern restorations have demonstrated that the MGC’s behavior can be significantly improved with correct setup.
Production numbers reflect its brief life. Approximately 4,500 MGC Cabriolets were built, making it far rarer than the MGB. The model was discontinued in 1969, not because of catastrophic failure, but due to shifting corporate priorities within British Leyland and the looming impact of emissions regulations. In hindsight, the MGC stands as an ambitious but transitional model—an experiment that challenged MG’s traditional identity.
Quirks and Pop Culture:
The MGC occupies a curious position in enthusiast culture. For decades, it was regarded as the “misunderstood” MG, overshadowed by both the lighter MGB and the more overtly performance-oriented Triumph TR6. This reputation, however, has gradually softened.
Modern classic car owners often praise the MGC for its smooth six-cylinder torque, refined cruising ability, and mechanical robustness. Its rarity has added to its appeal, and the bonnet bulge—once criticized—has become a defining visual feature. Unlike many sports cars of the era, the MGC did not become a film or media icon, but its growing presence at classic rallies and touring events has reshaped its image from flawed experiment to capable long-distance roadster.
Display and preservation:
The vehicle was exhibited at the Auto Zürich Classic Car Show in 2021. As part of the broader Auto Zürich Car Show, the Classic section has grown into a key attraction for lovers of historic vehicles in Switzerland. In 2021, the event took place at Messe Zürich and featured a dedicated hall showcasing a curated selection of vintage automobiles, spanning from pre-war icons to youngtimers. The atmosphere combined elegance with accessibility, allowing visitors to admire rare collector cars alongside enthusiast vehicles. Special displays highlighted Swiss automotive heritage and featured club presentations and dealer exhibits.
Conclusion:
The 1969 MGC Cabriolet represents an alternative path MG briefly explored. With its six-cylinder engine, revised suspension, and touring-oriented character, it diverged from the lightweight sports car formula that defined earlier MG roadsters. While contemporary criticism limited its commercial success, time has revealed a more balanced picture. Today, the MG C is appreciated for what it is rather than what it was expected to be: a distinctive, powerful MG that broadened the brand’s technical and conceptual boundaries during a period of transition.
