Registration No: UYD 96G
Chassis No: GCD14584G
MOT: Expired
The MGC GTS Sebring is arguably one of the best looking and most iconic creations to come out of the BMC Competitions Department from the 1960s. MG felt that success in International competition would help their brand image in general and the forthcoming launch of the MGC in particular. Work on designing a lightweight 'C' began in 1966 to compete in the World Sportscar Championship (Group 6 Sports Prototypes) and six bodyshells were built with the centre structure built from steel similar to the production cars, whilst the exterior panels, such as the roof, doors, and the instantly recognisable bubble-arched wings, were formed in aluminium. Ultimately, only two lightweight versions of the MGC GT were assembled by BMC at Abingdon. These 'Works' cars, RMO 699F and MBL 546E, (affectionately known as 'Romeo and Mable') ran in the 1967 Targa Florio and in 1968, the MGC GTS, as it was now known, raced at Sebring and the 84hr-long Marathon de la Route at the Nürburgring. Their final Works-supported outings were at Sebring in 1969, when the MGC competition project was cancelled.
Manufactured in 1969, chassis number ‘GCD14584G’ remained in standard road form until 1982, when it was converted into a ‘Sebring’ evocation. Raced by several owners continuously from ’86 to 2002, the MGC was thought to then have been used sparingly on the road and for track days until it was purchased by the current owner in 2008. Comprehensively restored across three years, the fibreglass 'Sebring' bodywork was finished in its original shade of Grampian Grey. The engine was overhauled, utilising triple Webers carburettors, a big valve head, steel crank, a bespoke alloy sump and JE forged pistons, being set up on a rolling road. The suspension has been rose jointed and incorporates an adjustable front while the original rear suspension has been replaced with a Frontline five-link set up incorporating coil-over units that are adjustable for both ride height and damping. The wiring was replaced with a bespoke loom which also moved all the fuses and relays onto a readily accessible panel in the car. A Quaife LSD unit was incorporated in the rear axle and an uprated four-speed gearbox is fitted with a straight-cut gear set. Riding on replica 'Minilite' wheels (a pair of spare wheels accompany), the foam-filled alloy fuel tank is accessed via a panel in the boot area and holds sufficient fuel for around an hour’s running at race pace. A brand new Ridgard seat with a race harness provides seating for the driver. Offered in ‘fast-road’ configuration, it features a steel tailgate and winds up glass windows although the lightweight tailgate and polycarbonate windows accompany the MG. Not raced since its restoration, ‘UYD 96G’ is said by the vendor to be 'box fresh' and is eligible for several race series such as the CSCC Swinging Sixties and MGCC BCV8 series, or alternatively for fast road and track day use.
For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452
Auction: Imperial War Museum, Duxford, 16th Mar, 2022
AUCTION VENUE
Imperial War Museum
Duxford
Cambridgeshire
CB22 4QR
AUCTION VIEWING
Tuesday 15th March 2022 from 12pm to 6pm
Wednesday 16th March 2022 from 9am
BUYERS PREMIUM
12.5% (plus VAT @ 20%)
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
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