MGC GTS Sebring (1969)

Launched in 1962 and built until 1980, the MGB replaced the ageing MGA with a modern, lightweight design, using a unitary structure instead of the traditional body-on-frame construction. An overwhelming success, the MGB was an instant hit. Development of a lightweight, competition specification ‘C’ began four years after the B’s launch, with the intention of demonstrating its ability in the Prototype Sportscar class.

The MGC was introduced in 1967 as the British Motor Corporation’s (BMC) replacement for the Austin Healey 3000 – a car that had in fact, been built in the same Abingdon factory. The MGC would introduce a new engine, moving from the 1.8 litre 4-cyl to a larger, 3.0 litre 6-cyl.

Using the MGC as the basis, but replacing much of the bodywork with aluminium, the Competitions Department shaved close to 200kg from the car, with the resulting effort tipping the scales at a scant 900 kg. The MGC GTS raced in the 1967&68 Targa Florio as well at Sebring and the Marathon de la Route, Nurburgring 84-hours. Just two would leave the factory in period, with Sebring in 1969 the final race before the project was canned.

Please note, this vehicle is no longer for sale.

Completed by marque expert Doug Smith of MG Motorsports in Hertfordshire, this homage to the Sebring racers was carried out with no expense spared. Utilising an original 6-cyl MGC GT as a base, MG Motorsports stripped it back to its bare shell before building the car up.

Time was taken to locate an excellent example in good condition, in order to minimise works needed during restoration. The ideal candidate was located in Jersey and brought to the UK ahead of the restoration. Triple Weber 45DCOE carbs feed the 2.9-litre straight-six powerplant, affording this Sebring almost 200 bhp; an increase of over 50 bhp compared to stock.

Resplendent in Aston Martin Heritage Q Racing Green and completed at a cost of £90,000 excluding the donor vehicle, this example was completed in October 2023 and has been used sparingly since.

• Engine - Gas flowed, lead free Peter Burgess cylinder head, block re-bored with new pistons and valve cut-outs in top of block. Cam re-profiled to high-lift long duration, with Vernier cam gear. Crankshaft re-ground and balanced with front damper, lightened flywheel and high performance clutch cover. New triple 45DCOE Weber carburettors, Downton style exhaust manifold and twin pipe exhaust system.
• Suspension - SuperPro polyurethane bushes all round, negative camber, Spax adjustable dampers and uprated torsion bars at the front with anti-roll bar. High ratio steering rack & pinion. Gaz telescopic dampers at the rear.
• Bodywork - Wings as Sebring Works MGC in fibreglass, with hand rolled aluminium front valance, and flush rear valance. Sebring headlamp cowls covering 100/80w H4 bulbs. Monza 3½” fuel filler on rear quarter. New laminated windscreen with new safety glass in other windows and a heated rear window.
• Electrics - New wiring harness, later multi use indicator stalk/headlamp dip/horn.
• Interior - Fully carpeted, trim panels, rear seating removed, and complete tufted carpeting with moulded tunnel and arches. Re-crackled dashboard, with re-calibrated speedo and tacho. Special Moto-Lita 15” steering wheel.

Converted at a cost of over £90,000 excluding the donor vehicle, a build to a similar specification would take considerable time and effort. Built by experts MG Motorsport, who regularly service the original racers, this GTS Sebring is available to view at our showrooms outside London immediately.