Harry's Thoughts
THE ESSENTIALS
This is a rare sight. A rust free California MGC GT with a fully documented history, in the right colors and ready for show or touring. This motorcar performs brilliantly and exudes confidence while driving it.
This fine motorcar has an extensive file of receipts dating back to the late 1960’s documenting its care and ownership. Most of the maintenance was performed by Craig Auto in El Cajon.
History update from Mr. Mike Benbrook: “The car was first purchased by Morgan Silverthorn from the son of the King of Morocco in 1968. The King’s son had purchased the car and didn’t like it. Morgan was stationed in Spain serving in the Navy when he purchased the car. He drove the car in Spain for 2 years. When he returned to the states the MG was shipped to Charleston S.C. He drove the car to San Diego where he was from originally. I found Morgan on the net and he still lives in Jamul. He is a plant seed dealer. Morgan came to British Car Day and we met face to face in 2008. He sold the car in 1976 to a used car dealer who kept the car. I can’t remember his name. He died in 1980 and the sat in storage until I purchased it from his estate in 2008. The paint was in good shape, no rust or damage. I had the car repainted in two stage paint, new interior with seats from a 1969 MG, because my wife didn’t like the low cut short seats. The carburetors were rebuilt and the gas tank was replaced. I put the mini lites and new tires on. Made a big difference on how the car handled. In 2009 the car had a valve job, the engine was strong , so I can’t see anybody rebuilding it, but who knows. I sold the car to Phillip Pacinoe and I think Pedro Meyer was his mechanic in San Diego. Phil had a ton of cars so the MG probably didn’t get driven a lot. A couple of times some of my MG buddies said they saw the car on the road after that ,but it was never seen at any British car events.”
The livery has been refinished in a high quality two stage red with black upholstery. Mechanically it is excellent and ready for fantastic rides through the countryside. The drivetrain and engine were rebuilt as needed in 2009, about 4,000 miles ago.
The electronic overdrive makes highway motoring a breeze and increases fuel economy. This C has all new chrome, stainless and rubber to make this a spectacular looking motorcar as well.
Introduced alongside the roadster variant the MGC GT made its debut in 1967. The MG CGT used a modified MGB bodyshell and featured the same 15″ wheels and raised bonnet as the MGC roadster, both of which gave the MGC GT an aggressive stance. The MG CGT used exactly the same engine as the roadster, this unit being a tuned version of the reworked C-Series engine used in the Austin 3 Litre saloon.
The standard MGC GT production cars produced have a 2.9 liter six cylinder OHV engine producing 145 bhp, performed well and were capable of 120mph. We love the rare correct and original banjo steering wheel. It also has benefited from a modern stereo and CD installed in the dash. The Minilite wheels and new tires are spectacular!
The MGC GT’s are a very rare motorcar. They are not even known by most car enthusiasts. This would be a spectacular addition to a collection or a fabulous weekend motorcar.
It is rare indeed for an MGC GT to be restored to this condition. For more information please call Harry at 602.245.7200 or email us at harry@classicpromenade.com.
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