Last updated on November 26, 2025
Today’s feature car is a 1969 MGC GT Sebring recreation owned by Steve Simmons. I photographed it during The Bacon Run to Trancas Country Market, a Cars & Coffee gathering that finishes at Vintage Grocers in Malibu, California.
When MG introduced the six-cylinder MGC GT in 1967, it was intended as the spiritual successor to the Austin-Healey 3000, a car that combined British grand-touring comfort with MG’s familiar lines. The GT was a fixed-roof “coupé” with a Pininfarina-styled hatchback rear, offering more luggage space, better weather protection, and a sleeker profile than the open-top roadster. Under the hood sat a 2.9-liter inline-six producing around 145 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, good for roughly 120 mph and 0–60 mph in about 10 seconds, making it one of the fastest MGs of its day. To handle the extra weight, MG re-engineered the front suspension with torsion bars, larger wheels, and uprated brakes. While period reviewers complained about heavier steering and more understeer than the lighter MGB, today a well-sorted MGC GT is valued for its relaxed high-speed cruising, strong torque, and comparative rarity. In some circles it has been described as a “baby Aston Martin” for its styling and grand-touring nature.
At the Abingdon factory, only two fully finished works cars were assembled as official “Sebring” MGC GTS models for endurance racing at Sebring and other events. These factory-prepared cars featured tuned 2.9-liter engines with triple Weber carburetors, lightweight alloy panels, roll cages, and distinctive flared arches covering wider wheels. They never became outright winners, but the Sebring MGC GTs showcased the model’s durability and gave it a genuine competition pedigree. Today, these two authentic factory Sebring cars are among the most sought-after MGs in the world, and their legacy has inspired countless enthusiasts to build Sebring-style replicas of their own.
Because the original MG Sebring “works” cars are so rare, only two were produced, and extremely valuable, many owners and shops have built recreation or Sebring-style upgrades. These aren’t factory cars, but they’re designed to look and perform like the originals, or simply to pay tribute.
Steve’s car began life as a right-hand-drive 1969 MGC GT road car and has been transformed into a faithful recreation of the factory Sebring machines. Finished in Tartan Red with a black leather interior, it retains a full interior but adds a roll cage for safety. The purposeful wheel flares closely mirror the body shape of the original racers. Under the hood, the engine has been built .060 over and fitted with triple Weber 45DCOEs, producing roughly 220 horsepower, just like the competition cars. Power is sent through an original four-speed full-synchro gearbox with an LH Laycock overdrive unit upgraded with a high-pressure pump to handle the extra output. Out back, a limited-slip differential with a 3.30:1 ratio puts that power to the ground. For stopping, the car runs Girling discs up front and drums at the rear, better suited to road use. The front suspension has been upgraded with independent A-arms, torsion bars, shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar. The rear uses a live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and tubular shocks. The result is a recreation that captures the look and feel of the rare works Sebring MGCs while being usable on today’s roads.
MG C GT’s were built from 1967 – 1969 with total of 9,002 of all versions of those with 4,457 GTs and only 2 of the MG C GT Sebrings. The MSRP of about $3,715.00.
All together, it’s a Sebring-style MGC GT that not only captures the look and feel of the rare works racers, but also turns heads at shows and delivers real driving thrills every time it’s taken out on the road. It’s the perfect car for British and European car shows, Cars & Coffee gatherings, or simply cruising the Malibu canyons.
Thanks for coming along for the ride.
Frank
