All exterior and interior lighting on the MGC is shared with the contemporary MGB Mark II (1967 to 1969 specification), using the same lamp units, lenses, bezels, gaskets, bulb holders, and bulbs throughout. This means MGC owners have access to the full range of lighting components, both original specification and modern upgrades, without needing to source model-specific items. The MGC was produced during the negative earth era of MGB production, so all lighting components are negative earth specification.
Front Lighting
The headlamps are Lucas F700 Mark X 7-inch units, with regional variations to meet local lighting regulations, UK cars used asymmetric dip beams, while North American cars used sealed-beam units. Sidelamps are integrated into the headlamp bowls. Front indicators are mounted in the front wing below the headlamps, with amber lenses for all markets. The 7-inch headlamp format accepts the full range of halogen and LED conversion upgrades for dramatically improved night visibility while retaining the original external appearance, a worthwhile upgrade for any MGC that is driven after dark.
Rear Lighting
Combined rear lamp assemblies incorporate stop and tail lamps with flashing indicators and reflectors in a single unit on each side. Reversing lamps are mounted on the lower rear panel. Rear fog lights were not standard fitment during the MGC's production but can be added for improved visibility in poor weather, see the Upgrades section.
When replacing rear lamp lenses, new gaskets should always be fitted to maintain the water seal, failed gaskets allow moisture into the lamp assembly, causing bulb holder corrosion and intermittent electrical contact that is the most common cause of flickering or non-functioning rear lights.
Interior and Instrument Lighting
Interior courtesy lights illuminate the cabin when the doors are opened on the GT, with a simpler manual arrangement on the Roadster. Dashboard instrument illumination uses small bulbs behind each gauge, all of which should be working for correct night-time visibility of speed, temperature, fuel level, and oil pressure. A full range of replacement bulbs is available for every lighting application on the car.