The panels unique to the MGC are concentrated in the front end of the car where the engine bay, crossmember, and front suspension differ fundamentally from the MGB. Inner wing reinforcements, known as 'trumpets' for their distinctive shape, strengthen the inner wing area around the torsion bar suspension mounting points. Rear sections of the front side members differ from the MGB to accommodate the different crossmember geometry. Front floor repair panels are MGC-specific, reflecting the modified floor pan that was necessary to clear the torsion bar front suspension.
These panels are not interchangeable with MGB equivalents and must be ordered as MGC-specific items. The bonnet assembly is also MGC-specific and is covered in its own dedicated section.
Shared Outer Body Panels
The majority of outer body panels, front wings, rear wings, sills, door skins, boot lid (Roadster), tailgate (GT), rear valance, and rear quarter panels, are the same as those fitted to the contemporary MGB (1967 to 1969 chrome bumper specification). This shared panel architecture means that the MGC benefits from the same comprehensive availability of replacement body panels as the far more numerous MGB, making body restoration of the MGC straightforward from a parts supply perspective.
Ordering Guidance
When ordering body panels, specifying that the car is an MGC ensures that any MGC-specific items in the front end are correctly supplied. For the shared outer panels, the chrome bumper 1967 to 1969 MGB specification applies, later rubber bumper MGB panels are not compatible with the MGC. Each panel category, front outer, front internal, rear outer, rear internal, and floor, is covered in its own sub-section within this category.