The interior evolved significantly across the production run, and knowing the model year is essential when ordering, as many components are specific to a particular production period. The first trim scheme featured contrast colour piping on leather seats and trim panels, with an original choice of black, red, and blue. The MGC interior is largely shared with the contemporary MGB Mark II, and the MGB GT V8 interior is largely shared with the contemporary four-cylinder MGB GT, each with a small number of model-specific details noted below.
Key Interior Changes
Leather seat facings were standard to 1968, with fixed non-reclining seats. Reclining seats arrived in 1969 alongside a change from leather to Ambla vinyl trim, which means the majority of MGC production used non-reclining seats, with only the final months receiving the reclining type. Static seatbelts became standard in 1971. The 1972 model year brought a new dashboard with glovebox, face-level fresh air vents, and a centre console with armrest.
From 1977, the dashboard was revised again, inertia reel seatbelts became standard, and nylon seat trim was introduced.
Seats, Covers & Fixings
Seat cover specification changed at several points, and the correct kit depends on both year and body style. The Roadster ran half-perforated basketweave vinyl from 1970 to 1973, full-perforated basketweave from 1973 to 1976, and brushed nylon from 1976 onwards. Seat base foam profiles changed in 1973 and must be paired with the correct cover. Headrests changed from the D-shaped eared design to a pear or barrel shape from September 1976.
Sports recliner seats in leather are available as complete replacements, and refurbished original-specification seats are available on exchange. V8 seats use brushed nylon centre panels with vinyl side bolsters, the nylon centres providing a comfortable seating surface while the vinyl bolsters give durability at the high-wear edges.
Carpets & Floor Mats
Carpet sets are split between 3-synchro cars to 1967 and 4-synchro cars from 1968 onwards, in premium and standard formats, with V8 carpet specified as loop-pile in early cars changing to cut-pile during production. Boot carpet sets, footwell mats in carpet or rubber, and soundproofing underlays are all available, and soundproofing before carpet installation is recommended for best results.
Dashboards & Instruments
Five distinct dashboard specifications cover the production run, with reconditioned dashboards available on exchange for each period. Veneer panels in burr walnut, burr elm, black burr walnut, and carbon fibre fit over the existing panel without modification. The MGC has its own instrument calibration, a speedometer reading to 140 mph against the MGB's 120 mph, and a tachometer calibrated for the C-series engine, while the MGC steering wheel has a sewn-on black leather rim cover. The V8 uses a model-specific fascia panel carrying an 80mm-gauge instrument binnacle, with an oil pressure gauge added from November 1973, the same fascia later being used on the early rubber bumper four-cylinder MGB from 1975 to 1976 as a production rationalisation.
Consoles, Door Panels & Cappings
The centre console with armrest was introduced for the 1972 model year, with radio and tunnel consoles, leather consoles, extension panels, and armrest replacements all available. Trim panel sets cover nine distinct production specifications, and door cappings are available in vinyl, leather, burr walnut, burr elm, and carbon fibre. Waterproof door curtains are recommended alongside new door cards to protect against water damage. V8 door trim panels carry colour-matched fixed door pulls in place of a separate armrest.
Seatbelts, Trim & Upgrades
Inertia reel belts homologated for MG installations are available with fitting kits, alongside static and competition harnesses in three-point and four-point configurations. Cockpit rail covering kits, rear cockpit panel liners, sun visor kits, and door seals in a range of profiles are available for all variants. The interior upgrades range covers sports recliner seats, veneer and carbon fibre dashboards and door cappings, leather consoles, aftermarket steering wheels, electric window conversions, courtesy lamp kits, upgraded instruments, and soundproofing. All trim is UK-manufactured using UK-sourced materials, with colour swatches available on request.