The MGC bonnet is the most visually distinctive body panel on the car, with its pronounced forward-sloping bulge to clear the radiator and six-cylinder engine, and the smaller teardrop raised section at the top left for carburettor clearance. The original bonnet is an aluminium pressing, a different panel from the smooth MGB bonnet and not interchangeable, and a fibreglass alternative is available for competition use or as a lighter-weight replacement. The bonnet cable assembly releases the bonnet from inside the cabin, with a trunnion and screw, two pipe clips, and nuts securing it along its route.
Bonnet Moulding & Trim
The horizontal stainless steel bonnet moulding is unique to the MGC, running across the bonnet bulge. On the MGB, the corresponding area above the MG badge is smooth, and the absence of this moulding is one of the easiest ways to distinguish an MGC bonnet from an MGB's at a glance. The moulding is secured by six stud plates with plain washers, spring washers, and nuts.
Sealing & Soundproofing
A sealing plate with screws, washers, and seals prevents air and water ingress between the bonnet and the radiator mounting area. A rear channel seal and rear lip seal close the gap between the rear edge of the bonnet and the scuttle. A bonnet soundproofing kit reduces engine noise transmission into the cabin, a worthwhile comfort improvement given the six-cylinder engine's proximity to the bulkhead. The bonnet locking platform and its support bracket are MGC-specific, reflecting the different bonnet geometry and release mechanism.