ADO52 — the six-cylinder MGB, unveiled at the 1967 Earls Court Motor Show as the most powerful MG sports car yet built.
ADO52, unveiled at the 1967 Earls Court Motor Show as the most powerful MG sports car yet built and intended as the Austin-Healey 3000's successor: 2,912 cc BMC C-Series seven-main-bearing straight-six, 145 bhp at 5,250 rpm, 170 lb-ft at 3,400 rpm, twin SU HS6 carburettors; four-speed all-synchromesh with optional Laycock overdrive (automatic optional).
Front suspension re-engineered around adjustable torsion bars with telescopic dampers; 15-inch wheels; externally distinguished from the MGB only by the bonnet bulge for the relocated radiator and a teardrop for carburettor clearance; produced to August 1969 with some sales into 1970.
Long undervalued against the MGB, with the best Roadsters now leading the model's market.
| Variant | Years | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGC Roadster | 1967–1969 | 4,542 | 4,542 built per the MG Owners' Club. |
| MGC GT | 1967–1969 | ~4,457 per published references | Production approximately 4,457 per published references, giving a commonly cited total of ~8,999. |
Authenticate stamped chassis and engine numbers against factory or club records. For the MGC specifically, verify the C-Series straight-six identity, torsion-bar front suspension originality and body-panel identity (bonnet bulge and teardrop) against MGOC records.
Confirm body originality, panel identity and restoration standard against a marque specialist.
Confirm continuous service history and any rebuild history for the engine, transmission and driveline against a marque specialist.
Restoration standard, originality of body and driveline, and any documented ownership record are the main value drivers.
Regional ranges authored independently — each reflects its local market, not an FX conversion
Each region quoted in its local currency — independent market readings, not FX conversions
Bands will follow in a later verified insert. No verified market data at any tier at time of publication.
| Date | Auction | Car | Mileage | Result |
|---|
No recent public auction results currently meet our verification standard. We publish sale figures only from verified examples, and will update this guide as qualifying results become available.
Long undervalued against the MGB, with the best Roadsters now leading the model's market.
Our view, not advice. This section is Car Collector International's editorial judgement on where this model sits in the collector market, based on the production, specification and market data set out in this guide. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell and it is not investment advice. Values can fall as well as rise.
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The valuation figures in this guide are for research purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. See our full disclaimer.
