Following the Next Chapter: Our 1968 MGC GT in Ireland

At The Forge Prees, we consider ourselves short-term custodians of the classic cars that pass through our care. While our role may be temporary, the connection we form with each car is anything but. Every vehicle we sell receives a remarkable amount of time, attention and affection, and it’s impossible not to become attached along the way.

Our journey with each car usually begins by spending time with its current owner, learning as much as we can about its past. From there we research and compile the history file, carry out thorough inspections, often undertake sympathetic modifications and improvements, service and MOT the car, and then meticulously detail and polish it. Add to that the marketing process, managing enquiries and test drives, completing the sale and finally delivering the car to its new owner — and it’s not unusual for us to have invested many hundreds of hours with a single car. With that level of care and commitment, it’s no surprise that we grow fond of every one.

That’s why it’s such a pleasure when we’re able to maintain a close relationship with a car’s new custodian and follow the next chapter of its story.

This week, we were absolutely delighted to receive a comprehensive email from Kevin Speer in Ireland, who acquired our beautifully restored 1968 MGC GT last summer — a car expertly built by Holmes Racing. Kevin reports that he has enjoyed an incredible six months of ownership.

“The car has been absolutely fantastic,” Kevin told us. “I try to take it out most weeks, weather permitting. It’s running perfectly and seems to get better and better every time I use it. Just a small bit of maintenance every now and again, which is to be expected as a classic car owner.”

Kevin kindly shared a wonderful selection of photographs showing the MGC GT being enjoyed exactly as intended. Highlights include drives around Bullock Harbour near his home, Sunday morning runs through the Dublin Mountains, attendance at the MG Enthusiast Club’s New Year’s Run in January — a 70km route from Stepaside, County Dublin to Newcastle, County Wicklow with lunch at The Castle Inn — and this month’s MGEC Noggin and Natter at Stepaside Golf Centre.

It’s immensely satisfying to see the car being used regularly, in all weathers, and covering meaningful mileage on longer tours — precisely what these cars were designed for. Equally reassuring is seeing how carefully Kevin is maintaining the car as its new custodian.

Thank you, Kevin, for sharing these fantastic updates. We wish you many happy miles and memorable journeys in your MGC GT this season and beyond.