1969 MGC GT – Tartan Red, Downton Upgrades, Featured in MG Enthusiast

The Forge is pleased to present this distinctive 1969 MGC GT, a well-known and thoughtfully developed example that was featured in MG Enthusiast magazine in January 2020. Over a 17-year period of ownership, the car benefited from a carefully considered programme of upgrades, most notably the desirable triple SU HS6 Downton-style conversion.

Built between 10–13 June 1968, this genuine UK-market, right-hand-drive MGC GT was supplied new to University Motors Ltd. of London on 28 June 1968. Finished in Tartan Red with a black interior piped in red, factory specification included 72-spoke competition wire wheels, overdrive on 3rd and 4th gears, heater, and SP radial tyres. First registered in North West London on 19 September 1969 as CHV 242H, the car retains its original registration today. Early in its life, a full-length Webasto sunroof was fitted, a period feature that remains in place.

During the mid-1980s, restorative work was carried out by The Engine Tuner of Basildon, Essex, at which point the engine was converted to triple carburettors. In 2002, the car was acquired by Keith Preston, who continued to refine and develop it over the following 17 years. The upgrades were aimed at improving performance and usability while remaining sympathetic to the character of the MGC.

Mechanical improvements included a Downton-style six-branch exhaust manifold with twin pipes, triple SU HS6 carburettors with K&N filters, and an upgraded ignition system comprising a high-performance coil, distributor and HT leads. The cylinder head was refurbished with new valves and machining, while a lightened flywheel was also fitted. Chassis upgrades included Superflex polyurethane bushes, Spax adjustable front dampers, an ARM adjustable anti-roll bar, and a quicker steering rack. Refurbished floor pans and new underlay were also installed.

Today, the car remains largely as developed during this period. The Tartan Red paintwork presents well for an older restoration with a few age related marks, the bodywork is in good order, and the Webasto sunroof remains an attractive period detail. It now sits on a fresh set of MWS 16-inch competition wire wheels with new chrome spinners and new Uniroyal tyres. The brightwork is straight and displays an honest, light patina to the rear.

The interior has also received a number of recent improvements, including new MGOC black leather reclining seats with red piping and seat belt retainers (£2,004.90). Additional upgrades include MG-branded chrome sill protectors, new carpets with matching overmats, a 15-inch Moto-Lita wood and chrome steering wheel (£408.66), and a Pioneer Bluetooth CD radio. The black dashboard, door cards, rear seats, cream headlining with matching sun visors, and pop-up wind deflector are believed to be original. The carpeted boot houses a refurbished spare wheel with new tyre, together with the jack and associated tools.

Mechanically, the car has recently been serviced, MOT tested, and tuned by Aidon Automotive.

On the road, this MGC GT feels well sorted and confidence-inspiring. The engine pulls strongly with excellent oil pressure, overdrive engages promptly, and the gearbox operates cleanly. The chassis feels composed and responsive, making for an engaging yet comfortable grand touring experience.

MOT History :
2026 : 58,703 Miles (17.05.2027)
2026 : 58,564 Miles
2025 : 58,094 Miles
2024 : 57,711 Miles
2023 : 56,671 Miles
2020 : 54,935 Miles
2019 : 53,362 Miles
2018 : 51,828 Miles
2017 : 50,797 Miles
2016 : 49,836 Miles
2015 : 48,625 Miles
2014 : 47,210 Miles
2013 : 46,093 Miles
2012 : 45,368 Miles
2011 : 42,981 Miles
2010 : 41,019 Miles
2009 : 39,368 Miles
2008 : 37,871 Miles
2007 : 36,634 Miles
2006 : 34,940 Miles
2005 : 32,437 Miles
2004 : 29,970 Miles
2003 : 27,610 Miles
2002 : 24,323 Miles
2001 : 24,000 Miles
2000 : 23,602 Miles
1998 : 22,528 Miles
1997 : 21,910 Miles
1996 : 20,907 Miles
1995 : 20,196 Miles
1994 : 19,334 Miles
1993 : 18,716 Miles
1992 : 17,867 Miles
1991 : 16,522 Miles
1989 : 13,719 Miles

Documents :
V5C, British Motor Industry Heritage Certificate, MGC Workshop Manual, MGC Owners Manual, 2 x Copies Of The January 2020 MG Enthusiast Magazine Where This Car Was The Main Feature & Front Cover Editorial, Extensive File Of Invoices As Detailed Below, 34 MOT Certificates, Some Old Photographs, 23 Old Tax Discs

Invoices On File :
28.07.2025 : £385.00 - The Forge Prees Limited
23.06.2025 : £300.00 - The Forge Prees Limited
11.06.2025 : £675.00 - MLM Automotive (Bodywork and Polish)
09.07.2025: £500.00 - Rosehill Innovations Limited
07.07.2025 : £250.00 - The Forge Prees Ltd
20.05.2025 : £2,004.90 - MGOC Spares (New leather seats with headrests)
19.05.2025 : £396.01 - Aidon Automotive (Engine Tune)
08.05.2025 : £87.25 - MGOC Spares (Switch Indicator Arm)
16.04.2025 : £408.66 - MGC Spares (Mota Lita 15" Dish Wooden Steering Wheel)
09.04.2025 : £180.00 - TNT Tyres (Installation Of 5 Tyres)
02.04.2025 : £1,273.80 - Longstone Tyres (5 x 165HR15 Pirelli Cinturato CA67 Tyres)
23.10.2024 : £514.96 - Beech Hill Garage (Service)
14.08.2024 : £323.00 - Berrydown Garage Ltd (New Front Discs & Pads)
09.08.2024 : £123.81 - MGOC Spares (Brake Discs)
29.05.2024 : £202.70 - MGOC Spares (New Batteries)
18.08.2023 : £1,597.13 - Bill Rawles Classic Cars (Major Service & Tune)
26.05.2023 : £45.00 - Berrydown Garage
08.06.2022 : £116.75 - MGOC Spares
16.03.2021 : £94.54 - Moss Europe
13.07.2020 : £53.50 - Mile Rolls Services For MG's
10.07.2020 : £3,324.62 - Mile Rolls Services For MG's
09.05.2019 : £404.40 - Manor Garage
15.04.2019 : £34.95 - Active8
22.06.2017 : £69.27 - MGOC Spares
30.03.2017 : £201.33 - Beech Hill Garage
09.12.2016 : £46.20 - Berrydown Garage Ltd
30.11.2016 : £67.80 - Beech Hill Garage
29.11.2016 : £40.00 - Phil Silk
16.11.2016 : £120.00 - Phil Silk
15.11.2016 : £362.12 - PJM Motors
08.11.2016 : £62.52 - MGOC Spares
01.11.2016 : £28.32 - MGOC Spares
21.10.2016 : £143.33 - PJM Motors
10.07.2015 : £0.00 - Beech Hill Garage
20.05.2015 : £216.76 - Moss Europe
25.04.2015 : £1,265.88 - Beech Hill Garage
10.04.2015 : £313.00 - Moss Europe
23.10.2014 : £9.48 - Headley Tyres
03.10.2014 : £45.20 - MG Motorsport
24.07.2014 : £44.19 - Beech Hill Garage
08.05.2014 : £46.00 - St Mary Bourne Garage Ltd
03.05.2013 : £181.30 - St Mary Bourne Garage Ltd
12.07.2012 : £184.80 - St Mary Bourne Garage Ltd
02.05.2012 : £559.95 - MG Motorsport
02.05.2012 : £1,673.02 - MG Motorsport
03.05.2011 : £283.70 - St Mary Bourne Garage Ltd
04.03.2011 : £19.90 - MG Motorsport
02.03.2011 : £122.52 - Beech Hill Garage
15.12.2009 : £231.44 - St Mary Bourne Garage Ltd
08.12.2009 : £54.78 - MG Motorsport
06.05.2009 : £45.00 - St Mary Bourne Garage Ltd
12.07.2008 : £1,828.32 - Beech Hill Garage
23.05.2008 : £46.42 - BGMA Limited
17.05.2008 : £11.20 - Beech Hill Garage
09.05.2008 : £43.00 - St Mary Bourne Garage Ltd
30.08.2007 : £7.08 - Beech Hill Garage
04.05.2007 : £43.00 - St Mary Bourne Garage Ltd
03.05.2007 : £521.28 - Micheldever Tyre & Auto Services
27.04.2007 : £41.71 - Beech Hill Garage
12.02.2007 : £93.91 - Beech Hill Garage
22.09.2006 : £809.83 - Beech Hill Garage
04.05.2006 : £80.25 - St Mary Bourne Garage Ltd
16.09.2005 : £582.97 - Beech Hill Garage
06.05.2005 : £58.89 - St Mary Bourne Garage Ltd
11.03.2005 : £1,219.29 - Beech Hill Garage
05.11.2004 : £13.33 - Burlen Fuel Systems
17.04.2004 : £57.30 - St Mary Bourne Garage Ltd
05.01.2004 : £75.00 - Midland Sports & Classics Ltd
18.12.2003 : £369.06 - Midland Sports & Classics Ltd
22.09.2003 : £17.82 - Micheldever Tyre & Auto Services
10.09.2003 : £33.45 - Activ8
17.06.2003 : £706.47 - The Barn, Abingdon Sports Car Ltd
10.04.2003 : £139.06 - The Barn, Abingdon Sports Car Ltd
09.09.2002 : £19.49 - Polar Automotive
17.08.2002 : £10.00 - Peter Harvey
14.08.2002 : £921.50 - MG Motorsport
14.08.2002 : £55.21 - MG Motorsport
06.08.2002 : £258.50 - LV Engineering
14.04.1997 : £53.40 - MGOC Spares
13.09.1996 : £773.65 - The Engine Tuner
19.09.1995 : £78.88 - The Engine Tuner
31.07.1995 : £84.13 - The Engine Tuner
22.04.1995 : £42.09 - Romney Shields MG Spares
26.09.1994 : £5.00 - Nevendon Service Station
22.09.1994 : £128.57 - The Engine Tuner
15.09.1993 : £47.50 - The Engine Tuner
16.09.1992 : £269.07 - The Engine Tuner
09.10.1991 : £18.95 - MG Owners Club
09.10.1991 : £21.50 - Metex (Darwen) Ltd

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