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

At The Forge, we are proud to present this very special and unique 1969 MGC GT. Over the course of a dedicated 17-year programme of refinement, this car benefitted from numerous enhancements, most notably a desirable triple SU HS6 Downton conversion. It also became the MG Enthusiast Magazine feature car in the January 2020 edition.

Originally manufactured between 10–13 June 1968 and supplied to leading UK MG dealer University Motors Limited, London, on 28 June 1968, this genuine UK-market RHD car left the factory finished in Tartan Red with a Black interior piped in Red. Factory options included 72-spoke competition wire wheels, overdrive (3rd & 4th gears), heater, and SP radial tyres. First registered in North West London on 19th September 1969 as CHV 242H, the car still proudly wears its original registration today. At some point early in its history, a full-length Webasto sunroof was also fitted.

During the mid-1980s, the car underwent restorative work by The Engine Tuner of Basildon, Essex, at which time the engine was converted to triple carburettors. In 2002, it was acquired by Keith Preston, who went on to refine and update the car extensively over his 17 years of dedicated ownership. His improvements were carefully selected to enhance both performance and drivability, and included a Downton-style competition six-branch exhaust manifold with twin pipes, triple SU HS6 carburettors with K&N air filters, and an upgraded ignition system with high-performance coil, distributor and HT leads. Handling was sharpened with the fitment of Superflex polyurethane bushes, Spax adjustable front dampers, an ARM adjustable front anti-roll bar, and a quicker steering rack. The engine benefitted from a refurbished cylinder head with new valves and machining, together with a lightened flywheel, while the interior was renewed with refurbished floor pans and new underlay.

Most recently, the car has arrived with us from a Shropshire-based classic car enthusiast in superb condition. Its specification today remains largely in line with the upgrades already detailed. The Tartan Red paintwork presents beautifully, the bodywork is in very good order, and the black Webasto sunroof remains a notable period feature. It now sits on freshly chrome powder-coated 16" competition wire wheels (£675.00) with new chrome spinners, shod with a brand-new set of Pirelli Cinturato 165 HR 15 tyres (£1,453.80). The brightwork is straight and carries a light but attractive patina.

Inside, the car has been treated to a number of updates, including brand-new MGOC black leather reclining seats piped in red with seat belt retainers (£2,004.90). Other additions include MG-branded chrome side sill protectors, new carpets with matching overmats, a 15" Moto-Lita wood and chrome steering wheel (£408.66), a new Pioneer Bluetooth CD radio. The black dashboard, door cards, rear seats, cream headlining with matching sun visors, and a pop-up wind deflector remain original. The boot area is neatly carpeted and houses a refurbished spare wheel with new tyre, together with jack and accessories.

Mechanically, the car has recently been freshly serviced, MOT’d, and tuned by specialists Aidon Automotive.

Out on the road, this is a very special MGC GT. It delivers strong performance with excellent oil pressure, instant overdrive engagement, and precise gear changes. The ride feels firm and stable, responsive and spirited when required, yet never intrusive – exactly as a well-prepared grand tourer should be.

MOT History :
2025 : 58,094 Miles (10.03.2026)
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, 33 MOT Certificates, Some Old Photographs, 23 Old Tax Discs

Invoices On File : Totaling £29,319.87
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

Included with Every Purchase:

Every classic car purchased from The Forge during this period comes with a comprehensive package designed to deliver value and complete peace of mind:

- Free UK Delivery – within 150 miles
- 3-Month Mechanical Warranty – extendable to: 6 months for £245, 12 months for £345
- Independent Specialist Inspection
- DVLA MOT Certificate
- Oil & Filter Service
- Professional Valet & Detailing
- History File – including all accompanying documentation

Optional Extras:
Classic Car Starter Kit – £300
Includes a custom-fit super soft stretch indoor car cover featuring your car’s logo, a NOCO smart charger wired to your battery, and a Draper drip tray for use while your vehicle is in storage.

Classic Car Starter Kit Plus – £500
Includes a custom-fit super soft stretch indoor car cover featuring your car’s logo, a custom-fit waterproof outdoor cover in discreet grey — perfect for all-weather protection — a NOCO smart charger wired to your battery, and a Draper drip tray for use while your vehicle is in storage.

Viewings & Inspections:
All viewings are strictly by appointment only.
We warmly welcome test drives and inspections, and are pleased to offer use of our in-house vehicle lift, allowing you to thoroughly inspect the car both above and below.

Important Information:
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of all vehicle descriptions and details. However, we cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions.
We strongly recommend that all prospective buyers personally inspect and verify the vehicle’s details prior to purchase.