1968 MG MGC - Dowton Spec & Significant restoration

Rare UK Supplied example

Upgraded with triple Weber carburettors

Freshly painted

We've been fortunate to come into this MGC through a deal with another car. We do like a nice part exchange and when they are as nice as this, it is hard to not try to make it work.

It comes with an exhaustive history file (old MoT certificates, invoices and even the Irish log book).

This car is one of the rare UK supplied cars - originally delivered to University Motors here in London on 17th April 1968

She came with wire wheels, overdrive, heater, packaway hood & a tonneau cover (she was originally Minerva blue with blue trim)

Only 1403 roadsters were UK supplied, making the MG C roadster one of the rarest MG's ever produced for the UK

Over the previous 38 years only 3 owners have used her although she has been previously in 1980's with a chap in Gelnhausen, Germany (Mr MacGowan), who used the well known Healey specialist John Chatham Cars for various servicing items, and also including a full engine rebuild (the Webers were already in place at that time) in 1988

Later on she had come back to the UK in the late 1980's until 1998 when she went to live in North Ireland until 2012

There is evidence that she had fitted the Downton conversion with the Triple Weber Carburettor set up with a high lift camshaft which sits so well with the 4 speed with overdrive gearbox

The heads have been converted for Lead Free petrol too (2000)

It starts easily and idles smoothly, indeed, driving it home last week, reminded me how sweet these six-cylinders are: plenty of torque, yet comfortable cruising at motorway speeds, slow speed, accelerating speed, cornering speeds, just at any point.

The signature “power bulge” in the bonnet (to clear the engine) is a constant reminder this isn't an MGB. The chassis feels tight, and with overdrive on third/ fourth the car glides along. Brakes and steering are solid (definitely stronger than an MGB), making it confidence-inspiring on twisty B-roads.

We're about to have it checked over by our team of mechanics: oil and filters changed, new spark plugs installed, and a fresh MoT (no failures or advisories). It really is ready to go. I can report that it behaves exactly as you'd hope - the steering is direct, the gearbox smooth (with a satisfying clunk into first), and the exhaust note has that classic, friendly MG rumble.

I didn't push it to the redline as there is so much torque, but even gentle cruising up to 70mph showed there's still plenty of power we shall check that our whilst driving down to Goodwood shortly.................

The repainted body in a striking red, is bright with little, if not nearly, no imperfections.

She has a host of new equipment recently purchased - new wire wheels & tyres, new hood, tonneau, and hood bag as well so she looks really sharp whether the hood is up or down

All chrome work including the bumpers are in very good shape.

The interior is black leather with red piping fitted at the Mr MacGowan period (the driver's piping needs a little attention which we shall sort out, although other than that, the interior is superb.

All gauges and lights work ( we had the MoT carried out today which was passed )

In short, no tired panel gaps or hidden rust - just a clean restored classic ready for more miles with:

Triple double choke Weber carburettors

High lift camshaft

Alloy rocker cover

Free flow exhaust manifold

SS exhaust after manifold

Electric fan

Heritage certificate

Overall, this MG C is a fantastic driver-quality classic. It ticks all the boxes for someone who loves a 1960s British roadster: easy to maintain, fun on a sunny drive, and ready to use! If you want to see more details on the history please reach out.