Lot 199 - 1970 MG C GT University Motors MG Special
| Lot Number | 199 |
| Registration | FMV 279J |
| Chassis Number | GCD17329G |
| Odometer reading | 3,268 miles |
| Result | Sold - £19,244 |
- One of 176 University Motors purchased cars
- One of 21 Downton modified examples
- Believed to be the University Motors Trial car
A two year production span was all the MGC enjoyed before being withdrawn in September 1969 with a total of 8,999 cars being built; 4,542 were roadsters and 4,457 were in GT form. Following cessation of MGC production in 1969, London's largest MG agent University Motors Ltd purchased 176 unsold cars and began marketing some of them as ‘University Motors MG Specials’. Various modifications were offered and no two ‘Specials’ were the same. 21 of the 176 were fitted with Downton engine modifications, conversions which gave improved power, torque and fuel economy. They sold steadily during 1969 and 1970 and are now much sought after, this car is one of the very few of those 21 to remain in existence.
FMV 279J left the factory in 1969 but was not registered until January 1971 when it was delivered to its first owner by the Brick Street, Park Lane branch of University Motors, London. We are informed that this rare and very desirable MG boasts uprated suspension, triple Webers, a specialist exhaust system and tuned Downton engineering engine coupled to a manual gearbox with overdrive. Adding to the rarity and provenance, our knowledgeable vendor tells us that this was originally the University Motors trial car and, indeed, it comes with a stamped commission number 003562. The car is presented in Mineral Blue with contrasting, smart black trim sitting on Minilite style centre lock alloys and full-length sunroof and has been garaged since 2011 until recently when our vendor decided to recommission it and fit a new half shaft, we are informed however some further recommissioning and works to the brakes will be required. The history file includes old MoT test certificates, a Heritage Certificate and V5C registration document. With the odometer reading only 3,268 miles, the car has been regularly run but now with new fluids this is a genuine piece of MG history and a real head turning car that looks and sounds superb.
Guide Price £19,000 - £26,000
Interested parties should note that this example requires recommissioning and attention to the brakes and tuning of the carbs.
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Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.