Lot Ended
Description
Desirable Downton Roadster with triple carbs; originally supplied to
Univeral Motors, London; engine and gearbox rebuilt in 2015, driven 10,000 miles
since; overdrive fitted
Downton Engineering may not
have been the first company to make a living out of ‘hotting up’ production
cars, but they were certainly one of the best known and one of the most
successful.
In the 1960s they had a hand in the
evolution of the giant-killing Mini Cooper, four successive Monte Carlo Rally
winners and the production of thousands of BMC-engined competition cars. Daniel
Richmond, BMC's Technical Consultant appointed by Alec Issigonis was responsible
for all modified BMC engines, so Downton’s upgrades were approved and their
warranties remained valid.
While the success of
the A-series engine cars and the Mini in particular is well-known, Downton’s
involvement with the six-cylinder BMC engine – the C-series – is often
overlooked. Downton offered a range of improvements for the big six including
improved inlet and exhaust manifolds, three carburettors, gas-flowed cylinder
head, and improved exhaust system. In Stage III or ‘Type 45’ form, the MGC was
good for 174bhp (up from 145bhp), 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds (10 secs standard form)
with a top speed of ‘over 130mph’ - up from 118mph in factory
tune.
It is not known how many cars went through
the full Type 45 conversion (there were cheaper options) but the cost may have
put many people off. The full Monty (so to speak) cost £228.11/- (£228.55) at a
time when the new car cost £1,412.2/4d (£1,412.12). The average weekly wage back
then was about £30 and a Mini still cost under £600 new.
This 1968 MGC
was originally supplied by University Motors Ltd, London and recorded as being
exported in the same year, we understand for someone who was in the British
Forces working overseas.
Owned by our vendor
since 2012, there have only been three other owners known since coming back to
the UK, the last having it for almost thirty years after purchasing it in
1983.
As you can see in the photographs, the rare
triple carb 45 treatment appears under the bonnet making this car potentially a
lot of fun. In fact, our vendor has driven it at least 10,000 miles since 2015,
including trips to France. Fitted with overdrive too, it should have no problem
keeping up with modern traffic.
Pre-2015, he had
the engine and gearbox rebuilt (still correctly stamped on the head), fitted new
wire wheels and tyres along with a new hood cover and tonneau. Prior tot that,
there is evidence of new wings, door skins, renewed interior trim and
paintwork.
This look an excellent opportunity to
acquire one of the most popular and rare MG variants and driven to the auction
by our vendor, he reckons it should prove no immediate problem being driven away
from the auction.
Contact - toby.service@brightwells.com