Description
2003 MG ZT 190 Plus with optional traction control and cruise control.
Originally registered at SMC Uxbridge on 14th March 2003 to its first owner. (The car still retaining its original dealer plates and tax disc holder - not replicas).
The first owner used the vehicle until around 2010, when a running issue (at 21, 000 miles) caused him to take the car off the road and leave it in a private, heated underground storage in London.
The car was then sold on in 2018 to it’s second owner who had the task of getting it running again. It turned out to be a faulty fuel pump and a blockage in the fuel tank. Once replaced, the car started and ran without fault. It was then sold to a friend of mine who recommissioned it in late 2023 with the car passing it’s first MOT since 2010 (still at 21, 000 miles). I purchased the car not long after that after seeing how in good condition it was.
As mentioned, the ZT has had a full recommissioning in late 2023/ early 2024 with as follows,
- Oil and filter change. (Twice in my ownership).
- Brake fluid change.
- Gearbox oil change.
- Brakes stripped, cleaned and lubricated. - Handbrake cleaned and adjusted.
- Cam belts and water pump (December 2023).
- Air and pollen filters.
- Thermostat housing and pipes.
- Six new old stock injectors.
- Genuine MGR crank sensor.
- Four new tyres.
- Alloy wheels refurbished.
- NOS rear exhaust box.
- NOS slam panel fitted with all new genuine MGR engine bay bolts and warning stickers.
I’ve also completed a full detail of the original XPower grey paintwork (confirmed with paint depth gauge), with a full machine polish and then finished with ceramic coating. All the wheels have been removed to clean inside the wheel arches and suspension, returning it to the ‘as new’ look. The sills have been waxed inside (with Dynax UC - the clear stuff) to avoid the common rear sill rust issues that all ZT’s suffer from if this simple maintenance isn’t carried out.
The sills and inner sills on this car are as new, with the inner sills retaining the factory finish with no rust showing. Very rare to see on a 75/ ZT at this age as even low milage examples suffer from this without the proper prevention.
The interior has had a full detail, with all carpets, seats and trim cleaned, complimented with new set of genuine MGR cloth floor mats. All the leather inserts have had Gliptone leather treatment and the interior still smells like a new car. There is some natural wear to the drivers seat with some small natural creasing in the leather, but no rips or tears.
Upon its recommissioning, I’ve used the ZT primarily for MGR shows and events. It’s also been used for a few road trips to determine its reliability, one over to the Nurburgring (not tracked, just used for the trip) and the other around the NC500 in Scotland. It’s currently on just over 26, 000 miles, being completely reliable over these and a joy to use. The low mileage KV6 is lovely and smooth (VIS motors work and inlet manifold rattle free) as you’d expect with the mileage and there’s no knocks, creaks or bangs from the suspension. (All original suspension, including rear arms that are all in as new condition).
I’ve kept the ZT off the road over the winter months and it’s been kept inside a clean, dry garage. Upon sale, I will include 12 months MOT. It’s currently out of MOT due to the amount of salt down on the road when it was due back in February.
This is a really lovely, original example of a MK1 ZT 190 with none of the usual corrosion issues seen on so many ZT’s now. It’s had an extensive recommissioning which has proven to be reliable with use. The timing belts have been replaced at the end of 2023, which is a big bonus on these engines. This is the perfect car to be used for shows and to be cherished by a collector or MGR enthusiast.
