Hand-painted in distinctive Union Jack colour scheme
‘La Cucaracha’ air horns
THE APPEAL
In some respects, the MG ZT is a modern classic in its own right – as one of the last bastions of the British-built MG brand and one of the last cars to be built at Longbridge.
This one, however, won’t be winning any show and shine competitions any time soon. Indeed, while there’s a sound car under there, up close it’s a scruffy but surprisingly solid old thing. It’s also a bit of a hero, as in 2022 the distinctively British ZT has raised well over £1,000 for good causes including a brain injury charity in the Midlands and most recently on the Bangers4BEN charity rally – an event that has already raised over £30,000 for a cause that supports families and individuals at times of extreme hardship.
The vendor is one of Car&Classic’s freelance photographers, who bought the car in May 2022 from a team that had entered the Benidorm or Bust rally to raise money for a brain injury charity in the West Midlands. The current owner donated £500 to buy it, but had to fly to Benidorm and drive it home to the UK. He has since driven the MG to Monaco and back, so has covered over 3,500 miles in the car across four countries. It hasn’t missed a beat.
With the BEN event complete, the final challenge is to sell the car, the entire proceeds of which (including our commission) will be given straight to the charity, www.ben.org.uk
Having bonded with the car over some serious road trip miles, the vendor would love nothing more than for the car to go and raise some more money for charity while it’s still in good working order.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
MOT December 2022
Has raised over £1,000 for charity and still has more to go
Was given oil service by vendor ahead of road trip
Magazine featured in MG Enthusiast and Practical Classics
Extremely solid underneath with very good unwelded sills and rear arms
Original ‘Hairpin’ alloy wheels in reasonable condition
Would benefit from two new tyres before its next adventure
No major dents or damage
Five-tone air horns that play ‘La Cucaracha’
THE MECHANICS
1,991cc chain-driven BMW diesel
Five-speed manual
Runs really well and has completed almost 3,500 miles without fault
Recent oil and filter service
Runs and drives well, with proven reliability having just driven across Europe with no faults
Vendor reports slight play in one track rod end
SUMMARY
There’s a lot of life left in this car and it’s got bags of potential to raise yet more funds for charity or become a promotional vehicle in its own right – it’s an honest and dependable thing that has proven itself twice already this year and is good to go again. It’s certainly way too good to scrap!
More importantly, every penny from the sale price will benefit BEN.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
