• Low mileage of just 64,847
• Timing belt recently changed
• 12 months MOT

The Rover 75 was the traditional 'pipe and slippers' model, laden with leather, wood and a stereo stuck on Classic FM. On that basis alone, the MG ZT - which was in essence a sporty 75 - shouldn't have worked. How could it? It was still a Rover 75, right? Well no, not really. MG Rover's engineers were told to have fun with the project, and have fun they did.

They built a car more exciting, more visceral and more bold than anyone dared ever imagine. And they did it with the 45/ZS and even the 25/ZR. These cars were the exciting, fun, youthful shot in the arm that MG Rover needed. They shot out of dealerships and have been loved by owners ever since. Now, cars like the ZT are classed as bona fide modern classics. And rightly so.

The one we have here is arguably the best spec. Bright red, and with a low mileage KV6, 24 valve quad cam V6 engine putting down 160bhp through a manual gearbox. The ZT got stiffer suspension, too. Better brakes, bucket seats, more aggressive body styling and big alloys wheels. It still looks good today, and this one is no exception.   

This fetching MG ZT has been with the current owner for four years. A serial owner of these models, he's been keen to look after the car mechanically as the paperwork serves to confirm.

He had the personal plate of MGZ5047 fitted in 2021. The original registration of the vehicle was BU03AFK.

There is a V5 present, as well as a current MOT certificate that is valid until the 21st of January 2023. There were some advisories though, which are all detailed in the images in the gallery below.

Further paperwork includes invoices for a replacement timing belt and water pump (a £480 job), two new rear coil springs, a new window regulator assembly and new airbag resistor. It had a new pads in 2021 and new front discs along with a new rear hub assembly and brake shoes (for the handbrake).

There is an invoice for a new rear exhaust section and heat shield as well as further invoices for service, repair and MOT works such as track rod ends, brake pipe repairs and so on.

A comfortable, spacious space, the cabin of this ZT is a lovely place to be. The dials are bright and clear, and everything seems to be original even down to the often changed stereo head unit which still has the CD multi-changer in glove compartment. Everything seems to function as it should, the controls and buttons aren't worn or faded and all in all, it's pleasant.

The interior in this car is in red and green checker fabric with black leatherette. While everything is functional it would benefit from a keen enthusiast to bring some life back to it. The headlining is sagging on the front right side and the driver’s bolsters are in need of repair. A replacement bolster foam is included in the sale for this repair, so that's half the battle. Fix these bits mentioned, and give this car a thorough detail and you will be left with a very inviting space.

The boot is clean, dry and the spare wheel well is in good order. All the rubber seals are in good condition, and there is no sign of any damp getting into the car. These cars always felt solid and well built, and this one is no exception.
 

The exterior of the car is in a striking gloss red with refurbished wheels and new chrome door handles. The large wire mesh grills and sporty MG body kit really complete the look of this vehicle. It also sits on the desirable 18-inch 'Hairpin' alloy wheels. There is a spoiler at the rear, the windows have been tinted from the B-pillars back and on the whole, the car presents well, generally speaking. The panel gaps are all straight and true, there is no obvious damage and there is no serious corrosion to be aware of.

Of course, being an older car, there are some areas that would benefit from some attention in order to make this car perfect. The bonnet paint is extremely flat and will more than likely require new paint. There is also some paint flaking on the driver’s side sills. However, this seems to be where someone has painted over the chrome. We'd just remove the paint and let the chrome shine! The rest of the paint is in good order, though would benefit from a good polish. And there are occasional marks, but nothing untoward for a car of this age.

Mechanically very sound, the car starts and drives very well and runs smoothly. Various receipts for mechanical work are present and it has been kept in good running condition. The 160bhp sounds strong, with no untoward rattles or noises. All the fluids looks healthy, too. This engine has the benefit of a recent cam belt and water pump, which can be a big job on the KV6. No worries for the lucky winning bidder here.

We observed no leaks, the car maintained its temperature, the fans cut in as they should and all in all, it struck us as being in solid mechanical health. For the enthusiasts, the vehicles has been running exclusively on high octane fuels, since the phasing out of the standard E5 fuel.

The front brakes have been replaced recently, along with the pads. So stopping is no issue. The suspension, while firm, is free from any knocks and clunks and gives confidence when driving. The steering is tight and direct, and the gear change is slick. The underside of the car looks to be solid and in good order, with no serious corrosion nor any damage. At its core, this is a very good car indeed.

We like the MG ZT. We like its angry face, we like the sporty feel and we like just how different it feels to the Rover 75 on which it is based. This is a proper, focused sports saloon, and one that is well worth your attention. With this car, there is some home tinkering to do in order to make it perfect, if indeed you want perfection. You might just want this car to scratch the ZT itch, to answer the 'I wonder what they're like?' question. Whatever your motivations, do chuck a bid in on this superb saloon. It's got the right engine, the expensive cam belt has been changed, it has twelve months MOT and it's ready to go. Go on, treat yourself, we promise you'll be smiling on the drive home, as you listen to that V6 sing.

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