MG ZT-T V8 260: Spotted
It's one very rare Brit muscle car, and a piece of PH history too!
Therefore, some kind of classifieds-based feature had to follow. But where to start? The Mini Clubman is a guilty pleasure so it was considered, as well as this interesting Octavia vRS, one of just two petrol models for sale. And the Legacy Spec B proffered a leftfield hot Subaru alternative also.
Plenty of choices then, but we've settled on a car familiar to PH: an MG ZT-T V8, the exact car that featured in Estates of Play in 2011. The Mustang-engined estate was always in contention, but to have such a unique car available meant we had to run with it.
Chris's (aka Kermit Power's) ZT-T V8 is reputedly the only car made in Biomorphic Green too, so it really is one of a kind. Furthermore, having been built for MG Rover Product Director Rob Oldacre, BX03TYY comes with nearly every option including xenon headlights, a stereo upgrade and heated leather/Alcantara seats.
However, of far more interest are the aftermarket tweaks added by Chris to further enhance the ZT-T's appeal (i.e. by enhancing that V8). A pair of stainless steel backboxes 'really make the car sound like it should', plus a K&N air filter should benefit those inside the car too. Moreover, some of the niggles (or charm as some may see it) associated with this wildest of MG Z-cars have been resolved. There's now a full-size spare wheel, the coolant hose has been replaced and fuel pump clip is new as well.
The entire advert, all 1,512 (!) words of it, could easily make a feature by itself, detailing the ups and downs of seven years' ownership with this enigmatic car. This ZT-T has been enjoyed but cherished, with high-quality parts used throughout Chris's ownership.
It's easy to forget that, given the constraints facing MG a decade ago, the ZT-T V8 was actually a remarkably decent car. Sure, that ol' lump of iron out front was lazy and it was never going to be an advanced driving experience, but it could tackle corner with a fair degree of composure whilst sounding ace. Indeed, our old friend Riggers described it as 'a brilliant car' that 'even handles moderately adroitly' when he drove this very one in 2011.
The mandatory stuff like the MOT (June 2014) and tax (October) are in place for the next owner, and it's nearly half the price of this low-mileage ZT-T. Finally, after struggling to justify an eccentric V8 yesterday, there's now a reason to own and enjoy a V8; the Lib Dems want combustion engines banned. So go wild, supercharge the thing, and enjoy a fantastic V8 estate whilst it's still possible.
MG ZT-T V8 260
Engine: 4,601cc V8
Transmission: Five-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 260@5,000rpm
Torque (lb ft):3034,000rpm
MPG: 21
CO2: 314g/km
First registered: 2003
Recorded mileage: 81,000
Price new: £28,995
Yours for: £6,995
See the original advert here
Do we think this is a future classic, one to keep in excellent nick for a few years before prices bottom out and start to rise again? I suppose the question that begs also is if they will reduce much further..?
Lovely cars these, I drove an early purple pre facelift saloon one when they first came out. Superb handling for something so heavy, it really did feel like a dirty great go-kart.
Not as speedy as you'd hope though, sadly the 2v SOHC 4.6 is not Fords finest moment. Wheezy, doesn't rev, not very tunable, physically huge (almost as big as a 60's big block!) and a massively heavy.
Sounded nice though!
In the corners, that sounds more like it was driver than car. They handle, or should handle very well.
They are not the fastest thing but they are an event to drive, never will see another one on the same road day-to-day just because of the rarity and they are slowly being noticed as a collectable and are going up in value. Slowly.
Here is mine, I love it
Lovely cars these, I drove an early purple pre facelift saloon one when they first came out. Superb handling for something so heavy, it really did feel like a dirty great go-kart.
Not as speedy as you'd hope though, sadly the 2v SOHC 4.6 is not Fords finest moment. Wheezy, doesn't rev, not very tunable, physically huge (almost as big as a 60's big block!) and a massively heavy.
OVER 100BHP JUST FROM CHANGING THE HEADS :P
edit: sorry for caps, am at work, and there was more than heads but the idea is there
Also used to go through a set of rears in about 6000 miles on normal commuting, plus 5000(I think?) mile service intervals meant it wasn't a cheap car to run!
Fantastic car though, I was talking about these just last night about how it was in my top three favourite cars I've ever had... I had mine for about 2 years and it was awesome. I misguidedly replaced it with a VW EOS Diesel, which conversely is in the bottom one of all my cars ever!
I don't get this car. To me it's a 10 year old gas guzzling, nippy (as opposed to fast) estate that looks like a rover 75 with a bad body kit.
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