Had enough of 75’s as daily’s .. this wasn’t meant to happen

[sjc]

After 11 years and nigh on 190’000 comfortable miles in 2 V6 75’s, not only did I find myself needing and Estate, but also felt it time to try a different brand.
After months of searching for a auto/with a few toys/decent history cheap estate, and having looked at shed loads of ( most apt term ever) battered 5 series touring /V70’s/ the odd Accord etc, I did indeed change brand... er sort of !
To this...(advert pic)
Demo plus one owner, MG Sports 180+, 90k miles,full history with only two garages, belts done twice..... for the grand sum of £1175, having been up for sale at £1595 ( it needed tyres and pads ).
It’s home, and the fettling has already begun,the same with my previous two, they’re meant to be leave anywhere/work sheds but they grow on you and you then want them as nice as poss for the money!
It was a typical old boys car, a few scuffs, nothing a buff wouldn’t sort out, alcantara worn where he would have dragged himself across the seat, as as he wasn’t a club member the car has none of the little tricks done or upgrade parts that serve so well as preventative maintenance.
So already in ten days it’s had,
New tyres all round.
May as well have the wheels refurbed in silver sparkle then eh?
Body buffed.
Plenum drains checked ( upgrade covers on order)
Throttle cable tightened ( common prob being loose)
Bonnet cable mod.
One key repaired.
Load cover handle repaired.
A few interior trim clips replaced.
A bloody good clean inside with black restorer etc.
A few bits in order are an upgraded Shannon tube,Mk1 Tourer mudflaps( hens teeth) a pair of front spring protectors,and plenum guards.

If this thing gives me anywhere near such faithful low cost service as the other two, I’ll be very very happy .

[Bright Halo]

You really have taken a leap into the unknown there then

Looks really nice and great value for money. Nice one.

[Darkslider]

Looks like a cracking motor! I've always had an unexplainable soft spot for the latter MG products, a ZR 160 is still on my to try list if I'm honest! Must admit I'd want a ZT with the V8 if possible though.

[sjc]

The seats were a bit worn (alcantara in the middle) and as a daily I didn’t really want sport seats) so with a bit of looking on the 75andztforum I found a set of double piped electric and heated leather seats, proper thick leather from a very early 75.
The chap selling was an incredibly enthusiastic lad only 30 miles from me, so while he was taking out the old, I was autoglymming the new (but old) before they went back in.
The smell of proper leather on the way home was fantastic, and it’s transformed the interior,for 160 quid fitted. I look forward to open the drivers door !




Already the car is nearly how I want it, not bad for just over a week.Probably now just a decent ICE and it’ll be good to go as my daily.

[Milkbuttons]

I have always liked these, great colour as well, enjoy it.

[Jimmy Recard]

Always loved them, always wanted one, never had one. I really should have one at some point.

I agree with you - 75 leather seats were lovely

[TheOctaneAddict]

Guilty pleasure for me this. I bloody love them, i reckon they will become ironic cool in the future. The whole MG line up for the early to mid 00s just had something of the era about them.

[iacabu]

A few years ago, as a young 20-something, I smoked about in my dads 75 diesel for a while and it is hands down the most comfortable car I've had the pleasure of driving.

Always liked the ZT and going off yours, I still do

[Rob-c33sg]

Had a 75 for 18 months to try and keep miles down on my S2000 at the time. Did about 19000 in the car and they were the most comfortable miles ever! Nice car and those seats look excellent.

[SteveS Cup]

There used to be a house on my paper round some 15+ years ago that had one on these with those wheels and I loved it! Still do! Good luck with it!

[S100HP]

Bit of a jump there chap

[sjc]

Ta for the contributions people.
One downside so far, I cleaned the leather so well that my clothes smell of it every time I get out !!

[sjc]

In usual 75Zt fashion the first speed on the three speed fan I think is kaput, as I’ve got the whoopy noise, so a new two speed fan with the updated resistor from the 75 guru that is Jules is on its way to me, along with an engine mount which was an advisory on the last service.
Green touch up paint has been gotten as in true SJC style when I buy a car someone has already marked it down the side.
Really enjoying the turn in, the noise, having a sunroof again and very pleased I changed the seats. Think the car will be a nice combo for a daily work hack once a decent sat nav is in.

[Mercury00]

How does it compare comfort-wise to a 75? Do the wheels and suspension make a big difference?

[Spinakerr]

Looking good, seems to be a small cadre of green 75/ZTT tourer owners here on PH!

Really like the hairpin alloys on this one, I have tuning fork 16s on mine at present to give the best balance of vague style (in a Rover 75, sure) and pothole-absorption.

Looks like you're well acquainted with the usual list of ailments that need immediate rectification - good luck!

[anonymous-user]

I have a soft spot for these, I think the KV6 is the best small V6 of the time, and that is a great seat upgrade, the leather rover used on the late 800s and early 75s was fantastic stuff and worlds apart from the thin nasty plasticy stuff that's standard these days.

How is the autobox doing? That JATCO 5 speeder rather let the car down IMHO.

[Eyersey1234]

Lovely looking car OP.

[sjc]

Thanks for the contributions.
To answer a question posed:
Comfort wise the whole car is obviously tauter all round, but the damping is pretty good for a sports estate, and far superior to a modern S-line/M-badged car.Baring in mind it’s 18 years old,and likely on the originals suspension it’s even more impressive. The seats that’s I’ve fitted from an early 75 have helped with the general comfort and ambience.
MPG is averaging circa 28.The Auto box, is rather sluggish deposit the throttle cable being adjusted, so it’ll time to check the Vis motors and get the box oil changed. However, I found similar in my first 75 so it may be as good as it gets.
Maybe it’s due to cars every where being a sea of grey, but the colour has compelled a surprisingly regular amount of people to comment.

Edited by sjc on Thursday 4th June 00:05

Edited by sjc on Thursday 4th June 00:08

[sjc]

So the ZT-T now has two new engine mounts,a massive difference as both were absolutely shot when taken off.The Shannon tube was replaced as they are always shot( it was!) and the fan replaced as although it was probably only the resistor (very common) I’d already bought the complete assembly with the uprated gold resistor.
The handling on this thing is terrific, great turn in and steering feel,and it’s giving me the added bonus of a bit of fun, which couldn’t be said of the 75’s... horses for courses of course !
As previously mentioned, the amount of interest it has received ( mainly gents of a certain age !) is rediculous for a £1175 car, I’m sure the colour is helping amongst a sea of grey nowadays.Quite possibly though,these are thought more highly of now, than they ever were in their time.
Social distance parking observed, then someone spoilt it !

[d_a_n1979]

Lovely car; it'll be a good project

I've had x3 MG ZTs (x2 190s and x1 160 (well; 177 after the mods) and x2 ZTTs, both 190s

Never went for an auto in these; felt they suited a manual better, as opposed to my 530i E39s and current E39 touring which for me, suit an auto better

The ZTs were great though; like you I replaced the engine mounts and polyfilled the main one; did the moto-build lowering springs mod on them and replaced other bits here n there

The V6 sounds superb too with an aftermarket back box or exhaust and the K&N cold air filter kit on top

Good luck with the car; it's a lovely colour