Car of the Week: MG ZT 190

There are some cars, even European ones you can get Down Under that I really dislike and as a result will never spoil the pages of my blog, the Rover 75 is one of those cars. However this week I'm going home for a visit so in bid to be patriotic and following on from last weeks Jag I thought today's car had to be British, even if it is based on something truly awful. I give you the rather rare MG ZT.

What's to like?

This car is based on something so hopelessly uncool the addition of a mullet and some double denim might actually do it some favours. However wearing an MG badge rather than a Rover one really does lift this cars appeal, honest! Firstly there's the engine, a sweet 2.5 litre V6 developing 140kw could hustle the handsome sedan to 100km/h in under 8 seconds and onto 230km/h top end. A manly 6 speed manual makes sure your in charge of the gear changes too.

The next thing to like, and I can scarcely believe I'm saying this, is the way the car looks. Unlike it's frumpy sensible Rover 75 sibling the MG ZT looks decidedly more bad ass. Thanks to a one piece bumper incorporating the mesh grill, bigger wheels, lower ride height and a small boot spoiler the 75 is transformed. On the inside too the wood trim is gone, replaced by much sleeker looking metal or body coloured inserts, new dial faces and half leather sports seats also offer the occupants a more supportive place to sit.

A rare beast 

What else to like? Well there's the rarity factor, with just over 27,000 produced before MG/Rover went bust in 2005 you can bet not many of those ended up in Oz despite the car being officially marketed here. Naturally this will mean that local parts availability won't be fantastic, although if you pay for postage from Europe you should be able to get your hands on pretty much anything. It certainly wouldn't put me off getting one.

Go get yourself one

And speaking of getting one, the ZT I've chosen this week couldn't get more British, it's British racing Green for goodness sake! Overall the car looks to be in good condition, although the seller does mention an engine rattle, this is most likely the common ZT trait and nothing to be too worried about. It could provide a useful bargaining tool though so don't let on that your not concerned. For $6,500 I think this MG ZT makes a pretty unique and compelling second hand buy.

2002 MG ZT 190, $6500