ZT260 itch

[Highspeed125]

Got a nasty bug at the moment, started looking a litte too deep into ZT260s. I have always had a thing for Rover V8's and I have the experience of owning 7 SD1s over the last 25 years (though not owned one for 10 now!)
My erstwhile BGT V8 conversion pipe dream has subsided heavily since I spent more time underneath the car, so a 4cyl restoration it will be, haven't got safe space to leave a V8 out f the car while I weld it all up!
My bloke Maths (to convince me as much as SWMBO) say that the difference in price between my 33k 2006 Saab Hirsch convertible and a decent ZT260 is considerably less than the cost of even a parts only V8 conversion, also the Saab is on the slide whereas ZTs have hit their sump in the market and are floating nicely...
But the saab has the same figures as a Vitesse SD1: 195bhp 230 lb/ft and up to 42mpg petrol! Pity it sounds like a Datsun sunny though..

[DaveZT260]

Do it......

You know you want to.....

[Highspeed125]

Well, there was the nice green 55 plate which looked a steal at £6500, locally there is an 04 ZTT but £7995 and it doesnt say how many owners, presume its more than two then! Back on eBay there is the red cat D which is well documented but sadly 5 owners is a deal breaker. At the other end of the scale the grey mk1 is up for a healthy £6000 and if it's a one owner and 27k then would be good, but it's not an SE and there are some, er, how do I put this, interesting clips of it on YouTube...
This may well be quite a journey... Perversely I must have one with a standard exhaust as I live in a small cul de sac and I leave for work at 2am every day. Plus I am getting older now and don't like go faster bits any more.
Pass the Werthers!

[cirks]

Highspeed125 said:

I have always had a thing for Rover V8's

Something you still won't get with the 260

However, I went from a Saab 95 Aero to the 260. Both great cars but very different. The MG really is a super car despite eating tyres even more than the Aero and not being as comfortable over long distances etc. However, handles very well, is quick enough, spacious and with Zero exhausts on, it makes the right sounds too. Had the Saab 7 years and have had the MG 5 and no plans to sell. So, that says something after going through a lot of cars in my time.
Don't know what part of the world you're in but if in Herts sort of area, feel free to contact me if you want a closer look and/or chat.

[Highspeed125]

My 9-3 was lethargic till I did the hirsch which improved drive ability, economy and performance in one go. It does 34 daily and over 40 on a run, even makes dump valve noises when you play with it! But it's a 2 door obviously which is a pain in itself in car parks. I read road tests of it and it wasn't acknowledged as a driver's car by anyone. It's a lovely car to own, run, look at and great with the top down, but just doesn't make me want to drive it, in fact sometimes it's positively uncomfortable.
I haven't read a single negative about the ZT from a drivers point of view, we have another sensible diesel mpv, my initials are MG, the family has owned MGs non stop since the sixties, am I convinced yet.... Definitely!

[DaveZT260]

Thinking of selling mine due to some unforeseen circumstances.

Mk 1, 24000 miles 2003 SE full
Leather etc, full service history and immaculate in silver. Known in owners club and is the saloon.

Pictures can be found on page 7 of this thread although the wheels have been refurbed to a very high standard in satin black.,..

http://mobile.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=...

Can pass you details if you like via an email address.....

Edited by DaveZT260 on Thursday 5th July 12:39