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An MG ZT 260 and a Rover SD1 3500SE. More than 20 years separate these two models. |
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Preface: This article was originally written in March, prior to the demise of MG-Rover, and has been amended in places. Originally scheduled to appear in Issue 82 of the Rover SD1 Club magazine to compliment the piece written by Dave Puzey in Issue 81, perhaps this is now the epitaph to the short-lived MG-Rover 75 V8 models
Just over twenty three years ago, Austin-Rover grabbed an SD1 body shell off the production line, threw in a fuel injected V8 and mated the engine to a five speed manual gearbox. It was rear wheel drive, they lowered the suspension a bit and then they played around with the front styling. The result of all their toil was an instant classic that we all know and love – the Rover SD1 Vitesse. Until the catastrophic events of recent weeks, MG-Rover had been doing exactly the same thing to the Rover 75 body shell and created another instant classic. I give you the MG ZT 260.
As I see it, the MG ZT 260 is a direct descendent of the Rover SD1 Vitesse. Granted, the engine block is pure Ford Mustang but MG-Rover had tweaked the inlet and exhaust side of things creating a V8 more aligned to European tastes and emissions legislation. The twin exhausts, each with two tailpipes, provide a V8 burble that merely hints at the power on tap. On paper, the MG is a superior car to the Vitesse but they share many of the same attributes that constitute a seriously fun performance family car.
I was lucky enough to drive an MG for an afternoon and I soon discovered what a phenomenal car it is. Parked up, the car oozes power and has massive presence especially when up alongside my 3500SE. Behind the wheel of the ZT, sat on full leather (electrically adjustable) seats looking down that long bonnet, you felt like you were in a proper big car. And yet, conversely, on the move the car instantly felt agile and nimble. At idle, you can’t help but blip the throttle - causing the exhaust to crackle and pop back at you. However, the first job is to switch off the radio. This car makes its own soundtrack and with over 250 BHP and 300lb/ft torque, you’re going to want to listen.
Out of town, I found myself on an open bit of road and buried the throttle pedal into the bulkhead to see what it could do. With a loud roar, the car just launched itself down the highway. Third gear alone will, if you so desire (and I did), rocket you from 30 mph to “modern motorway speeds” and beyond.
However, because of the torque, it’ll do the same task in top gear too. It’s not often that a car really pushes you back into the seat, but this one will, and in any gear. Like a Vitesse, the power is delivered in traditional American V8 style. That is to say in a single relentless wave of seemingly endless power and torque. You often find yourself approaching illegal speeds so much sooner than you’d anticipated. Overtaking in the big MG is simplicity itself. Simply choose the car that you want to overtake and push your right foot down a bit. The V8 engine does the rest for you.
The braking and handling characteristics of the MG were quite a revelation. With my car nearing its mid-twenties, I’m used to planning ahead and being gentle on the brakes. The immense braking power of this car was demonstrated to me later on in the day because, with modern ABS and huge discs all round, it can scrub off speed in an impossibly short space of road indeed.
Like the Vitesse, the suspension on the MG is stiffer than standard and the car hugs the road. The traction control is permanently engaged so corners are dispensed with both safely and effortlessly without ever needing to brake or lift-off. Unfortunately, however, this means that power slides and wheel spins are not on the menu. Thanks to the taut shell and firm suspension, there is no body roll and the steering is very positive. You’d have to be a very bad driver indeed to unsettle this MG.
The Rover SD1 Vitesse was designed as a performance motor and continues to appeal to those of us who enjoy driving for pleasure. Both cars deliver a spirited driving experience on the open road or effortless wafting about town in equal measure and either car gives you an excuse to go out for a drive. The MG comes loaded with all the modern gadgets and safety equipment but it’s no less a drivers car and it’s a true instant classic. An even more powerful version was in development prior to the demise of MG-Rover, perhaps this model should have become the modern equivalent of the eagerly sought Vitesse Twin Plenum.
Of course, every great car has an Achilles Heal. With the SD1, it was build quality. Given time, you might have thought that for the MG it was the near £30,000 price tag and a frightening thirst for fuel - although events thousands of miles from Longbridge were to ultimately seal the fate of the car. But perhaps you don’t want a “new” Vitesse? See if you can’t bag yourself a Rover 75 V8 with the softer suspension and an auto box... It’s the “new” Vanden Plas EFi.
MG ZT 260: Facts and Figures (taken from www.mg-rover.co.uk)
Price from £28,495 OTR Engine 4.6 litre V8 producing 260PS at 5000rpm and 4100Nm at 4000rpm Top Speed 155mph (limited) and 0-60 in 6.2 seconds MPG Combined 21.5; Urban 15.8; Extra Urban 27.2.
With special thanks to Lee Wooldridge of Faraday Newbury for the loan of their MG for the afternoon.
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The ZT 260 has a real street presence about it. The SD1 is the prettier car but in Vitesse guise, it’s just as mean looking. |
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There may be no hatch on the 75, but you could order an estate version of the V8 model. The prototype SD1 estate never made it into production. |
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Six thousand miles is all you’ll get from the tyres on an ZT 260 |
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Two V8 noses. One hides over 250 BHP, the other a more modest 155 BHP. Supercharged versions of the Mustang 4.6 in an MG-Rover will develop in excess of 400 BHP. Some ex-Rover dealers will fit this kit for you. |
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The MG ZT 260. It drives like THUNDER…! |