2001 Trophy Yellow MG ZS180, low mileage For Sale

I bought BW51 in August 2015 as a low mileage runner that had been stored for 5 years and deserved to be saved. I've spent the last 3 years and nearly £8000 restoring it to a beautiful example of a wonderful and now rare sports saloon.

First I undertook a mechanical refurbishment of suspension and brakes etc (I've an itemised list if you're interested). I also made minor modifications where recommended to improve reliability and importantly fun; these are limited to uprated rollbar and engine bushes, braided brake hoses, the ‘Sheddist’ improved clutch hydraulics and an ITG induction kit. I consider the standard engine and suspension to be great for road use. More recently belts and clutch were replaced.

Midland Classic Restorations performed the majority of the mechanical work because of their reputation and experience with classic road and race MG’s.

Unfortunately there was lacquer damage to several panels which I felt let the rest of the car down once it was driving well. Laurence Brindley undertook the respray which is stunning. They also advised that the car was free from rust or other damage. As far as I’m aware the panels are all original.

BW51 is the most enjoyable fwd car I have owned. The power delivery and noise of the lightweight, quad cam, 2. 5, 175bhp V6 helps, but for me the standout is the steering feel, and the overall composure of the car on an A or B roads (okay and that ridiculous wing in the rear-view mirror!).

When launched back in 2001 the ZS got a lot of praise by the motoring press that in my opinion was well deserved. These are some of the comments:

"Drive a ZS180 back to back with a Golf V5, probably the sportiest of the line, and the Rover (based car) stomps all over the Volkswagen, its steering, chassis and engine beating the German into submission over the sort of lumpen road surfaces that make up the British B road" (RAC)

"When young lads start lusting after what's basically a re-bodied and re-engineered Rover 45, it's obviously something special. It is no exaggeration to claim that the MG ZS 180 was the biggest surprise of the lot when the new range was launched in summer 2001." (Car Enthusiast)

"At first glance it might appear to be a simple case of badge engineering, but the transformation from ageing Rover 45 to exciting MG ZS is a lot more than simply swapping metal monikers. Beneath the wire-meshed MG nose and bespoilered tail lies a lot of skilful engineering by Longbridge’s finest." (The AA)

And I think that’s why I like it most – it’s a triumph of ability over image!

According to howmanyleft there were only 114 ZS180’s licenced or on Sorn as of the end of 2017. Yes you can still buy one for under £1000 (though not as many as 3 years ago), but you get what you pay for.

My price of £4250 is little more than half what I have spent in the last 33 months and a lot less than it would cost you to achieve the same result unless you are lucky enough to have the time and talent to do the work yourself. This car is also becoming increasingly rare and will look after your investment if cared for.

More importantly it now drives at as well it did when new, is reliable and should require no significant spend to keep it that way for the foreseeable future. Added to this the beautiful new paint means it should be easy to keep it looking great for years to come.

Please call for any information I haven’t covered here, and you are welcome to view the car in Worcestershire.

This advert has now been removed through sale or otherwise.
Please see the list below for similar live adverts.

Similar Adverts

A genuine 1953 TD, with the original registration, correct engine and chassis numbers - including the number stamped into the chassis. [It's vital to check for this on any T series car.] The car benefits from all of these features: * a 5 speed gearbox conversion by Hi Gear Engineering of Derby * Higher ratio rear ...

25,000
5 Mar 2024
Sussex
Private

A charming and very rare MGF Abingdon, finished in Brooklands Green Coachwork, Tan Mohair Roof, Tan Leather with Green Piping and Burr Walnut Effect Fascias. Tan Half Tonneau Cover and Colour Coded Hardtop supplied with the vehicle. Following an extensive refinishing and structural preservation from our bodyshop, this ...

89,000
26 Feb 2024
Norfolk
Private

Introducing this 1953 MG TD featured with matching numbers and finished in red complemented with a black interior. What sets this particular example apart is its remarkable history of long-term ownership, having been cherished by the same owner since 1966 in sunny California. The presence of its original black plate California ...

28 Mar 2024
United States

This MGB GT is a factory-original right-hand-drive (RHD) model intended for the domestic market, manufactured during the 1st to 7th August 1972. It was subsequently dispatched to the MG dealership, Stewart & Ardern Limited, Barnes on the 1st September 1972. The car was finished in Black exterior paint, complemented ...

62,959
28 Mar 2024
Shropshire
Verified Dealer (see stock)

Rare and desirable early ‘pull handle’ Roadster * Boasting an incredible specification with chromed wire wheels, 'Double Duck' hood and a leather interior * Fitted with the highly desirable optional overdrive * Older restoration including engine rebuild less than 20,000 miles ago * Good history file ...

20,000
27 Mar 2024
Sussex
Private
12
Picture of 1968 MG C Roadster - For Sale by Auction

Charterhouse Auctioneers are pleased to offer this item in our upcoming Classic Car auction on Wednesday the 27th of March 2024 Online and at Haynes International Motor Museum Registration number KCK 627F Chassis number GCN1U/3319G Engine number 29GAUH854 British racing green with a black interior Owned since ...

10 Mar 2024
Dorset
Premium Dealer (see stock)

I am selling a very nice original factory V8 Coupe in "Blaze Orange" paintwork. In the last few years I have invested over €10,000, mainly in technology, so the GT is now technically up to date again. The invoices are available. Completely new cooling system (radiator and pipes) New hydraulic tappet New rocker ...

74,000
12 Mar 2024
Germany
Private

A stylish later model B with four new tyres, exhaust, fresh MOT, and new upholstery; features a Webasto roof and overdrive, along with wire wheels; previously a show car, now in excellent condition and ready for driving pleasure. ​This MGB GT is an factory-original right-hand-drive (RHD) model intended for the domestic ...

57,089
28 Mar 2024
Shropshire
Verified Dealer (see stock)

MG TF Roadster RHD 1954 in very original condition. Dutch registration, all complete, driving very well, original leather seats, black canvas softtop and sidescreens, tonneaucover, new carbs, new wiring, perfect chrome work, well maintained MG !!<br><br>

26,684
12 Mar 2024
Netherlands
Private

PLEASE CALL, IT SEEMS THE CONTACT BUTTON ISN'T WORKING Here I have an Original 9565 and verified mileage MGB GT I can go on and on how nice this car is especially as its been undersealed since its early days. No rust al all. Internal trim etc spot on. Gearbox has the Overdrive in 3rd & 4th gears.Just been serviced ...

9,565
23 Feb 2024
Scotland
Private

Total professional body restoration. No rust anywhere incudes seams etc. Underneath is like new. Total brake overhaul to include ventilated discs, drums master cylinder etc. Webasto sunroof, overdrive. Chrome and paint excellent and interior is mint. Car had MOT this month with no advisories, inspector said it was immaculate. ...

29,000
19 Feb 2024
Wales
Private

MGB roadster Limited Edition , bronze colour , one of the last built , in good condition , drives well , stainless steel exhaust , recent maintenance : oil change , oil filter , spark plugs , front brake pads . 2 new tyres at the front , visible in Belgium , price to be discussed in front of the car , no exchange<br><br>...

52,000
20 Mar 2024
Belgium
Private

1973 MGB GT classic sports car, registration number PDH 650M, first registered on the 1st November 1973, Petrol 1798cc, Manual transmission, only 21,544 miles, finished in Flame Red with Black & Blue interior trim. Extensive history file. This is one of the nicest we have seen in recent times; Webasto roof; wires; ...

21,544
28 Mar 2024
Shropshire
Verified Dealer (see stock)

Welcome to my advert for this terrific fully rebuilt and restored MG Midget mark 3 1275 in lovely basilica blue. This car has been quite literally taken to pieces and put back together with much love and attention. We've got all the images of the rebuild and you'll be impressed by the attention to detail especially on ...

122,312
27 Mar 2024
Lancashire