2003 MG ZR 120
Highlights
- Genuine 39,400 miles from new
- Rare black and red ‘Monaco’ interior trim
- MOT May 2025
- Full service history
The Appeal
The MG Z Cars were a marketing masterstroke, breathing new life into the ageing MG Rover model range as well as making the company’s cars appeal to a much younger demographic. Indeed, the ZR hatchback introduced in 2001 was the company’s best-selling model in 2003, thanks to being such a big hit with younger drivers – in hot hatch terms, the ZR was to the early 2000s what the Citroën Saxo was to the late 1990s.
Today, those Max Power memories belong to 40-somethings, and the ZR is a classic hot hatch that’s rapidly growing in popularity as demand for the good ones outstrips supply among those who wanted one new. Most have been run into the ground, with DVLA data showing that just 1,950 of the 51,113 ZRs sold are still on the road. Among them are 276 1.8-litre ZR ‘120’s, of which this is one – the majority were 1.4-litre ’105’ models or the flagship ‘160’ VVC.
Finished in classic X Power Grey, this 120 was found in a garage by the vendor earlier this year having parked up since the elderly owner gave up driving in 2020. He had owned the car since 2009 and covered just 13,000 miles in 11 years, hence the ZR’s incredible low mileage of just 39,400 miles.
The vendor – a serial MG Z Car enthuisast - acquired the car with 39,002 miles on it in early spring and has spent time recommissioning it, carrying out welded repairs to both inner rear sills and giving it a service, new battery and fresh MOT. He has since covered around 400 miles in the car to ensure it is working properly but now wishes to sell it to focus on restoring his ZS, in the hope this example goes to a collector, where is remarkable condition will be preserved.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in September 2003
- Supplied new by Anthony Betts MG Rover in Watford – still has original dealer keyring
- Nine stamps in the service book to 37,974 miles in 2018
- Independently given an oil service ahead of sale
- Was kept off the road in a garage from March 2020 until February 2024
- Recommissioned by vendor
- UK V5C in the name of the vendor
- MOT valid until May 19, 2025
- Some old MOTs
- Original handbook, service book and folder
- Two keys and fobs
- ULEZ and low emissions zone compliant
The Condition
- Iconic X Power Grey metallic
- Sought-after three-door model
- Retains a very good paint finish throughout
- 100% original bodywork with a handful of minor marks, all detailed in photos
- Very smart condition overall
- Ultra-rare red and black ‘Monaco’ half-leather trim
- Red interior trim highlights on pull handles and heater controls
- Sought-after black and red half-leather steering wheel
- New MG badges
- Air conditioning – freshly regassed
- Electric windows
- Genuine MG dealer floor mats
- Optional alloy gear knob
- 17-inch ‘Straights’ alloy wheels in sound order, but would benefit from a refurb to make perfect
- Electric sunroof
- Pioneer CD-radio
- Full-size alloy spare wheel as well as original space-saver
The Mechanics
- 1.8-litre 4cyl K-Series engine
- 118bhp
- Five-speed manual transmission
- Starts on the button, holds a steady idle and temperature
- New cam belt and water pump less than 1,500 miles ago
- Clear pink coolant with no signs of leaks or head gasket issues
- According to the vendor the car is great to drive with no known problems, brilliant handling and lively performance
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
Auction Details
- Year 2003
- Make MG
- Model ZR
- Colour Grey
- Mileage 39,400 Miles
- Engine size 1796
- Seller Type Private
- Town Chaterris
- County Cambridgeshire
- Country United Kingdom
-
Auction ends
29
bids
- Ka•••• £2,900 01/07/24
- lo•••• £2,800 01/07/24
- Ka•••• £2,700 01/07/24
- lo•••• £2,600 01/07/24
- Ka•••• £2,500 01/07/24
- lo•••• £2,400 01/07/24
- lo•••• £2,300 01/07/24
- Ka•••• £2,200 01/07/24
- lo•••• £2,100 28/06/24
- rp•••• £2,000 27/06/24
The Gallery
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