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]
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Auction Details
Year2003
MakeMG
ModelZR
ColourGrey
Mileage39,400 Miles
Engine size1796
Seller TypePrivate
Town
Chaterris
CountyCambridgeshire
CountryUnited Kingdom
Auction ends
Bidding history
29
bids
Ka••••£2,90001/07/24
lo••••£2,80001/07/24
Ka••••£2,70001/07/24
lo••••£2,60001/07/24
Ka••••£2,50001/07/24
lo••••£2,40001/07/24
lo••••£2,30001/07/24
Ka••••£2,20001/07/24
lo••••£2,10028/06/24
rp••••£2,00027/06/24
lo••••£1,90027/06/24
rp••••£1,80027/06/24
lo••••£1,70027/06/24
lo••••£1,60027/06/24
rp••••£1,50026/06/24
da••••£1,40026/06/24
rp••••£1,30026/06/24
Te••••£1,20026/06/24
ga••••£1,10026/06/24
Gi••••£1,00026/06/24
Gi••••£90026/06/24
Po••••£80026/06/24
Gi••••£70026/06/24
Po••••£60026/06/24
Po••••£50026/06/24
Gi••••£40026/06/24
Po••••£30026/06/24
Gi••••£20026/06/24
Po••••£10026/06/24
The Gallery
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2003 MG ZR 120
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