Description
The Bolesworth Castle March 2025 Classic & Performance Car Auction
Sunday, 09th March 2025.
2003 MG ZT 260
Registration – GL53 ZNT
Chassis No. – SARRXGLGB4D000091
M. O. T. – November 2025
Odometer – TBC
Wearing its performance credentials proudly, this example of MG’s ZT 260 is presented in Starlight Silver with MG decals, announcing its sporting roots to one and all. Under the bonnet, the promise is backed up by real pace, thanks to the 4. 6-litre Ford Mustang-sourced V8 found under the bonnet of ‘GHL53 ZNT’. To create this flagship model from the more humble Rover 75 on which it was based, MG not only upgraded the V8 by two cylinders, it also widened the track, and altered the drivetrain from front- to rear-wheel drive, here putting the power out back through a five-speed manual transmission. To complement the MG livery, ‘GL53 ZNT’ also sports five-spoke alloys, a boot-lid spoiler, quad exhaust system, and wire grille. The interior is trimmed in black with silver highlights, with the sports seats upholstered in leather. A multi-function steering wheel, central information screen, parking sensors, electrically adjustable front seats, sunroof, and electric windows round out the comprehensive equipment levels.
Offered for sale with MOT through to November 2025, ‘GL53 ZNT’ has been in the care of the vendor for the past nine years - the seventh registered keeper in the vehicle’s 22 year history.
· Flagship MG featuring Ford Mustang engine
· Excellent levels of equipment fitted for its time
· High performance, rear-wheel drive sports saloon
The MG ZT 260 is one of those models that shouldn’t really have happened, yet the world is a better place that it did. With Rover’s long-running financial struggles, it decided that, to make use of its historic MG marque, it would develop a series of performance models based on Rover models. The Rover 75 was well regarded as a semi-premium saloon, reflecting on past Rover strengths of comfort and equipment, but few would ever describe it as sporty. Even with a V6 fitted, the front-wheel drive saloon (or estate) was not a performance model. So MG significantly altered the 75, modifying the platform from front- to rear-wheel drive and widening the track, rather than simply put stiffer springs in each corner. By doing this, it also freed up space - just - for Ford’s 4. 6-litre V8, which was used in the Mustang of the time, creating a model that would keep up with serious German rivals. Offered as either saloon or estate, the ZT 260 was built between 2001 and 2005.
This Car has been entered into Hampson Auctions, The Bolesworth classic and performance car and motorcycle auction, which will be held at Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall, Chester, CH3 9JJ on Sunday 09th March 2025.
Viewing sessions will take place at Bolesworth castle from 9am - 7pm on Saturday 08th March and from 9am - 12:00 on Sunday 09th March, with the auction itself commencing at 12pm on Sunday 09th March, and you are very welcome to join us there.
Prospective buyers can bid in the room, online, over the telephone or via commission – please contact Hampson Auctions directly if you would like to arrange one of the latter two options, or if you would like to request a condition report.
The auction catalogue so far is available to view via our website.
Auction entries are currently still being accepted, if you have a vehicle which you would like to consign, please contact us.
£6000 - £8000
Buyer's Premium 12. 5%
