MG ZT 260 4.6 V8

A lot of things could be levelled at the management at MG Rover, but being shy was definitely not one of them. 

The BMW-developed Rover 75 was a very good car indeed and the opportunity came along for the board to sanction a flagship model which would prove their engineering skills as well as bring in a new model on a budget. Launched in 2001, the resultant ZT 260 was effectively a totally re-engineered version of the 75, the front-wheel drive of the regular versions being ditched in favour of a more driver-focused rear-wheel drive layout. This being no easy task, the development work was handed over to the motorsport boffins at Prodrive.

The extra transmission tunnel actually added considerably to the stiffness of the shell, and there was just enough room up front for the 260bhp V8 4.6-litre engine from the Ford Mustang range. What a crazy idea! The result, however, was a cracking car that could sprint to 60mph in just 6.2 seconds with a top speed of 155mph and it is rather sad that just 900 found owners.

Available in both saloon and estate form, the 260 combined good build quality with a well proven and simple mechanical package. The only real external differences to the regular model were some discreet badges and quad exhausts, making the ZT an ideal Q-car.

Dating from March 2004 this particular ZT 260 has had just one lady owner since October 2005, being registered to the supplying dealer for the first 17 months of its life. It has covered a mere 47,000 miles to date with 8 service stamps in the book so far, the last in March 2012 at 42,000 miles.

Looking most attractive in Solar Red with a two-tone black and red leather interior, the car is said to be in exceptionally clean condition throughout and to drive superbly. Equipment includes air conditioning, CD player and remote central locking while two new tyres have recently been fitted at the rear. Just issued with a fresh MOT, this rare Q-car classic is ready for its proud second private owner to jump in and enjoy.