"Awedgar" (Awedgar)
08/30/2013 at 10:33 • Filed to: None
2
2|
"Awedgar" (Awedgar)
08/30/2013 at 10:33 • Filed to: None | 2
| 2 |
Aaah the MG ZT 260, one of the greatest anglo-american collaborations since...umm Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce? Nevermind.
Anyways I bring this car to your humble attention because it may very well be one of the most 'Jalop' cars ever made, let me explain why.
First, it's relatively unknown, and wasn't sold in the US. This MG was a high performance version of UK's Rover 75, a car usually reserved for persons of a certain age wanting an inoffensive way to bask in leather on their way to death, the closest thing on American shores being the Toyota Avalon perhaps.
This MG was decidedly different from its roots. It was made only from 2003 to 2005, and 883 units were made in total.
Which brings me to the second reason why this could be one of the top 5 Jalop cars ever made, the powertrain. Eagle-eyed readers may have noticed the 260 number, and no, it does not refer to the diameter of the gear knob, or how much fuel the gas tank can contain. It refers to the horsepower, because this car has a 4.6 V8 from a Ford Mustang of the era. Not the world's most sophisticated engine, but its blue collar roots, surprisingly smooth power delivery, and all American rumble work wonders under this British body.
But I didn't even get to the best part, this car only came with a sweet trio of pedals, a manual transmission, also sourced from the Mustang.
But it gets more interesting. As a true Jalop car contender, this car is rear wheel drive. Yes, the Rover 75 it was based on is front wheel drive, making this one of the only cars in the world to have been converted to rear wheel drive from the factory, although I'm sure commenters will be able to point to every FWD converted to RWD ever.
And finally, the cherry on the cake, yes you ask, yes, this car was made as a wagon.
Pedantic readers will know it is called the MG ZT-T 260, making it also one of the most facetiously named cars available.
Finally, this car got the holy grail of approval from Sir Clarksonius, naming it one of the most fun handling cars ever.
Anyway, what say you? Is this one of the most Jalop cars ever?
Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney
> Awedgar
08/30/2013 at 10:53 |
|
Absolutely extra-Jalop. No, the SOHC 4.6 isn't the world's greatest engine, but it's smooth, reliable, and sounds great. Moreover, it's the perfect motor for ushering along a nice saloon car just a bit quicker than you would expect.
Love that the Rover 75 was a on FWD platform and they made the switch to RWD.
Mustang engine/tranny, Rover 75 platform, RWD-swap, wagon....it's all a bit Heath Robinson, isn't it? I'd happily buy a used example if it were available in the States, regardless of whatever quality or reliability issues may or may not exist.
magman007
> Awedgar
08/30/2013 at 11:34 |
|
They're cool and all, but my heart lies with the MG Xpower Sv
I will own one some day.