An Update on my 2001 MG ZR: You're All Going to Say I'm Mad
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2024
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In today's video, I am at Classic Car Solutions checking in on my MG ZR, and telling you exactly what's wrong with it - and what's next...
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Well, I can't complain that the title was clickbait, which is kind of what I was expecting! 😀Hey, if it brings you joy, then it's worth it.
Love it ,I have a Alfa 145 and wish I could afford to do it I would ,and yes it's as rare as rocking horse poo, 100% behind you
You're not mad, you're an enthusiast James. And in this oily corner of the interwebs that is most welcome.
He’s definitely mad.
@@iangascoigne8231I could stretch it to Excentric. That's what they call a madman with financial means. (Refreshingly Excentric)
@@iangascoigne8231mad as a hatter. This isn't a good car, or a special car, or rare, or fast, or particularly good to drive. It's just a rubbish old British car that's not worth the price of a decent new set of tyres.
As an ex MG Rover salesman who sold these cars when they were new, it's fantastic to see a young guy enthusiastic about restoring one. However, that's quite a price tag. Not sure I could justify it, but I wish you the very best of luck with it. Will be nice to see it at the Pride of Longbridge show one day.
The pride of Longbridge was the Austin 1100/1300, best UK seller in the 1960s for 8 years (63-66 and 68-71).
Pride of Longbridge is a show
1300 gt though was a great motor, first of my dads I remember , mainly the trips to get the carbs balanced, was told was better handling than a cooperS @@JayEmmOnCars
I don't think you're mad. These cars deserve saving!
100% agree with this plan. Cars are not worth what their market value states. They are worth what they mean to you.
I’m with James on this. In another 10 years it’ll be cars like this that are the Classic Car Show Daily-Driver-Unicorns. Things like Cortina GLX, Escort Convertible, Ford Capri, Astra SRI, Mk I MX-5/Eunos Roadsters; all were fairly modest cars in their day but are absolute highlights of shows where loads of people have stories about their dad or their mates’ dad owning one.
Equally, James is absolutely certifiable for spending so much, but we’re car enthusiasts; we love piles of steel, aluminium, iron, rubber and plastic, which sounds pretty daft.
... piles & piles of 'em > cars, motorcycles, & now for me, bicycles = ughh
Nothing remotely 'modest' about a 3 litre Capri when it was contemporary.
@@liverpoolscottish6430 I was more thinking of the 1.6l and 2.0l Pinto Mk 3's as my parents had one when I was young. The 2.8 and 3.0's are the collectable ones that are worth big money restorations, but the ordinary ones are the ones that were the 'wrong' ones and not worth saving but are just as special today. James' MG is the equivalent of these and things like the Mk I Focus RS are the equivalent of the big V6 Capri's.
You’re madder than Mad Jack McMad , winner of last year’s Madman of the Year competition.
Excellent Blackadder reference
I know how he feels though. I have a Mitusbishi FTO sitting in my garage SORN. It has the usual rust issues but I could spend minimum £6K on it and easily £12K on it and they sell for next to nothing in the UK. In US market they fetch far better money. However I would be restoring it to keep driving it.
Mad init.
The idea you're undertaking is an actual service to motoring history James. You're right that its the cars people consider throwaway that end up being the rare head turners. I wholeheartedly endorse your big plan, because SOMEONE has to save these wonderful old things for the future, otherwise they'll go the way of the old Austin Princess and Allegro. Cars for the everyday masses that were once very common, but ridiculed and nobody thought to save until it was pretty much too late. It'll be nice to see this one saved.
James - you're nuts! I can't wait to follow this and see it finished! 😄 See you at POL '25?
Thank god for people like you James. These cars are special and interesting.
You are doing the correct thing, As an MG Rover enthusiast I really do salute you for saving this car as you really don’t see ZR, ZS, and ZT’s very much anymore. What I’m I saying you didn’t even see them much when they was new haha.
What do you make of those lovely new ones?
@@thejudge-kv2jk the new MG’s? If that’s what you’re asking I don’t really mind them, Cheap commuter vehicles for the masses. Not exactly happy they called the cheap SUV The “Zs” but that’s the only thing. I’ve driven a MG 3 not bad at all just a little cheap for me 😄
You are definitely not CRAZY James! 🙌
You're preserving a fantastic car for future generations!
And with its incredible history, it's going to make an incredible car for shows and events. And not to mention treasure and, importantly, enjoy. 🚘
You are a genuine Enthuasiat, and that's what the Rover & MG community should be about ! 😊
I can't wait to see this ZR finished 😍 💛
And a big motto I go by is. When you die you don't take your money with you...
(SO ENJOY LIFE AND SPEND IT ON WHAT YOU LIKE ) 😊
And that's EXACTLY what you are doing by saving this car. One that you have wanted...and now have and after a year you are gonna have a mint condition one you can treasure and enjoy 🙏
James, you’re a legend!
I feel a lot better with you spending this kind of money to a ZR.
Now the €8000 I spend on my 200 BRM fixing it feels a bargain.
Last year I spend that money on fixing the hinges on the hatch (which rust always happily), respray on the roof, new headliner, fixing wiring, new brakes all round, new dampers and new front wings (which are effectively hand made, because the replacements completely didn’t fit). And welded a hole in the roof, at the A-pillar on the left hand side. 30 hours work + parts…. And a service and APK (Dutch MOT).
But I have a great 200 BRM now!
Hope you get a perfect ZR!
Honestly, I wasn't thinking you're mad at all. I was hoping I could come in here and thank you for saving a local hero.
With so few available, one day eventually they will be worth something. And it'll be a piece of history
Thank goodness you are saving it, with so few left.
Rebuilding a car that gives you pleasure and is wonderful to drive is never a waste of time, James. Good on you.
Would love to see some periodic updates about the restoration process! Even the b-roll footage of this video was a pleasure to watch. Someone who knows what he is talking about next to you telling and explaining what they have already done would be great to listen to i am sure. And to add since there isn't that much footage/documentation about these cars around a restoration series could in itself be a pretty rare and valuable thing to share?
I'm trying to keep an Alfa Romeo 147 and a Lancia Ypsilon on the road, both from the early 2000's. Sometimes the bills really hurt, but when some youngsters point at your car or older guys give you the thumbs-up i feel proud to preserve these two pieces of car history. Also, driving a car that you just don't see on the road anymore is nice.
It's not about the money James, it's about passion.
Your reasoning is spot on. You restore because you are thankfully able to and because it is part of your passion for the automobile. Way to go!
I had a 3door, yellow, 2001, PG1 gearbox, 1.8 160 VVC ZR near identical to yours a few years ago. Paid £450, Broke it for £750 and kept the engine for my Caterham, as needed a VVC head for the power i was after. The engine lives on as a 244BHP all steel screamer. Being that the lower spec ZR's had solid disc and drums, and some no body kit, meant parts went for good money and quick. Mine had 70k on the clock and had no real rust. Didn't know the spec was so special. I drove it around 500 miles to confirm the engine was good and with the pipercross fitted did sound good and went ok, but didn't overly like it. At the time a head or engine was worth £400 so buying the car was a better option.
Many 160's ended up living on a race cars in a series, and now VVC heads are a lot harder to find. The K Series is a good designed engine, and the 1.4 and 1.6 even stock was a good engine compared to say a zetec
Good on ya James. You will probably end up with one of the best out there, so let’s say it’s an eccentric thing to do, but, as car enthusiasts, we know it’s not mad. You’re helping preserve something that will be very, very rare in the future.
Thing is though, regardless of what other's think this is a classic British built and increasingly rare car so really it's worth the expense if you think of it like that. Also as they become increasingly rare over the next ten or fifteen years the value will increase if it is kept in good condition, not to mention it's a real piece of British automotive history.
It also has a uniqueness in that in came from the factory looking like a late 90's/early 2000's tuner car. That's pretty rare and will definitely be appreciated in the future.
The MG ZR is definitely a modern classic. It’s not far off 25 years old. Definitely worth saving and restoring. It also shows you are a proper petrol head that you are doing it. Good lad
I completely applaud this decision. As an MGR nut myself, I have done similar things (spend money were others see no value) - but just not on the scale of yourself.
But also...what a potential classic you have in your hands...and how satisfying to rescue this machine
Really pleased you’re doing this James and not taking the easy option of flogging it on or scrapping it. It may never be worth all you’d have put into it but it will be a very special car you can be proud of and there are many mg enthusiasts out there who’ll agree i think.
A TH-cam car channel 20 years from now will be very grateful for your efforts! I remember my mate being laughed at for putting a £750 '80s ford Orion through his shop back in 2000. Now they all offer silly money to buy it!
Your not mad. Thank you for saving it.
Theres no way this car would be getting a semi restoration without this channel, it would of been sold for spares guaranteed.
I can't tell you how frustrated I get when people say 'it's not economically viable to repair this car so it's going in the bin'. I'm very happy that you're willing to save this one!
Well done James go for it. Its good to stand out from the crowd.
I'm glad you're doing that! I love something a different, and keeping this on the roads can be nothing but a good thing in my eyes.
I really love this style of image, it's very early top gear like... Very familiar, warm and personal.
I’m so glad, I worked for a mg rover dealer when these came out. I was 26 and full of enthusiasm, I went to the dealer launch and thrashed them round a track….they sold like hot cakes…out first demo was a trophy yellow 160 just like this but a Y plate…Y788ERC…which replaced a 25 GTi…there was such a buzz around then as MG Rover was on the up…we thought. When they folded I was gutted….i still own a TF Anniversary which was also my own demo in 2004 ( I bought it back in 2019) and 25 which I bought new for my late mum in 2003. Good man👍
You are entering into the realm of Degree MA/BA Level Man Maths.
Goot Luck Herr Bartlett!
Good on you JayEmm , glad to see it being saved,or else lkike you said, where are the classics and the like going to come from in the future.
These are the cars that need saving so good for you!
Well done James another piece of motoring history saved👏👏
You're not mad James. Doing a similar (well not as extensive as yours!) restore on a 51 ZR myself. Good luck and keep us all updated.
You’re doing the right thing!
I’ve recently brought back a ZR105 back from the dead: these are great little cars!
You’re mad!
Yes, there is an argument to be made for that... at least the title wasn't clickbait though...
Don’t agree ,,, awesome cars
I think you are doing the right thing James, as long as it don't become a habit. I did the same thing, a car I always liked, a Mercedes 190E 2.6 Manual, low milage, essentially good condition, and quite rare, I bought the car for £3K (about 10 years ago), and spent the thick end of £10K putting right. I do not care if I never make a profit from it, its not my best car, but its a special car, and I saved it, and I maintain it, and I enjoy it, everyone else can jog on. Would I do it again? no, but I am glad I did.
You're a very honest and interesting guy, well done.
When it’s done there will be so much pleasure in discussing it with car nerds like us, on petrol station forecourts and at shows. It will be great to drive too and anything with a K Series in it really sings. Consider public service a comfortably adequate reason to go for it James. Can’t wait to see the outcome.
Thank you James for saving this one.
Please do more indepth restoration videos on this like Harry Metcalf has done on his old jag and lancia i found them some of his videos
Oh WOW!!!! Do a review on the Fiat X1/9 Lido. Incredible car.
I think the fact so few would bother to save one of these is exactly what makes this is a great decision. Very much looking forward to seeing it restored to its former glory. I’d love to see progress updates along the journey.
I love the fact you’re saving this….
Good ones are already fetching 8k as the market for these goes up, the early ones are more reliable and build quality better and they’re brilliant fun to drive and respond well to tuning and it’s getting harder to find decent ones. I’ve got the precursor to yours a Rover 25Gti less than 1500 sold in the UK with around less than 100 left these cars need saving good luck with yours.
Excellent example of doing things in life that bring you joy and happiness, well done 👏
the fact that this rare car can be saved and maybe in years time should be a future classic is worth doing as parts are still available and his subs. income will help
Fair play mate. I’ve put 60 hours into a 2003 Mini Cooper s over winter only to discover an issue that will mean scrapping it. I’m heartbroken tbh but what you said about getting it done how you want versus what the car is really worth resonates with me.
You are a legend, I love and respect you for getting it restored and for saving one of these for future enthusiasts. Its these kind of cars that quickly vanish and are only lamented in 40 years time. Ferraris will always be about, these won't.
Fair play, go for it. You’re not doing it to make money, you’re doing it to keep something you love at its best.
Back in 2009 I got no end of stick for spending £2000 on a Nova we had owned for 6 years. It was rusty, scratched, and dented, and you could buy a Nova for £100, but we had so much fun with it.
I still have it today, let's just say times have changed. I have also gone on to do exactly the same thing with a 2002 Focus Ghia and of all things a Vauxhall Signum.
It's not about their monetary value, its what they mean to me.
Thank you! Another MG lives! It is your money and you get to decide what to do with it! Great job!
Go for it James. Thank you for saving the car. Love your channel
As ever you are doing what you think is best - good on you! I nearly bought one of these back in 2004 - certainly drove very well…
This is one reason I bought a low-mileage PPD 75 (on a whim). No, I won't be spending five figures fixing it, but someone has got to look after these old cars, or they will literally disappear. Granted not many people will miss a stock, diesel Rover 75, but it's nice to own and I've genuinely had some 'I had one of those' conversations with total strangers, which only confirms my belief that I have lucked across a car with some character. Really looking forward to seeing the progress on your ZR.
I’m really glad to see you save this, They came along right as I was learning to drive and my best friend had purchased a Mk2 Golf GTi. As a result I’d been hooked into VW tribalism and despised all things MG, I thought they were cheap and chavvy and I HATED them 20 years ago. However I don’t think at the time I realised how popular they were for being cheap & sporty looking. Dare I say it, I’d almost call them iconic of the era now. Well done Sir, I really look forward to the finished article. 👍🏻
I was unaware MGs are still around😮
..the 40s and 50s ate my favorites
..even tho I don't have any😢
Great Video! You are not indeed mad for doing this. I have an MG ZR Atomix which is becoming pretty rare itself. I have spent too much on it now. Great content :)
My first car was a 3 door MG ZR Tag-Heuer edition in dark grey. It was a 2004 1.4, but around town it was brilliant. Full of faults, but didn’t lack personality. I loved that car to bits, literally, as I later crashed it. You are doing the right thing Jay ❤
If I had the money to spare then I would do this sort of thing to this sort of car… but I don’t so I shall live vicariously through you James, so Thank you
James, you are not mad. These people that spend a small fortune re-doing classic cars up, they then put them away for eternity. Yeah I know you said you'd not use it that much when done, but in the times that you do, you'll be safe in the knowledge that if anything does break, you'll not be handing out a fortune to get it back up again. Go for it, as I am , you are an enthusiast who looks at the bigger picture. Let's say its now 2034, how many are there of these left. 1? 2? You've got a slice of automotive history! I'm certainly gonna keep on spurring you on! John from London
I love what you're doing. You're in a very lucky position to be able to rescue examples like this ZR, where most would just dismiss it. The exact reason so few of the regular, runabouts survive. I wish I'd been in that same position to rescue my 3 litre Capri S, my own (and first car I owned) Fiat X1/9 Lido, my Astra GTE 16v, my MR2 Mk1b.....
I think you're a legend.
James I think what you are doing is brilliant. I love cars especially from the 80's and 90's and in my mind anyone who has the funds and the inclination to save an example from one of those era's is definitely doing the right thing. I think we all look forward to you unveiling it once its restored 👍😊
I’d love to see this looking perfect. These cars are in a little bit of all of our hearts
I learnt to drive in a Diesel 75.
This is man math, when it makes sense..imho. That car absolutely is worth saving, and while doing so would mean financial ruin for most of us, you can actually do it, and regain some if not all money spent, by featuring the car in videos. Very cool James. I salute you.
Hmmmm....I'm in 2 minds. I wholeheartedly admire the saving of what might be considered 'enough car for fun personal transportation', a category into which many '90s and '00s models fall, in the knowledge that the cost of doing so may be much the same as what might restore more collectable machinery. If that car brings you joy, it's worth it. On the other hand, I'd never expect a 20 year old cheap hot-hatch of any mileage to require anything less than the work-list that you've described. Trust me : I've a shonky Ford SportKa project in the garage for DIY rebuild which might mark me out as even more mad. In any case, respect for going ahead instead of parting out the engine for an Elise 111S.
Spot on m8, drove the exact same colour and model around Donnington Park when they were new! Great car!
I think its great of you to save a modern Classic that No one else would think of saving
My ZT-T needed welding and a Paintjob and i am glad i Made the choice to make it run for hopefully a Long Time to come
I still daily drive and use for work my preface lift MGZR 120+. I have had my issues but its a fun car i love. Its a 2004 plate but i have the original receipt and it says it was built in 2003. They are so underated and im trying to keep it going as long as possible.
I totally get it. Im the same age as you, and remember walking to school every day and seeing one of these, in yellow parked on someone's drive, it was beautiful. As a kid, it was a car i really wanted when i was old enough to drive. By the time i was driving, the mg brand was basically dead again. I ended up with a civic type r. If someone offered me one of these mg's in mint condition for 10k right now, I'd snap it up. I can't wait to see it when it's done!.
Ngl this is exactly how I feel about my C30. Yeah its a 2.0, not the T5, and yes it is high mileage and a little ropey in places. But it's exactly because its the sort of mileage and spec that typically wouldn't get the love, that I want to try and put it as right as possible with the budget I have. And maybe one day really bring it back to factory fresh, with a few minor tweaks. It sure as hell won't be financially worth it, but I like the idea of someone down the line getting it, after ive either had to give it up or sadly passed on, and thinking "huh, someone really did try to look after this one, I guess I should to".
Glad your doing it, James👍
A video when the car is stripped and at its lowest ebb would be the ideal 'before'. Good for you for saving stuff, things become rare often by surviving and as you say, once you're of a certain age, we can remember when stuff was common and worth not very much at all.
Good man, makes sense to me. The way I see it, if you want a specific vintage car in excellent and *known* condition, it is worth doing a restoration. For instance if I want a almost pristine L322 Range Rover, I buy the nicest and lowest mileage example I can find and and pay to restore it. That restoration may cost as much or more than the price I paid for the car, but the end result is a pristine example of the car I wanted. And that is ultimately what is most important. What car do *you* want.
You have to be nuts to be a car enthusiast but it’s good to see this diamond in the rough being brought back to its former glory. A future classic in the vein of the NA/NB mx5, pulsar gtir, BG 323 gtr/gtae etc.
A fellow lunatic here. Just spent £3+K on having new front wings and rear arches installed on my R25 GTi (apparently one of just 34 left on the road). Last year it had a new fuel tank, year before sills on both sides, plus an annual service each year with a specialist (plus discs, pads, etc). At least it was a rolling resto, rather than hitting the pocket as one lump. One things to watch out for - earlier cars have plastic liners inside the wheel wells (I think deleted as part of Project Drive) but don't assume all is well behind them, as they can trap crud between themselves and the metal (the underside of upper front suspension mounts were horrific on my car, despite looking lovely from above). Good luck! T.T. ,
Since am restoring a bus I feel your pain on costs and labour to restore said bus,
But on that sunny day when you go for a wee run, you will have a wry smile knowing it’s fixed
A tad crazy? Probably, but i applaud you sir. I think it is great you are in a position to be able to save a car like this. I never had an MG or Rover of this era but did have 2 MG Montegos i enjoyed owning.
Thought you were going to say £20,000!
I’ve been watching you for a number of years now and it is not a surprise that you’re going ahead with the restoration.
Good for you.
I look forward to seeing the progress films.
Can’t wait to see the end result, back in the day I had a regular 25,45 and a v6 75 always liked ZR and ZT. I’m sure it will look great, best of luck.
I still have a late 25 that I took on in 2014. Last drove it in 2018, but it was such a nice drive I can't scrap it. Carry on as you are sir.
I totally agree with you! This is the right thing to do.thank you for restoring this! You’re saving it!!!!!!!
A great project, and well worth saving. My friend has a 06 MG ZR in blue with about 15,000 miles on it, it's seriously mint. He's also fitted a t16 turbo engine, and it's rather rapid.
Please keep us updated! You’re not crazy dude. I love this content , and the sheer variety of cars you drive.
That middle and rear exhaust section also looks like 2 inch pipe whereas the 160 should have 2.25 inch. 2 inch is for the 120.
Comparing it to the 60s and 70s cars, I can see possibly see a drop in the market for the vintage stuff, as like you said the younger generation don't have those memories of growing up with that era of cars.
I think the 90s and 00s cars are going to have their time in the sun.
Good luck with it either way.
Please keep the restoration updates coming. For reference, see how well Harry's Garage videos have done on his Jag, Lancia, Lamborghinis etc.
You're not mad James. Its called having the passion and enthusiasm to do what the majority don't or won't. Having saved a Goodwood Green ZR 105 myself, I'm excited to see it at Pride of Longbridge one day.
Go for it! I think I’m correct there is an annual get together at Longbridge for all cars BL, Rover, Austin etc etc?? You will see and pick up a few hints there. Not that it appears you need any. Good Luck!
I only wish I had the resources to pour into some of my past cars, some of which are now incredibly rare. Go for it! (As long as it won’t financially ruin you of course)
I have never met an enthusiast of anything thats not a bit "mad".
Im firmly in the mad camp with you....great car to save
Fair play to ya brv, do what u want with something u love, don't listen to others, as long as u happy mate, be nice to see an older car brought bk to life, nice one mate ❤❤
Fantastic. I own two ZS 180s. Love all the Zeds. Someone has to bite the bullet. I remember back in the 80s Mk 1 Mk 2 Escorts. Early Capris, Cortinas etc stacked 3 high in scrap yards. Basket cases now fetch stupid money. You are ahead of your time. Will be interesting to see how these cars will be regarded in 10 years time. I have had one of my 180s since 2006. No intention of parting with it.
Great to see you saving one of these James. Can’t wait to see the progress.
Fully support what doing as at the end of the day it's for the car, and your passion. Good for you. 👏🇬🇧
Yes...Do it.
One thing I would make sure to do is get it properly waxed afterwards ....inside cavaties as well.
Try and get them to use Dinitrol or Bilt Hamber.