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Car Of The Month :
January 2014




'Abu' by Greeners



I was having withdrawal symptoms after previously owning MG ZT 260 number 146 and really felt the need to have another MGR V8. Through the Two-Sixties forum I learnt that V8 # 317 was for sale and decided to make some enquires about its possible purchase.

The car had sat around for some time after MG-Rover's demise unsold, however in September 2006 it was finally purchased and registered to it's first owner, a lady. Apparently she only kept it for six months before selling it as she really didn’t take to the car.



It then came into the possession of another club member Ken, who resides in Scotland. As it was to be used as his daily drive the first upgrade was an expensive LPG system to soften the fuel bill.

Between then and coming into my possession in March 2013, it had racked up 146,000 miles, yes 146,000, bouncing it's way around the highlands of Scotland. I think it must be run in by now however, as it certainly pulls like the proverbial train, even on LPG.



Unfortunately, being a basic car it had very little in the way of creature comforts, even the rear windows had “keep-fit” manual winders. The only concession to this being an electric rear blind which had been fitted post production. So the upgrades and modifications started…………………

• Rear electric windows and a facelift BCU with remote boot lid release
• Boot lid mounted warning triangle
• Rear parking sensors
• Headlamp power washers
• Heated screen washer jets
• Rain sensing wipers, that required a new screen fitting!
• Auto-diming rear view mirror
• Front heated seats
• New grille badge
• Message centre instrument pack
• Hi-line satellite navigation
• Harmon Kardon premium audio upgrade
• Black Oak dash. Currently it has walnut, but that is not for me
• Gear knob, and possibly a steering wheel
• Headlamp protectors
• Twin horns
• Refurbishing the wheels
• Relocation of the LPG filler point





From a distance the paintwork is as good as any ZT out there but on closer inspection the harsh Scottish winters and copious amounts of grit have taken their toll on the lower portions of the car's paintwork.

So there we have it, a true workhorse in every sense, and I’m truly indebted to Ken for running it in and not skimping on it's maintenance. Hopefully the more sedate pace and lower mileage of the southern roads will see it become more of a show car.



If you'd like to follow Abu’s progress, click the following link:



Article written by member Greeners

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