An Update on my 2001 MG ZR: You're All Going to Say I'm Mad

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  • čas přidán 20. 03. 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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Komentáře • 590

  • @JayEmmOnCars
    @JayEmmOnCars  Před 2 měsíci +12

    CarVertical: The History Checking Service
    Use this link or code "JAYEMM" for a discount!
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    • @Beer_Dad1975
      @Beer_Dad1975 Před 2 měsíci +1

      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.

    • @paulnick1415
      @paulnick1415 Před měsícem

      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

  • @Gorbyrev
    @Gorbyrev Před 2 měsíci +237

    You're not mad, you're an enthusiast James. And in this oily corner of the interwebs that is most welcome.

    • @iangascoigne8231
      @iangascoigne8231 Před 2 měsíci +1

      He’s definitely mad.

    • @rimmersbryggeri
      @rimmersbryggeri Před 2 měsíci

      @@iangascoigne8231I could stretch it to Excentric. That's what they call a madman with financial means. (Refreshingly Excentric)

    • @user-ve4qq7bo4x
      @user-ve4qq7bo4x Před 2 měsíci

      ​@@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.

  • @matthewgodwin3050
    @matthewgodwin3050 Před 2 měsíci +94

    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.

    • @john1703
      @john1703 Před 2 měsíci

      The pride of Longbridge was the Austin 1100/1300, best UK seller in the 1960s for 8 years (63-66 and 68-71).

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 2 měsíci +21

      Pride of Longbridge is a show

    • @grrfy
      @grrfy Před 2 měsíci

      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

  • @LRSTGS
    @LRSTGS Před 2 měsíci +96

    I don't think you're mad. These cars deserve saving!

  • @cognitive_minority
    @cognitive_minority Před 2 měsíci +87

    You’re madder than Mad Jack McMad , winner of last year’s Madman of the Year competition.

    • @Suprahampton
      @Suprahampton Před 2 měsíci +11

      Excellent Blackadder reference

    • @fartknockers
      @fartknockers Před 2 měsíci +1

      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.

    • @fasthracing
      @fasthracing Před 2 měsíci +1

      Mad init.

  • @peterdixon7975
    @peterdixon7975 Před 2 měsíci +18

    100% agree with this plan. Cars are not worth what their market value states. They are worth what they mean to you.

  • @deaks25
    @deaks25 Před 2 měsíci +63

    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.

    • @daniels.2720
      @daniels.2720 Před 2 měsíci

      ... piles & piles of 'em > cars, motorcycles, & now for me, bicycles = ughh

    • @liverpoolscottish6430
      @liverpoolscottish6430 Před 2 měsíci +1

      Nothing remotely 'modest' about a 3 litre Capri when it was contemporary.

    • @deaks25
      @deaks25 Před 2 měsíci

      @@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.

  • @paul1978g
    @paul1978g Před 2 měsíci +28

    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.

  • @tjshill82
    @tjshill82 Před 2 měsíci +2

    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

  • @DanPyjamas
    @DanPyjamas Před 2 měsíci +8

    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

  • @rollotomassi4815
    @rollotomassi4815 Před 2 měsíci +3

    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.

  • @ztt_dylan
    @ztt_dylan Před 2 měsíci +13

    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.

    • @thejudge-kv2jk
      @thejudge-kv2jk Před 28 dny

      What do you make of those lovely new ones?

    • @ztt_dylan
      @ztt_dylan Před 28 dny

      @@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 😄

  • @madscimedia
    @madscimedia Před 2 měsíci +49

    You’re mad!

    • @Beer_Dad1975
      @Beer_Dad1975 Před 2 měsíci +5

      Yes, there is an argument to be made for that... at least the title wasn't clickbait though...

    • @delmilligan4584
      @delmilligan4584 Před 2 měsíci

      Don’t agree ,,, awesome cars

  • @Hairysnid
    @Hairysnid Před 2 měsíci +17

    James - you're nuts! I can't wait to follow this and see it finished! 😄 See you at POL '25?

  • @rolfmak1400
    @rolfmak1400 Před 2 měsíci +4

    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!

  • @JIMWSMITH
    @JIMWSMITH Před 2 měsíci +1

    Theres no way this car would be getting a semi restoration without this channel, it would of been sold for spares guaranteed.

  • @EthanTurner61
    @EthanTurner61 Před 2 měsíci +1

    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!

  • @kevinh96
    @kevinh96 Před 2 měsíci +8

    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.

    • @Sam-go3mb
      @Sam-go3mb Před 2 měsíci

      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.

  • @stevewhite9653
    @stevewhite9653 Před 2 měsíci +13

    Thank goodness you are saving it, with so few left.

    • @davidarter9670
      @davidarter9670 Před 2 měsíci

      Rebuilding a car that gives you pleasure and is wonderful to drive is never a waste of time, James. Good on you.

  • @CarzwithJC_
    @CarzwithJC_ Před 2 měsíci +12

    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 🙏

  • @ianwaghorne5327
    @ianwaghorne5327 Před 2 měsíci +17

    Thank god for people like you James. These cars are special and interesting.

  • @dl242ti
    @dl242ti Před 2 měsíci +2

    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!

  • @texr2000
    @texr2000 Před 2 měsíci +7

    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

  • @erikwoodward3788
    @erikwoodward3788 Před 2 měsíci +21

    Your not mad. Thank you for saving it.

  • @klutchcustoms2428
    @klutchcustoms2428 Před 2 měsíci +3

    A CZcams 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!

  • @chrismarshall25
    @chrismarshall25 Před 2 měsíci +1

    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.

  • @cconcannon5145
    @cconcannon5145 Před měsícem +1

    But also...what a potential classic you have in your hands...and how satisfying to rescue this machine

  • @timleech
    @timleech Před 2 měsíci +6

    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👍

  • @andrewmoorhouse687
    @andrewmoorhouse687 Před 2 měsíci +1

    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.

  • @SturbokSensei
    @SturbokSensei Před 2 měsíci +13

    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?

  • @seanweirdbeard
    @seanweirdbeard Před 2 měsíci +3

    You are entering into the realm of Degree MA/BA Level Man Maths.
    Goot Luck Herr Bartlett!

  • @MarcusTDM
    @MarcusTDM Před 2 měsíci +1

    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.

  • @hexgraphica
    @hexgraphica Před 2 měsíci +4

    I really love this style of image, it's very early top gear like... Very familiar, warm and personal.

  • @user-vh4ju3rv4c
    @user-vh4ju3rv4c Před 2 měsíci +5

    Well done James go for it. Its good to stand out from the crowd.

  • @sonofjak1971
    @sonofjak1971 Před 2 měsíci +4

    These are the cars that need saving so good for you!

  • @norbertnedsworth7172
    @norbertnedsworth7172 Před 12 dny

    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.

  • @KnowPorcelain1
    @KnowPorcelain1 Před 2 měsíci +2

    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.

  • @grrfy
    @grrfy Před 2 měsíci +2

    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.

  • @jonburnell532
    @jonburnell532 Před 2 měsíci +3

    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.

  • @jameslewis1833
    @jameslewis1833 Před 2 měsíci +5

    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

  • @KO-wh6yw
    @KO-wh6yw Před 2 měsíci +1

    Well done James another piece of motoring history saved👏👏

  • @boundish1
    @boundish1 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Thank you James for saving this one.

  • @MarkMcGrady-Sworks
    @MarkMcGrady-Sworks Před 2 měsíci +1

    I love the fact you’re saving this….

  • @Daz_Stap
    @Daz_Stap Před 2 měsíci +1

    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.

  • @robbell4339
    @robbell4339 Před 2 měsíci +1

    You’re doing the right thing!
    I’ve recently brought back a ZR105 back from the dead: these are great little cars!

  • @adesaint8880
    @adesaint8880 Před 2 měsíci +1

    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.

  • @user-sf7kl9uh7k
    @user-sf7kl9uh7k Před 2 měsíci +1

    You're a very honest and interesting guy, well done.

  • @londonpirates
    @londonpirates Před 2 měsíci

    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.

  • @zak2175
    @zak2175 Před 2 měsíci

    I have to say james, I salute you. At the end of the day, those nice cars that occasionally pop up, will be bought by other people. Nobody would likely buy this one though, certainly not to restore it at any rate, and it would otherwise end up as yet another cool 90s/00s car that was everywhere 5 minutes ago, and then suddenly they're all gone.

  • @user-jm7ef1jl8b
    @user-jm7ef1jl8b Před 2 měsíci

    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.

  • @captgutter
    @captgutter Před 2 měsíci +2

    Oh WOW!!!! Do a review on the Fiat X1/9 Lido. Incredible car.

  • @JohnJoannou-xq5rq
    @JohnJoannou-xq5rq Před 2 měsíci +1

    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

  • @jo05dk
    @jo05dk Před 2 měsíci +1

    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.

  • @Ro32da72
    @Ro32da72 Před 2 měsíci

    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.

  • @brunorosa2227
    @brunorosa2227 Před 2 měsíci

    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.

  • @TheGhiaDriver
    @TheGhiaDriver Před 2 měsíci +1

    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.

  • @darrylwebb3625
    @darrylwebb3625 Před 2 měsíci

    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.

  • @__-fm5qv
    @__-fm5qv Před 2 měsíci +1

    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".

  • @pauldavies6037
    @pauldavies6037 Před 2 měsíci

    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

  • @garethmccash5986
    @garethmccash5986 Před 2 měsíci

    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.

  • @durdre
    @durdre Před 2 měsíci +2

    Excellent example of doing things in life that bring you joy and happiness, well done 👏

  • @user-um1wf4xe8o
    @user-um1wf4xe8o Před 2 měsíci

    Top man 👍! Love them. I myself am after ten years still tearing around in my zt180 , and yes still addicted to my kv6! It just makes me grin every time my right foot gets heavy. Great channel ❤

  • @stonylawncottagepipe4429
    @stonylawncottagepipe4429 Před 2 měsíci +2

    I was unaware MGs are still around😮
    ..the 40s and 50s ate my favorites
    ..even tho I don't have any😢

  • @Captain_Scarlet_SIG
    @Captain_Scarlet_SIG Před 2 měsíci +1

    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.

  • @stevenbennett3922
    @stevenbennett3922 Před 2 měsíci

    Don't think you are mad at all. Ultimately it is your money and so you spend it how you like. When finished it will a proper example of the marque which you can enjoy on the occasional dry, bright and sunny day. Good luck.

  • @hitthepacecar2516
    @hitthepacecar2516 Před 2 měsíci

    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. 👍🏻

  • @Phillc748
    @Phillc748 Před 2 měsíci

    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.

  • @maximusmop
    @maximusmop Před 2 měsíci

    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

  • @andyhunt457
    @andyhunt457 Před 2 měsíci +1

    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

  • @lloyd1001
    @lloyd1001 Před 2 měsíci +7

    you're not mad

  • @garyhawkins9246
    @garyhawkins9246 Před 2 měsíci

    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

  • @JACKRAINSBURY
    @JACKRAINSBURY Před 2 měsíci

    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.

  • @samueltyrrell4329
    @samueltyrrell4329 Před 2 měsíci +1

    This car is definitely NOT too far gone, but £12k to get it perfect seems steep!
    I bought a ZR 105 in monogram bittersweet in January this year, on the 150 mile journey home, it broke down, the alternator failed. Luckily I was with my friend who was able to tow me back home 70 miles (with a towing bar). But the alternator was definitely not the only thing wrong with it. It had previously sat in a field somewhere in Wales for a very long period of time, completely neglected. So it was rusty, very rusty. The fuel tank had a hole in it, the rear brake pipes were replaced with very poorly made copper pipes, the entire underside is completely rusted, mostly surface rust but many locations it is much worse. Sills, arches and front wings have mostly rusted through. The engine was misfiring and it would barely start, wrong battery was on it, and after a compression test it was found that it was low on cylinder 3. A valve had burned out, after replacing the head gasket, sump rail and fully rebuilding the cylinder head, it ran well. The cone filter has now been replaced with a stock air box. It needs a LOT more work but it drives well at the moment and a lot of work has been missed out, but only around £700 has been spent on it so far to improve it so much. The next step is a whole lot of welding.

    • @Jake01201
      @Jake01201 Před 2 měsíci

      I don't think many realise how much it costs to bring a car back to an OE Standard. Welding work rinses up so much labour time, lots of garages will do shoddy welding work, patch on patch on patch. The time involved to do things properly so they never have to be done again is extreme!
      In this world, you really do get what you pay for!

  • @minimalistandfree
    @minimalistandfree Před 2 měsíci

    Thank you! Another MG lives! It is your money and you get to decide what to do with it! Great job!

  • @judih.8754
    @judih.8754 Před 2 měsíci

    Good luck James. Sounds like a project. Follow your heart as well as you can stomach the cost. I'll be watching.

  • @anthonyhawkins9239
    @anthonyhawkins9239 Před 2 měsíci

    I am so happy you are doing this 👍🏻, you are a true petrol head and enthusiast 😊 ! Will you document some progress ? Would love to see this 👍🏻

  • @captgutter
    @captgutter Před 2 měsíci

    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.

  • @joem8213
    @joem8213 Před 2 měsíci

    You're not crazy! The car needs to be saved, such a rare car nowadays. Yes, it's going to cost a lot but the satisfaction you feel when it's complete and you have saved it is just priceless in my opinion. I recently saved a saxo from the scrap yard, my first car was a saxo so when i saw it on facebook marketplace i couldnt resist lol. I sold the car yesterday to a lovely young lady, she was over the moon with it. Her saxo was just written off a few weeks ago and she loves saxo just like me. I lost money saving it but i dont care, saved a saxo and made a young lady very happy in the process! Win win if you ask me!! 😁

  • @chestnut01111
    @chestnut01111 Před 2 měsíci

    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.

  • @Barbarapape
    @Barbarapape Před 2 měsíci

    Good luck with this one James.
    Others say you are mad to even think about restoring it, but when it is finished you will have a rare car
    that given time will increase in value.
    There are plenty of Astons and Jags etc to choose from, but 99% of MG's are now as bad or a lot worse
    than this one.
    Can't wait to see how it all goes.

  • @marklearner3299
    @marklearner3299 Před 2 měsíci

    Glad you are doing it. Looking forward to watching the progress and seeing end result 👍

  • @tonyturner7800
    @tonyturner7800 Před 2 měsíci

    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. ,

  • @beijingbond
    @beijingbond Před 2 měsíci +1

    Glad your doing it, James👍

  • @paulallwood6033
    @paulallwood6033 Před 2 měsíci

    Love this James ! That will be a car you will absolutely cherish forever. Really looking forward to future updates on this project 👌

  • @hoodwinker7932
    @hoodwinker7932 Před 2 měsíci

    Please keep us updated! You’re not crazy dude. I love this content , and the sheer variety of cars you drive.

  • @davidwilmshurst3211
    @davidwilmshurst3211 Před 2 měsíci +3

    Go for it James. Thank you for saving the car. Love your channel

  • @colinjones2505
    @colinjones2505 Před 2 měsíci

    Classic cars are a labour of love. Money to fix them becomes secondary in many cases. No one makes money on renovating a car to my knowledge.

  • @PaulinhoThompson
    @PaulinhoThompson Před 2 měsíci

    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.

  • @StachuJones86
    @StachuJones86 Před 2 měsíci

    If almost everyone tells you that this is creazy, You need to change your friends James 😅. My opinion is - just don't care if it's worth or not, fulfilled dreams have no price. This car is realy brilliant and It is in decent condition to restore it. Good luck and lot of patience. Best regards.

  • @GMMG1980
    @GMMG1980 Před 2 měsíci

    So glad you are going to do the work! Love the Zed cars, currently on my 5th ( 1 ZR 120, 3 ZS 180's and current ZT 190). They will keep becoming achingly rare if people like yourself, who have the ability to, don't save them. If I was in your position I would be doing exactly the same and I would be feeling rather pleased with myself for doing so 😁

  • @claudiomartins5595
    @claudiomartins5595 Před 2 měsíci

    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 ❤

  • @greginnocent438
    @greginnocent438 Před 2 měsíci

    Spot on m8, drove the exact same colour and model around Donnington Park when they were new! Great car!

  • @CurboroughSprinter
    @CurboroughSprinter Před 2 měsíci +2

    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.

  • @rebelranter
    @rebelranter Před 2 měsíci

    I don’t particularly like the car but I 100% understand why you are doing it, and that is a good enough reason from my perspective to crack on! You should push on to make it the best it can be (funds permitting). It would be dull if we all saved the same cars!

  • @leccy9901
    @leccy9901 Před 2 měsíci

    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!.

  • @tambarskelfir
    @tambarskelfir Před 2 měsíci

    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.

  • @crowbiker4462
    @crowbiker4462 Před 2 měsíci

    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…

  • @billyrowland24
    @billyrowland24 Před 2 měsíci +1

    I recently brought a 1988 Volvo 740, so far it's had an engine, spark plugs, fuel metering system, head unit, subwoofer, new wing, new door, new door internals, several pieces of trim, different OEM wheels, and in recent times it's had a fuel tank, rear calipers, clutch and some other bits
    Why? Because I love it, it's green with gold and black panels because that's what I could find but she's alive and fairly rust free now

  • @austinmerrett3530
    @austinmerrett3530 Před 2 měsíci

    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.

  • @thefrenchruraldream8069
    @thefrenchruraldream8069 Před 2 měsíci

    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 👍😊