MG ZT & ZT-T (2001-2005)
Having made its motor show debut in late 1998, Rover’s new 75 executive saloon finally entered UK showrooms the following June. It was, however, a period of turmoil for BMW-owned Rover Group, which was suffering the effects of a weak pound as well as falling sales in its home market. What was nicknamed BMW’s ‘English patient’ wasn’t in great shape, and in May 2000 it was sold for a nominal £10 to the Phoenix Consortium led by John Towers.
This is all relevant to the MG ZT featured here, as the Phoenix Consortium had limited funds to develop all-new models for what had become MG Rover. It did, however, have imagination combined with a desire to see the MG brand expanded. Thanks to superb styling tweaks by Peter Stevens, the Rover 25, 45 and 75 became the basis of three sporting
