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MG ZS 120+ 5-Door 2003
Owner: Ollie Beck
During lockdown, I began looking for something a little ‘sportier’ as a usable project. And time after time, the MG ZS would crop up when it came to fitting my criteria/needs. I was also made aware of deep-rooted family ties with the marque which pushed me more in the direction of the brand. So, I began a two-year search for the right one. Eventually, I came across this 2003 120 Mk1 in XPower Grey.
The car had seen better days, it could do with a good wash and some areas of paint touching up. But at only 57,000 miles and everything from factory relatively in the right place, it was certainly the best example I’d seen in my search. And after a 20-minute test drive and all the usual checks, I snapped it up. This wasn’t like other examples I had seen, the only ‘modified’ item on the car was the radio! Many other Zeds of this age have been modified or changed in some way, that just wasn’t what I was looking for.
I opted to name the car “Warren” – which might seem quite odd, but there is a reason I promise! This is in homage to Warren Hughes, the former MG factory driver that raced at Le Mans and in the BTCC. Whenever I see a Mk1 ZS in XPower Grey, I think of Warren racing in his touring car. He’s certainly a true hero of mine!
Essential work on the car hasn’t amounted to much (yet). It needed a rear caliper to get though it’s MOT but there’s nothing much else to report on that side. I’ve replaced faded badges, corroded bulb holders and lamps in an attempt to get it back to its former glory. The ZS has now had 20 years on this earth and I’m hoping for many more in my ownership!
The goal is to get my ZS back to pretty much factory specification and I’m almost there. “Warren” is used daily and as the months go by, the more I grow to love and appreciate these cars. Nothing overcomplicated, but so much fun.
