MG ZT COUPE
The biggest project we have ever embarked on. Converting a FWD V6 4 door saloon into a RWD V8 2 door coupe!
This is the car MG Rover should have built.
Inspired by the prototype Rover 75 Coupe made by MG Rover but never put into production, Chris decided to make his own version but he wanted it to be his ultimate ZT so he added the wide arch body kit, a custom paint colourand an MG SV 32v engine, as well as a few other mods! The ZT Coupe was named Car of the Show at Pride of Longbridge in 2018 by Classic Car Weekly magazine.
ZT to be converted
This is the standard 2002 ZT V6 which was used for the base car for the Coupe. It was heading for the scrapyard with a blown engine and some body work needed so it was perfect for the conversion.
Its a convertible!
The process begins! After the doors were removed the bodyshell had to be braced to stop the shell folding in on itself.Then the door pillars and roof were removed.
New roof line
BMW 3 series coupe pillars and door glass were used to create the 2 door.
Door pillars
Door pillars on both sides fitted.
A post
The BMW roof pillars were grafted onto the original windscreen surround so the original ZT windscreen could be kept to maximaise the amount of original MG parts on the car
Roof skin
The original MG ZT roof skin was used.
Rear screen
The original ZT rear screen was grafted to fit in with the BMW C post.
Interior panel work
The rear interior panel work from the BMW was welded in to strengthen the rear.
Developing the doors.
The doors were made up from the ZT door and BMW door. The front is ZT so the body lines worked with the front wing and the door was lengthened with the rear of the BMW door. This ensured the shape of the rear part of the door fitted correctly with the B post from the BMW.
Inside the car.
This shows the inner structures of the door and rear panel.
Lengthening the doors.
Two ZT door skins were used to make the longer door skin needed.
Rear quarter panel.
The rear door skin from the ZT was utilised for the rear quarter panel skin.
Metal work ends!
The last part of the door skin has been welded ad all the metalwork on the body is finally finished. Now to start with the filler!
Side shot.
The rear quarter panel has been filled and we are starting to get an idea of how the car will look!
Body mods completed
Finally all the modifications to the body are finished and we get a good idea of how the 2 door will look.
ZT 385 bodykit fitting
A fibreglass body kit, produced from the original ZT 385 moulds, was made. It had to be adapted for the 2 door application.
Wide wheel arch's
Wider wheel arch's, sill trims and custom bumpers make the Coupe into Chris's ultimate ZT.
Wheel trial fitment
Once the bodykit was fitted it was time to see how the 20 inch Jaguar wheels would fit inside the wheel arches.
Engine bay
With the outer bodywork completed it was time to turn the attention to converting the bulkhead and tunnel to fit the V8 engine and gearbox.
Engine bay primed.
All the modifications to the bulkhead completed and the engine bay is primed ready for the trial fit of the engine.
Wiring loom
The V8 wiring loom was installed.
V8 heater and pedals
A different heater box had to be fitted from a ZT 260 to accomodate the slightly taller tunnel. Also, the pedals in a 260 are different to a standard ZT.
Boot floor
The last piece needed for the V8 conversion was to swap the boot floor, where the battery lives in a V8 ZT.
4.6l 32 valve Mustang V8
It's in ! The Mustang 4.6 litre V8 is trial fitted.
V8 engine
With the manifold on there is enough clearance for the bonnet without putting a vent in.
Rear axle assembly
This is the rear 'stuff up' subframe ready to be stripped down and refurbished before it is mounted on the body.
Last prep session before going to paint.
Time to finish the bodywork ready for paint.
Blue Grape
The first look at the final colour in the booth at Cleckheaton Body Repair. A custom paint colour called Blue Grape.
Blue grape in the sunshine
Our first look at the newly painted Coupe in the daylight.
Custom dials
Custom dials were designed for the ZT Coupe with the Xpower and Mustang horse logos and the milage display changed from orange to blue.
Interior
The interior was fitted with BMW coupe front seats so they tilt forward. It has custom made leather covered door cards and a leather covered centre console with body coloured dash panels.
Interior- rear
Custom leather trims and grey leather rear seat.
Coupe rear
MG7 rear lights were chosen to modernise the rear.
Coupe front end
Show plates fitted
MG Xpower Coupe
MOT time
First MOT for the Coupe.
Finished Coupe
The finished coupe receiving some tlc in preparation for its first show.
MG ZT Coupe on display
Finally the MG ZT Coupe on display at MG Live at Silverstone.
Pateley Bridge MG show
The MG ZT has pride of place on our stand at Pateley Bridge MG show.
Photoshoot
Some atmospheric shots for MG Enthusiast magazine. This photo was taken on top of the Pennines above Huddersfield.
MG Enthusiast magazine
Front page for the ZT Coupe in the November 2018 issue.
Car of the Show!
The ZT Coupe was voted Car of the Show by Classic Car Weekly at Pride of Longbridge show in 2018.