Top 10: MG saloons
Mention MG to most enthusiasts and they’ll conjure up images of a two-seater roadster of some description. Whether it’s an early T-type or a later MGB, it’s what most folk think of when the famous Abingdon brand is mentioned. And yet MG has also enjoyed major success with its sporting saloons over the years, with the most popular models now highly sought after on today’s classic scene.
Let’s get one thing sorted straight away, though: in this particular instance, when we refer to MG saloons we’re also including the odd hatchback. In fact, we’re talking about pretty much any MG that isn’t a two-seater sportster. And there have been a surprising number of them.
The popularity of the best MG saloons is understandable. Most have possessed at least a modicum of sportiness, whilst managing to provide the kind of four- or five-seater practicality demanded by many buyers. In most cases it still makes for a tempting combination, whether your preference is for an MG YA of the late ’40s or a last-of-the-line ZT of the 21st century.
Even better news is that you don’t need a massive bank balance in order to afford a classic MG saloon that’s capable of providing practicality and entertainment value in equal measure. So which will you choose?
By Paul Guinness
MG ZR/ZS
Funds were tight for MG Rover from the outset; but what the company achieved with its launch of the Rover 25-based MG ZR and 45-based ZS was little short of miraculous, transforming a pair of worthy but unexciting Rovers into eye-catching, sharp-handling, high-performing hatches and saloons.
Okay, the entry-level ZR105 wasn’t exactly a ball of fire, but it was still entertaining. At the top of the tree sat the 2.5-litre V6-engined ZS180, with 177bhp on tap. Best news of all is that as little as a grand (or less) will buy you one now in reasonable condition.
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