If I were you I would keep the 1.8 Club SE nice and original ( as you intend) and then use the 2004 Contemporary as a platform for any & all mods that may take your fancy.

That way you have the best of both worlds and can enjoy the differences between original and modded :D.

As others have said though, it's your car, so whatever route you choose will be the right one, as long as it's what you want :}.

Cliff

I love originality in cars especially older 'classics' as it so nice to see a car the way it was when new rather than one thats been modded.
My 1963 Mini is totally original with the one exception of having front and rear seatbelts fitted and that only for peace of mind when out and about with the family.

I think modifications from the same model range are quite acceptable though, eg heated leather from a Connie SE into a Club, different alloys, projector headlights rather than halogens....etc

What I totally HATE is where manufacturers spend millions designing a car and some tw@t thinks that a restyle based on a smash and grab at Halfrauds 'improves' it :duh:

I must admit, the changes that I have made to my own car have nearly all come from the MG/Rover parts bin.

I've got a 1959 Singer Gazelle and I've tried to keep that as original as possible (It's had restoration done so not all the paint and metal is) but it still has no wing mirrors or seat belts, I even scoured Ebay and autojumbles for Lucas BPF headlamps that had 'Made in England' on the glass - you can still buy these headlamps new but that are Foreign marked ones.

My ZT is not strictly original either as although it is an SE, didn't have the SE option pack although it does now. It's also got a lot of PPD bits put back on it. I don't think anyone is going to say 'ooh, that a Mk1 carpet but that's a Mk2 car...'

I don't think it's such a problem with cars like the 75/ZT where you can rob the MGR parts bin and all the bits look factory fitted, but then you do see some of these naff drain pipe exhausts or blingy wheels and you think...:eek:

It's when you look at 90s cars like Mk1 Astra GTEs, Golf GTis and Ford XRs for example that originality seems to count, mainly because so many were 'souped up' by boy-racers with as many naff extras that they could lay their hands on. You now see an original one and you do realise that the manufacturer go it pretty much right first time.

If you want a good argument about originality then talk to railway enthusiasts about 'Flying Scotsman'... :D

My thoughts on modifications or originality (for shows) is if they are period mods or possible dealer fit options, then go for it. That includes the whip aerial, slated rear window shade and wolf race supra slots on a late 70s car, but not on an eighties one.

If you have intention of showing it in concours shows or keeping as an investment, then mod it to how you want it. It is your car.

Sent from my SM-A600FN using Tapatalk

I've thought of putting a Mk.1 front bumper and headlights on my 75 v8. I did replace the standard seats with those from a Contemporary.

Now this really appeals to me. I have seen a V8 ZT dressed up in 75 bumpers with a 75 connoisseur interior. Made me smile. Would love that, a proper Q car.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

I've also got a foot in the Ford camp. It drives me mad when I see on the Facebook groups someone proudly displaying their 'new to me' 20+ year old Ford and the first thing they ask is about changing the wheels and stereo. Or changing to coilovers, getting a remap, bad boy exhaust etc.

Typically these are cars on the cusp of survival and, like many of our 75s & ZTs, need significant TLC where the sun don't shine before spending time and cash on the twinkly bits.

And, sure is eggs is eggs, these cars pop up for sale some six months later as 'a good project for someone', quoting how much they've spent on the wheels, spoiler, performance (?) air filter blah blah but now fancy something else. Just needs a little welding to make perfect :duh::duh::duh:

Couldn't agree more. :cool: