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Car Of The Month :
May 2014



Carriage Royal by Nev The Bear



My interest in Rover 75's and MG ZT's started after visiting the club’s stand at the 2012 Classic Motor Show. I was so impressed with the cars I thought I would love one of those but probably not be able to afford one. After browsing the internet searching for cars I realised I could afford to buy either a 75 or ZT, I then decided I wanted to own one and my hunt then began.

I went to look at a few cars within about 30 miles but for one reason or another the initial ones I looked at were ruled out either due to the condition of the cars, mileage or in particular a garage asking what seemed to be far too much money for them.



Christmas passed and I feared I would not locate a car I liked, I then discovered a garage in Torbay that had two facelift 75's, one in Classic Spec finished in White Gold and the other a Connoisseur SE. I decided to put in the miles to go and have a look at them both.

I instantly fell in love with the Royal Blue Connoisseur SE, originally registered AV54 NLE, especially as the garage had the full ownership history, plus the icing on the cake was the first owner had been MG Rover Group.

Together with my father-in-law I took it for a test drive, my opinion after returning was this is the car I want as I’m not going to find another as good. I then spoke to the salesman who advised if I part-exchanged my 09 plate C3 Picasso against the 75 I would be £25 in credit.

I did not want to make a snap decision even though the car and deal on offer almost seemed to be too good to be true so I slept on it, needless to say the following morning I was on the phone to the garage to say I wanted that 75.



Since owning my 75 I have lavished lots of care, cleaning and polishing on it, I’ve also made various additions and improvements including:-

• Wheel Centre Caps repainted & fitted with new badges via Jezzer1
• Alloy Wheels refurbished
• Engine Bay cleaned and tidied
• Coolant Expansion Tank painted
• Oil Filler and Washer Bottle Caps replaced
• Facelift Premium Grill Badge fitted supplied by trebor
• Front Bumper re-sprayed
• Front Bumper mesh re-sprayed
• Front Bumper fixings replaced with stainless steel fixings
• GB badge fitted to boot lid
• Light Oak Dash Kit fitted supplied by Simon in Bulgaria
• New Pioneer Stereo fitted
• Pre Project Drive Door Reflectors
• Seat Belt Bolt Covers fitted
• Plenum guard fitted supplied by Jules
• Side indicator repeater lenses replaced
• Steering wheel leather dye applied supplied by Stubie
• Engine under tray fixings replaced



I have now owned my 75 for just over a year, it passed it's last MOT with no failures or advisories which really pleased me. My 75 is my everyday car plus takes me and my wife on holiday in the UK.

It has become a project of care and attention as despite it being in such good condition I will always be looking at what else I can add or do to keep it as good as it is today.

Last year I attended the Allington Farm Family Fun Day and Cherished Car Show in Chippenham where I displayed my 75 plus I also showed it at the Bristol Classic Car Show at the Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet in the Classic Car area. I will be displaying my 75 again at this year’s Allington Farm Family Fun Day and Cherished Car Show on Sunday 1st June 2014.



One of the best things about owning my car is the 75 and ZT owners club which I joined about a month after buying it; the club is fantastic I have saved so much time and money through the advice and parts supplied by the members and traders on the forum. I attended a couple of South West Meets last year and have just attended this year's Pride of Longbridge rally and the club's 16th National meet for the first time.

I've got to say this 75 is the best car I have ever owned and I would never part with it.



Article written by member Nev The Bear
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