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MG ZR ZS ZT Technical - MG Convertible?

As convertibles are becoming more popular in this warm weather,would it be desirable for MG to convert one of their existing models,and if so,which one?
Tony

How about the TF?
Ted Newman

Tony
The mid 90's range of 400/200 spawned a load of variants like the Cabriolet (which I assume you mean by convertible, rather than two-seaters sports car), the Coupe and the Tourer. There was even a Metro Cabriolet, as well as the Mini Convertible.

However, the 45/ZS is out being based on the Honda, and as with the 600, Honda limited the amount of body styles/variants Rover could do, as I understand, although BMW may have had some part in that decision, too.

The 25/ZR may be a possibility since it wasn't a Honda bodyshell. And I have seen a photoshopped 75 in Cabriolet and Coupe form that are so desirable, I reckon MG R could sell the next 5 years production based on the pictures alone.

I am not sure that an MG cabriolet isn't a bit soft (wouldn't want to spoil that handling with some jelly like bodyshell!), perhaps better done on the Rover badge? The 75 would have to be two door, which if they went to that much effort they may as well do a coupe (SLK style?) and a Cabriolet!

I saw a P5B this weekend at the Chester Festival of Transport that had been cabriolet'd with the rear doors welded up. Looked very good, yet stately, without the poser look of the modern cabriolets!

With two children, my money would be on a 75 Coupe or Cabriolet if they did one, an MG TF is out of the question! Perhaps they could ressurect the Morris Minor Tourer!
Martin ZT

Hmm - imagine a 75 V8 cabrio :o) Would be something rather like that P5B you saw Martin. Awsome. :o)
Rob Bell

Or a ZT/75 Coupe ?
It would look remarkably like a Bentley GT, terrific!

checkit out...http://www.ssip.net/gtcoupe.php

BUT! Both the coupe and a convertible would necessitate the building of a 2 door variant of the car, so if they were ever to do a Convertible they would need to make a Coupe/2 door variant.

Only the ZR currently comes as a 2door so this is the only one that could be made into a convertible "easily"

...Not a bad idea actually, Any number of the Italian Carrouserie could do it, Bertone, Pininfarina, etc.

Also it is a terrific way of extending a product's life span. Particularly as the range is getting a bit long in the tooth. Viz the VW Golf Clipper which went on for decades!

Neil

Check out the work by these talented folk (do they work for MGR?)
http://www.xpower-mg.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=9085&password=
Martin ZT

Martin, I think the clue is in the use of the word Photoshop :)

Ralph
Ralph

http://www.xpower-mg.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8385&password=&sort=1&cat=9085&page=1

stunning!

Neil

"(do they work for MGR?)" - that was a tongue-in-cheek comment!

Thinking about it, AutoExpress will probably feature these pictures as next week's Scoop on 'troubled' MG Rover!
Martin ZT

And it'll be powered by a 1,000,000 bhp perpetual motion engine I bet ;o) LOL

I guess we shouldn't be too hard on AE: at least they are supportive of MG, unlike certain other quarters of the motoring press...
Rob Bell

Was very pleased with the response to my input.
Did not realise that there were already so many "one off" convertibles around:particularly liked the light blue ZR/25 photo on the XPower site-maybe that should be the first to be put into production?
Wonder if an electrically operated hood would be necessary even on this 'bottom of the range'model-as it certainly would be on a ZS or ZT variant.
Tony

Ahhh Tony the magic of CGI!!!
You make anything possible in virtual reality.
I wonder if a Routemaster Coupe has ever been "Created"?

Neil The Alien Terminator of Kraal
Neil

>I wonder if a Routemaster Coupe has ever been "Created"?<

Back in the early sixties one being trialed on the 35 route (in London) failed to turn off Coldharbour Lane - Instant Routemaster Convertible!

Ted
Ted Newman

Get these darn topless buses around Chester doing 5mph with a long queue of traffic in its wake!
Martin ZT

Thats the difference between Northeners and Southeners!

The only topless things here with a queue behind them aint buses:-)

Ted
Ted Newman

Yeah that and pearlescent paint....oh sh1t forgot about Essex, a little part of the north in the south

Neil

Yup, we have proper car plants up here! Not just engine assembly.....
Martin ZT

MG family-compatible convertibles - so my neighbour with his three children doesn't have to buy Saab? Don't get me started!!!
Syd Enever

This thread was discussed between 16/06/2004 and 20/06/2004

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