[Dan1971]

Well as a ZS site - I'm fairly sure most will say keep the ZS ! A ZR site would say get the ZR.

I must admit to a real hankering for a T16 ZS or ZR and to be honest, I use the MG as a plaything so practicality for me doesn't come into it.

Depends what your needs are I suppose. If you need a bigger car and use it on a daily basis - I'd say stick to the ZS. You want a pocket rocket - get the ZR.

As far as the 1.4 badge is concerned. Truth be told - unless it's to make it look like a sleeper - it's more than likely an insurance dodge and if you got stopped and your insurance was checked and it's insured as a 1.4, a keen eyed trafpol - like a few we have on here - would report you and you'd be looking at 6 points and £200 there and then and having the car seized. Insurance in the future becomes difficult after that point too. The DVLA should also be informed and failure to do so is also an offence.

If you fancy it - get on the blower to a specialist and get a quote to get it on the road legally - and see if it's worth it. Take it for a drive maybe ....

The other thing to consider is that it sounds - to me anyway - to be a decent offer. Mk1 180s are worth what - £500 - to £900 these days. If your getting offered a swap on a good well built T16 that's in decent nick - I'd say that you're getting a good deal.