MG ZR160





You didn't get them in America. In fact, only 48 made it to Australia before MG-Rover went tits-up. Sold over 10,000 in the UK though.
1.8 litre, 4 cylinders, Variable Valve Control to give 160hp in a car that weighs 1100kg.
That VVC is fantastic - she pulls from 1,500 revs right through 7,000 where the rev-limiter cuts in and the power curve is dead straight.

Smaller than she looks but you can fold the seats down and put a bike in the back. She's also supposed to have a large, rear spoiler but it parted company with the rest of the car during the previous owner's stewardship.