Ben Oliver
There’s a lid for every pot, as the saying goes. And we’re rather hoping you might be the ‘lid’ that saves this low-mileage Metro from being recycled into pots, pans or – heaven forfend – a new Mini. Based in Sussex its whole life, still bearing the original supplying dealer’s plates and sticker and now stored in a heated, dehumidified barn alongside some far more aristocratic British kit, this 38,000-mile, five-door 1.0L has covered just 38,000 miles since 1985.
It hasn’t been used on the road in nearly a decade, but brief runs on the farm where it now lives reveal a tight mechanical package, and a (mostly) fresh interior. It has been in the same family almost from new, and its guardians would like to see it go to an enthusiastic new owner, rather than the cold embrace of the baler. That’s because there are ‘issues’: rot in the front valance, both front wings and the base of at least one door, and the headlining has partially collapsed.
If you’re interested in taking it on, a fuller set of pictures can be supplied so there are no surprises should you venture to the south coast to collect. Not that there’s anything you couldn’t fix with an enterprising attitude, basic skills and a long weekend. And the owners are sensible on value.
No sensible offer will be refused, and you can make it to [email protected]
Is the Editor of the Parkers website and price guide, formerly editor of Classic Car Weekly, and launch editor/creator of Modern Classics magazine. Has contributed to various motoring titles including Octane, Practical Classics, Evo, Honest John, CAR magazine, Autocar, Pistonheads, Diesel Car, Practical Performance Car, Performance French Car, Car Mechanics, Jaguar World Monthly, MG Enthusiast, Modern MINI, Practical Classics, Fifth Gear Website, Radio 4, and the the Motoring Independent...
Likes 'conditionally challenged' motors and taking them on unfeasible adventures all across Europe.
- Announcement : Still working on securing AROnline’s future - 8 December 2023
- The cars : Rover P6 development story - 8 December 2023
- Concepts and prototypes : Hyundai/Rover Oden (1992) - 9 November 2023
Looks a nice Metro when you see through the usual rust spots, be nice project and a good solid car (if only I had the space!)
To be fair, that looks less rusty than my Renault 18…
The rear wheelarches seem good so it looks worth saving.
I do love Metros. I can’t believe how many I shamelessly ripped apart for their engines years ago. They were so plentiful and where seen as cheap parts bins on wheels by us in the Mini scene.
Now times have changed and Metros are getting really rather rare. I wouldn’t dream of pulling one apart! One day I will have a Metro as a project, sadly no time soon as the queue of cars awaiting my attention is just too long!
Doesn’t look bad at all really, considering its age. Will probably be a do-able project. I remember that colour back in the day. Is it really 27 years old? How time flies
Not my cuppa, but I’d love to think this will go to a loving home (someone must like them!)…
Are the TD tyres for the ‘quartic effect’ wheels still available commercially?
Wasn’t this featured in the Daily Mail?
Not really, objectively a metro is probably a better car than a mini. Same running gear, but it has a hatch, better driving position and more space. The mark 2 Metro is streets ahead of a mini, with a 5 speed, K series engine and interconnected suspension.
Yet I would jump at the chance of saving a mini, but not a Metro. The Metro just lacks something, there is no charisma, no charm, nothing loveable about it. It is hard to explain, but I could never see a Metro as a classic car.
see the point about minis but the metro should be saved for future generations to enjoy, i like all BL stuff anyway so im a bit bias.. dont forget it started the supermini craze in the early 80s so it does have a claim to fame i think anyway!!
It seems the only real issue is non-structural rot. I could sort that! I may make an enquiry…..
Just done a brief bit of research and seen some very varied prices for Austin Metro. £950 for a tidy low miler could be possible. Mmm…? – it’s a long way to collect it…..
@6- No I don’t think you can get the TD tyres, my trailer has them on and when the last 2 I’ve got fall to bits I’ll have to change the hubs.
Too bad i can’t take this on-got 2 in bits in the garage already.
Looks at least to need 2 wings, and front panel, and god only knows whatever underneath. especially as metros were well known for rotting. The Mrs’ first car was the 3 door version of this, and it was very, very rusty, and that was nigh on 10 years ago
My father’s 1981 Metro 1.0L had that much rust when it was four years old…
It’s a nice old thing harking back to a byegone age. Would be nice to save it especially being one of the original style. These are becoming very rare now and I have now reached the stage where I go and look at any that I see parked (sad, I know, it’s an age thing…)
HI – thanks for all the kind comments – despite a few enquiries the car is still looking for a home. The successful applicant will also receive a FREE cup of tea and ONE DOZEN fresh eggs from the farm!
Can’t believe this has not been snapped up yet… Come on, gang 🙂
Buy it before I do – save me from me…
Keith, it’s just another old Metro. Nothing really spectacular. Its quite badly crusty too, and to get it sorted isn’t going to be cheap. You are talking 2 new wings, front valance, and very possibly fresh steel letting in to all 4 doors, plus countless other hidden rust areas. You are then looking at a full respray, so to get it tidy, you are already on the silly side of £1,500, which will buy you an absolutely mint example.