Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A multi concours award-winning Rover Metro 1.3 L Clubman fanatically owned.
EQUIPMENT
All steel unitary construction, laminated windscreen, twin door mirrors, locking fuel filler, two-tone moulded bumpers, colour coded grille, bodyside coachline and mouldings, tailgate tape, glass sunroof, styled halogen headlamps, twin rear fog lamps, front head restraints, colour coded front and rear seatbelts, colour keyed fascia and steering wheel, rear parcel shelf, floor mounted centre console, remote controlled driver’s door mirror, fascia mounted digital clock, heated rear window, rear wash/wipe, cigar lighter, radio cassette. Factory Options; 4 Speed automatic gearbox. Dealer Options; Mudflaps, Rover floor mats.
EXTERIOR
The ultimate show Metro, this 1989 Flame Red Metro needs no introduction having graced the winner’s podium at countless national shows and concours judging events. Finished in original Rover Flame Red, (Code COF), this example has been owned by renowned car enthusiast and highly talented detailer, Tom Morley, for the last 11 years and gained countless first place trophies in this time. Years’ worth of painstaking detailing has achieved simply breath-taking results and for a car wearing largely factory paint except the front wings, it is simply incredible. Only very close scrutiny will reveal light touched in markings, utterly insignificant and barely worthy of mention. The underside is very clean and features such as the polished suspension spheres with clear part number are remarkable! Originality such as factory spot welds to the rear arches, factory fitted decals, supplying dealer fit number plates, tax disc holder and Rover Service sticker are wonderful to see! The front and rear light clusters and rear fog lamps are factory fitment with the Austin logo to the lenses. This is a very special Metro.
INTERIOR
The Metro L Clubman was factory built to a high specification and trimmed to a typical Rover level of plush refinement. The Zenith Fabric seats in the Flint colour scheme, (Code LCG), remain in beautiful condition. The plump carpets have been protected by the original fitted Rover mats and all interior trim looks like new. All functions and controls operate as they should and a slightly more modern Rover stereo unit has been fitted. The immaculate boot area houses an original Dunlop TD Tyre, jack with short white bungee cord strap and circular plywood disc cover. Reminiscent of a far simpler motoring era and preserved in superb condition.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The legendary and time proven A-Series engine of 1275cc displacement needs no introduction. Producing an ample 62bhp, this sedate Metro offers a relaxed driving experience with a top speed of 90mph and 0-60 in 16.0 seconds. Seeing is believing, the engine bay is better than new! The level of detailing carried out is fascinating with every clip, nut, bolt and washer having been given the Tom Morley treatment! In some areas Tom has added subtle personal brightwork touches which are easily reversable should the next custodian wish. Factory plates, stickers and panel stampings are clearly visible. The factory optional four-speed automatic transmission operates exactly as it should and suits the cars character.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Factory standard pressed steel wheels remain fitted and are dressed with the original full-width wheel trims which are as new. Highly sought-after Dunlop TD SP Elite 160/65 R315 tyres retain plenty of tread and good rubber condition. The dual line servo-assisted brakes with ventilated front discs pull the car up quickly and safely.
HISTORY FILE
A copy of the Austin Rover vehicle register in the history file confirms a build date of 13th November 1989 for what was to be possibly the luckiest and most pampered Metro there ever was to be! The car was registered new on 21st November 1989 by Rover Main Dealer, Lex Mead Stockport, to first owner, Mrs McHale. Cherished, strictly garaged and maintained regardless of cost, the car had covered just 19,000 miles when in 2009 Mrs McHale sadly passed away. Later that year, Tom Morley who is a prominent Metro Owner’s Club member and collector of British Leyland and Austin Rover cars, took up the opportunity to purchase the car. Then began what was to be a journey of many years of dedication to the car and countless winning podium positions at national shows and concours judging events. There are too many winning accolades, Best in Show awards and Pride of Ownership achievements to list, with a full set of awards in the history file. A huge achievement was when the Metro qualified and was showcased on the prestigious Meguiar’s Stand at the NEC Classic Car Show in November 2019 to feature on the Best in Show stand. Please click here to see a video of Tom being interviewed by Mike Brewer at the show.
The immaculate presented and categorised history file is every inch as meticulous as the car itself and features a huge record of the cars show history and awards along with several albums of photos including those cataloguing the detailing process. A second section holds a massive file of invoices and MOT certificates dating back to 1996 to accompany the full book pack including the service book in the Lex Mead wallet. The Meguiar’s and Autoglym show boards remain with the car ready for the next owners show attendance! With Metro’s fast becoming increasingly collectable having celebrated the 40th Anniversary in 2020, this pampered example is without question one of the best in existence and proven so!
HPI Clear.
