Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A remarkable Mk1 Austin Metro 1.3 Automatic with 35,022 miles from new.
EQUIPMENT
All steel unitary construction, zinc primed body, hydragas suspension, halogen headlamps, rear wash/wipe, laminated windscreen, bronze tint glass, front spoiler, high lift tailgate, side rubbing strips, sun visors with ticket pocket and vanity mirror, soft-feel steering wheel, trip mileage recorder, split rear seats, companion boxes, lidded glovebox, brake pad warning indicator, heated rear window. Factory Options; Stereo cassette. Dealer accessories; Metro headlamp protectors, door lock protectors, sunroof, wheel embellishers, mud flaps, tailored Austin floor mats, Vanden Plas dash mats.
EXTERIOR
Finished in stunning Cinnabar Red, (Code CMT), this fantastic Mk1 Metro is every inch a rare surviving delight and boasts a bright unform finish to the original paintwork. Having covered just 35,022 miles from new, all trim, lights, glass and rubbers are in fabulous order and supplying dealer number plates, window stickers and etched glass are fitted. Even the genuine Metro headlamp protectors remain, a highly prized set alone! Some touched in stone chips, scratches and dings are visible upon close inspection but do not detract from the cars very impressive presentation and left to uphold originality. The underside is in superb order with detailed wheel arches and no welding or repairs to the body evident anywhere. Once a common sight on our roads, this fantastic example really does stir up nostalgia and represents a wonderful opportunity to the collector and enthusiast alike.
INTERIOR
The Metro Automatic was based on the HLE specification which afforded various luxuries over lesser models to include, the Shetland Tweed fabric seat coverings in Sandpiper, (Code AMX), which are preserved in amazing condition. The entire cabin space deserves the often-overused descriptive term ‘time warp’ whereby the low mileage and enthusiast Metro Owners Club pampering is clearly evident. The matching brown carpets remain protected by genuine Metro floor mats and the door cards and fascia are perfect. The headlining is clean and fully intact. All functions including the optional stereo cassette operate perfectly. A British car to beat the world!
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The legendary and time proven A-plus engine needs no introduction with robust simple mechanics and excellent parts availability. The Metro Automatic featured the larger 1275cc engine producing an increased 60.5hp, this spritely Metro can hold its own in modern traffic and is tremendous fun with Mini like road manners. A show-worthy engine bay is very clean with all plates, tags and labels intact. The four-speed automatic transmission with manual override facility with colour-change selector indicator operates as it should.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Instantly recognisable 12in steel Metro wheels are in pristine condition and dressed in optional Vanden Plas specification chrome embellishers. Brand new branded 155/70 R12 tyres were fitted in April 2022 and have covered very few miles. The immaculate boot area houses the spare wheel still shod in the factory Pirelli Cinturato P3 tyre as well as the original toolkit, jack and brace clipped to the plyboard cover. The dual circuit hydraulic brake system with circuit failure monitor pulls the car up quickly and safely.
HISTORY FILE
A well-known example within the Metro Owners Club with plenty of stand appearances including the NEC Classic Car Show, this car is used to the limelight! Factory records confirm this particular example was built at the Longbridge Plant and rolled off the production line at 15:06 on the 15th August 1983. The supplying Austin Dealership was Wembley Motor Co Ltd and first registration was on the 1st September 1983 to a distinguished gentleman, Mr W.M.C Hargreaves MBE. The huge history files illustrate just how well cared for and cherished this example has been with ownership within the Metro Owners Club for many years including none other than Club Chairman, Tom Morley, who’s fastidious method of detailing is famous!
Two huge history folders contain a neatly filed collection of receipts, invoices, MOT certificates and paperwork dating back to the initial welcome letters from Austin Rover to Mr W.M.C Hargreaves MBE. The original Austin document wallet houses the full book pack with service book and three sets of keys. Completing the vehicle history are extensive photographs of the car with previous club members and on car show stands as well as copies of magazines featuring the car. There is even a book titled, Best of British Leyland Collector’s Edition Metro featuring this actual car!
This is a very desirable and preserved low mileage British Leyland iconic product.
HPI Clear.
