The revised project was given the new designator LC8 ( Leyland Cars No 8), and the definitive Metro design would ultimately emerge under the leadership of BL's chief stylists David Bache and Harris Mann. The beginning of Metro production also saw a reduction in volumes for the larger Allegro. In late 1977, ADO88 was given an eleventh hour redesign, to make it both larger and less utilitarian in appearance, whilst the Mini itself would now remain in production in smaller numbers alongside it as a low-priced model. However, poor reception to the ADO88 design at customer clinics, coupled to the realisation within BL that Mini-sized cars were evolving into larger "superminis", such as the Vauxhall Chevette, Ford Fiesta, Fiat 127, Renault 5 and Volkswagen Polo, forced a major reappraisal of the project after 1975. The roots of the Metro lay in an earlier project denoted as ADO88 ( Amalgamated Drawing Office, 88-inch wheelbase), which was intended to be a direct replacement for the Mini. On 8 October 1980, BL introduced the Austin mini Metro. 2,078,218 Metros of all types were built. The Rover 100 finally ceased production in 1998, being out-lived (by three years) by the original Mini that it was meant to replace. From 1990 until its withdrawal in 1998, the Metro was sold only as a Rover.Īlthough the R3 generation Rover 200 (introduced in 1995 and smaller than previous 200 models) had originally been designed as a replacement for the Metro, it was not marketed as such after its launch. During 1987, the car lost the Austin name, and was sold simply as the Metro. ![]() There were also van versions known as the Morris Metro and later, Metrovan.Īt the time of its launch, the Metro was sold under the Austin brand. It was re-badged as the Rover 100 series in January 1995. The Metro was named by What Car? as Car of The Year in 1983 as an MG, and again as a Rover in 1991.ĭuring its 18-year lifespan, the Metro wore many names: Austin Metro, MG Metro and Rover Metro. It was intended to complement and eventually replace the Mini, and was developed under the codename LC8. It was launched in 1980 as the Austin miniMetro. We have just fitted and new battery and put a fresh Mot on the car.Ī comprehensive history file is included along with original handbooks, spare keys, tool kit and even a collection of photographs taken by the previous owners.Īs the Metro becomes rarer, an excellent example such as this represents a solid collector’s choice or perhaps an immaculately clean starter classic.The Metro is a supermini car that was produced by British Leyland (BL) and, later, the Rover Group from 1980 to 1998. Mechanically the car starts, runs and drives perfectly. The Flint grey cloth seats have no wear and the carpets and trim are absolutely spotless. Pleasingly, the car still retains the original supplying dealer (Days of Chelmsford) registration plates and rear window sticker. The body work is in fantastic condition all round and really just needs to be seen to be appreciated. It is in its original specification other than the colour coded bumpers which the previous enthusiast owner purchased new from Rover in 2008 to brighten the car’s appearance. ![]() ![]() We’re proud to offer for sale that absolutely immaculate 1989 Austin Metro City X with only 16,965 milesįinished in Flame Red with Flint Grey cloth trim, the car is a close to new showroom condition as you could get.
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