I had a close friend who was still driving his Metro car until he was 103 years old. He was a dreadful driver so everyone of his friends celebrated when the car failed the MOT and he couldn't afford the repairs. On the positive side every body loved and when he died at the age of 105 he had two funeral services (one in Latin and one in English) both of which were packed. It would be fun to think he is driving a Metro in heaven this time safely. He first started driving in 1929 on his 18th birthday. All he needed to drive was to buy a driving licence at the post office, no lessons at all! No wonder he was terrible as a driver. You are missed Archie.
An old friend of mine got his driving license during the First World War his license covered him to drive everything from a trains to motorbikes cars a lot
My grandmother, may she rest, had a Metro City E back in the late 80s and early 90s. It was a C reg if I remember rightly (which made it 1985?) and was an 'upgrade' from a battered silver mini she had before. I still remember the whine of the engine, which even as a young boy I absolutely loved. I remember her taking us swimming (5 kids in the car before seatbelts in the back were really a thing) and when it was time to leave she got trigger happy with the choke and flooded the engine. We had to sit and wait for ages til she could start the car again. If I can find a reasonably priced one I'm determined to buy one for myself for old times sake
Cheers from the USA! My father raced British sports cars in the early 1960’s., MG’s, Triumph etc. Each time I watch a new vlog of yours, I think of Dad and wonderful memories of him and his cars.
This brings back memories. My wife had a Mk1 1.3 HLE as our second car, same colour and trim, it did kids to school, shopping etc plus a two hundred mile round trip to the coast most weekends, swiftly and economically. was not gutless at all. If you can, try one!
Hi ! In France, there was a very nice special série at the end of the 80's, the Metro Schweppes. I would have liked to have one at the Time :). I really enjoy BL cars. I made my parents buy a Montego 1.6 SL at the time, good comfortable car, and then a Rover 25 to replace it 11 years later. My mother gave the rover to me in 2002 and I kept it for 8 years, good car too. Take Care Steph and a happy New year 🥰
We had a diesel Metro for years, used to run all over the country on a thimble full of fuel 🤣 Brilliant car, absolutely faultless, didn't want to sell it but had to when kids came along and I was breaking my back putting the child seats in the rear. Wish we still had it. Happy new year 🎉👍
Lovely video Steph my uncle worked in the west works at Longbridge on metro assembly to almost the end of production of the original version when he moved to Land Rover he showed Prince Charles around the plant and always spoke highly of the cars he had a HLE on a W plate which was silver with a maroon interior and then he also had a later lipari blue 1.0L Loved the HLE and always remember the loud tick of the clock on the dash!
Bought my girlfriend, at the time, a brand new G plate Black Metro Mosiac back in the day. Was a cracking workhorse and far more practical than my Rover Mini Cooper.
I drove a 1.1l metro from Brum to eurodisney Paris with my ex and our young son in 1999. Ended up driving thru rush hour Paris traffic, in the dark, on 'wrong' side of road on Friday night, and it was raining. The car coped with it -and their motorways- far better than I did. Paris drivers were really kind, & let me swap lanes multiple times as I was lost. Many thanks to them, from the clueless, lost Englishman in his little silver car.
My first ride in one was a brand new 1984 1.0 L. It was the same red as Timmy. The seats were lovely and I liked how tall it seemed compared to my Mum's 1981 Fiesta. It was obviously shorter than the Fiesta but it felt much more roomy inside. The whine of the gearbox was a lovely sound too. Steph thank you so much for 2020.
Gosh this car takes me back I passed my driving test in one of these in 1981, same colour a BSM base spec model. Fun little car and a terrific review as always.
Can't overstate how much pleasure you have brought us with your road tests during this miserable year. You are just what we needed and bring so much knowledge and variety to each video. Rekindled our love for old cars. Keep up the good work .
How nice hearing from you on the last day of the year. Thanks Steph! Finding your channel was one of the best things that happened to me this year. May you have a wonderful '21 and God bless.
@@idriveaclassic I love you and your channel Steph. I look forward to what you'll bring us in the new year. And I hope the COVID will pass so that you might come to the USA and drive some of our classics.
I passed my test in '88 in a Metro VDP and vowed I'd never drive another one, the gearbox whine did my nut in. Still though its nice to see someone with a different opinion has preserved one because it brings back memories of when the roads were filled with them.
Great video Steph, reminds me of the Metro I had in the early 90’s B reg facelift Metro 1.0 HLE, great little car, did a long mileage holiday to Scotland in it, didn’t miss a beat. The only issue I had with it sometimes was it didn’t like damp weather.
I love those early Metros, they looked just right. In October 1980, I went with my Dad to the launch night at Wadham Stringers in Wiltshire. I recall the one in the showroom was a fetching shade of green, Applejack? I Still have all the brochures and gumph somewhere. My first company car was a red HLE FFL something Y so have a deep affection for them. Great video and a happy new year!
Sometimes it's nice to be as old as God's dog...I grew up in Redditch, just a few miles from Longbridge and remember part of the advert being filmed on the then recently-built A448 dual carriageway between Redditch and Bromsgrove one Sunday in July/August 1980. Within months they were EVERYWHERE. Happy New Year everyone. x
Austin Metro was selling relatively well in Portugal. I remember those little cars from my childhood but there was very strong competition from Fiat with the 127, Citroen with the Visa and Renault with the 5 GTL. It was quite innovative for its time with a very modern design specially the interior. Few years later, in 1983, the Uno had similar dashboard just adding a moveable ashtray and satellite controls for the lights and wipers. Sales dropped significantly once the Fiat Uno (1983), Peugeot 205 (1984), Renault Super 5 (1984), Opel Corsa (1982), Ford Fiesta MK2 (1983) and Citroen AX (1986) showed up.
Love the metro, what a beautiful example. So rare to see these days unfortunately, all Credit to Ryan. Wishing you and Josh a Happy New Year. Love that you sneaked in an extra video review as a treat for us Steph. Keep up the wonderful work in 2021, May your channel go from strength to strength as you bring a diverse range of vehicles and your videos are always well researched. By the way, loving the hair, looking amazing here!
Great video steph i remember my girlfriend back in the day picking me up in one in the early 80s .was the latest little car to have .do remember the whining transmission. Great visability though
I have a 1997 Rover 100 called rory! He may not have continued the metro name, but he's still 80% the same as this metro shown so wind your necks in! The 100 is one of the last true British cars so it should be remembered and celebrated, we shouldn't dwell on what could have been. I'm never selling mine, ever!
This was my first car after passing my driving test back in 94. I am looking for an MG or Turbo metro now.. That one looks like it's in amazing condition, such a British icon of the 80's. This was a really good video and such a high quality production, the way you talk is so clear an crisp that you are so easy just to relax and get Los in the review
Great video! New Year's Eve spent watching idriveaclassic - perfect! Love that every car you test is an honest example! Look forward to seeing more of your videos in 2021!
Great video Steph, i passed my test in a Metro with BSM in 1988, never driven one since but would love to again one day. Keep up the good work, all the best for 2021.
I used to occasionally borrow the family Metro Vanden Plas. More comfortable than the original Mini (especially with the luxury VdP interior), but not as much fun to drive. Thanks for all your great reviews, Steph, despite the difficulties. It makes me smile to see all the old cars we used to drive. Have a happy and healthy 2021. 😎👍
It’s easy to forget just what a breath of fresh air the Metro was for Austin Rover, and what a lovely, rational and practical design it has. The interior especially is very pleasing - I always liked the simplicity and clarity of the instruments, and the really neat switches to the right of the driver.
Great video, which brings back happy memories of learning to drive in a Metro. Don't ask me why but i can even remember the reg; GAH 810Y ! Love this channel so much.
Had soooo many of these, used to buy MOT failures repair them and sell them to new and learner drivers, most of the failures were usually due to corrosion, i spent way too many hours welding sills floorpans and jacking points which made mockery of the so called new underseal and waxoil. I also got the hang of swapping the engine and gearboxes within a few hours on my own and i am a retired nurse not a mechanic
Yay, what a way to finish the year. The gearbox whine totally takes me back to my childhood where you could always hear one coming and know what it was long before you saw it. I always had a real soft spot for Metros, especially the Austin ones. There was a sort of boxy honesty about them and, as you say, the space and visibility are brilliant for its size. I'd love a shot of one as Ive heard they handle a bit like a Mini but just with more space and a better ride. Sounds like fun! I got Craig Cheetham's Metro book for Christmas and I'm looking forward to reading. Thank you so much for all your videos in 2020 - such a welcome relief when times were a bit odd - and all the best for 2021. Hope you have fun with Jill too when she comes out of storage and hope to see you at a car show in the future
Absolutely Brilliant Steph. I had a red Corgi model metro in 1981. My first car aged 17 was a brand new Targa Red Metro City in 1987. I worked my way through metros in many different guises until my Rover Metro GTi in 1993. Fab to drive, loved them all- and regret selling them of course! Happy New Year to you.
My ex-wife and I had two in the nineties. The last one of these was quite old by the time we got it, being on a tight budget with two very young children and mortgage rates sky high. I remember fixing a whole in a panel by pop riveting a piece of metal I'd cut from a badly milk powder tin over it, dishing it in carefully with a hammer, and skimming over with Isopon before spraying with a can. Was that a spare distributor cap in the boot Steph? Did anyone else do the Marigold glove trick, putting a tiny hole in the fingers of an old Marigold and pushing the HT leads through, one for each cylinder and one for the feed, then the wrist part going over the distributor to keep out the damp?
I love your focus bout bl, just gave away my 1100 left hand drive from 73 to my neffew [], hope his father's gonna restore it, has 8 years and bout 3000 bucks to go, but it's one rare gem, last 'press' of that one aaand left hand drive, cheers
Absolutely loved my Metro , I brought a Mew Metro Principles edition . It was ice white with a funky interior. It was stolen in 91/92 and never recovered . Happy new year my dear
A car I found devoid of character in its day, but seems a little sweetie now. As for the age group preference - I can relate to that as my current drive is a Panda (new!) and that's also a model generally popular with the senior driver. P.S. The flaps reference....camp and rude: I approve!!
I always thought the Metro was a bit of a flaky job. Then a friend of mine bought a black 1.3 litre 5 speed example. One old boy owner from new, 59,000 miles on the clock, fairly solid and £350. It was suprisingly roomy and more comfortable than it looked. It wasn't terrifyingly fast despite having the "big block" A-series engine but neither did traffic form queues behind it. Best of all was the handling. It scampered out of T-junctions, you didn't have to slow down much to take corners and not at all to take bends. It was a hugely entertaining car. Nowadays of course, really decent examples are fetching the same sort of money they sold for new. Potential daily driver? Absolutely, I can think of plenty of worse cars. Metros are still a practical proposition. As I write this, 2021 is nearly 6 hours old. I hope sincerely this year is better than last year for everyone!
Had an MG Metro in 1983 but got rid after a few months. Clutch slave cylinder failed within 24 hours of taking delivery and over the next 6 months the cyclinder head leaked coolant staining the block , the engine would cut-out at the lights and it suffered significant idle gear chatter. AA inspection also found the engine mounts were missing a number of bolts. Luckily I worked for Lex Group Services and got it a good discount so I recovered all my costs when I sold it onto a main dealer. Went back to driving a Mini until my company car came along. I was so disappointed in the quality but later Rover cars I had were fantastic. Still got my Mini.
I'd love it if you drove a 1995 Metro so you could see how good they got (and should have been from day 1 had BL had the cash and ambition to make it).
We had a 1982 yellow, base model, Metro in the family. We loved it, and it drove really really well. And I love your hairdo! ;-) Another great video Steph!!!!
Wow 40 years since the Metro was launched! I still have a 1982 dark blue Metro that I want to get back on the road when I`m well, project for next year. I got my Hydragas repaired on my Midas Coupe (Metro based) with a guy over in Telford, quite reasonable price too, check out Ian and Dawn Kennedy, they know all there is to know about Hydragas. Regarding the heater on the Mk1 Metros the flaps in the unit have foam covering them which disintegrates over time, it can easily be replaced, just means taking the unit out and I used self adhesive fire retardant foam, which I bought in a roll and cut to size. did the trick and the heat comes through nicely now, also the cold air flow is much improved. Anyway thank you for the great video and wishing you a Happy New Year and safe motoring.
My mother used to drive us to school in a Metro. It was a brilliant bit of kit and very comfortable. Happy New Year Steph and thank you for amazing content during this pandemic.
Another fantastic video. Thanks again. My wife and enjoying every video this year. You bring a cheer to would of motoring and return to enjoying motoring
Once they were everywhere!I cant recall when I last saw a Metro.I had one and it was more reliable than my prevoius Mini,but I discovered 'foreign' cars and I never looked back....
I failed my first driving test in a Metro, a Chief examiner came along and when it came to me reversing around a corner he laid down on the backseat! Thinking he was experiencing a cardiac event I focused on him instead of the kerb and reversed up it and subsequently failed! I passed in a Nova in the end.
My ex-wife had one of the first ones back in the 80s. She had just passed her test but was an horrendous driver with NO empathy or care for the car. The poor thing suffered for 3 years of foot to the floor, snapping the clutch up hard and forcing the car through the gears. I even took a hidden video of her getting in the car for work dressed in all her finery with a short skirt and heels. Every morning that poor car used to scream for mercy!! I'll find the video and post it one day lol
I always wanted Metro. They looked so cute bouncing along a bumpy road in the ads. Never even got a ride in in one though. I hated Minis and did ge to drive one, but it didn't impress me. The best small cars I owned were a Morris Minor, and a Hillman Imp.
Just got to the flaps bit - my mind just went "OMG did she really just say that!" lol! Great vid, by the way - reminds me of my mum's white one, when I was a kid.
The A series whine is so iconic - I owned and drove a ‘78 Mini Clubman S which was assembled inAustralia (last year sold here) in the mid 80s - it was such a great car then visited uk in early ‘90s and got a ride in a D reg Metro 1.3 VDP and the classic whine was still there :) Unfortunately the Metro was never imported into Australia as petrol cheap and Escort sized cars were considered as being small :)
I always get sad watching these clips as I miss my Mk.1 and wish I kept it. Best looking cars ever. Had it from 1/7/95 to 30/10/98, A462 RBH. It was a very basic City, only 1 door mirror, one sun visor, no parcel shelf. Wing indicator was only a reflector. Thank you.
A lot of people especially women thought the metro was chic in the 80s so bought one , same with the mini , lots of rich famous stars owned one including Steve McQueen, Peter sellers, the Beatles etc
I learnt to drive in exactly the same model with the British School of Motoring they had thousands of them. Along with the Police they must have been British Leyland’s best customers for them👍
Elizabeth's car from Keeping Up Appearances! I always thought of the Metro as a British analog to the Chrysler K-Car; patriotically heralded at launch, massively popular in its' prime due to meeting customer expectations but didn't raise them the slightest bit, ultimately not good enough for the long production run.
I have a neighbour who is still driving one, or at least he was prior to the lockdown. He is in his 90s and I would see him pulling out bails of hey from the boot for his rabbits, bless him.
@@idriveaclassic I don't think he does email he is in his 90s as I said. Because we have to stay indoors and I am disabled myself I think he will stick with it until he dies and then the council will take it away. Sorry if I got your hopes up.
@@jeremytravis360 I would really appreciate that! If you can explain I have brought my own back to life and I’m a decent owner, I’d appreciate that so much. If you can email me his address I’ll write him a lovely letter. Cheers for all your support x
love the video. we rented one of these once drove it around London one new years, we had eight people in the car. I was the sober driver that night. about every 8 or 10 city blocks we had to let the two guys out of the back to get their blood back into their legs. fun cars : )
Very similar dash to the 1982 MG Metro I drove (family got it as new when I was 18) Had a more sporty steering wheel and gear stick and a rev counter where the clock is on this one. I didn't realise some non-MG Metros also got the black plastic spoiler at the back. The turning circle wasn't as good on the MGs plus the suspension was quite a lot firmer (I know because we got Metro City's as courtesy cars when the MG needed work done.. Very good road holding and quite nippy for its time. Rust was a nightmare. When it was 5 years old it need both front wings and front panel replaced and from then on had several welding jobs done to get it through MOTs. Many years later when I finally booked a lorry to take it to the scrap yard, the body shell detached itself from the chassis when it was being towed onto said lorry.
Other than the colour, this was my first car. I bought a nearside mirror for £5 from a scrap yard. And fitted my own radio which overheated and set fire to the dash.
My mum had several metros when I was a kid. She wrote one off at the bottom of Garrowby Hill in 1987/8. Her prior one got t-boned by an XR4i a day or so before my sister was born!
I eventually passed my test in a red rover 100. I don't remember the colour of my mums, she had at least two or three, but I do remember the brown and beige interiors. Total poverty spec aside from a radio cassette I think.
Looks like an early facelifted one, with the larger front seats and "bottle opener" head restraints (and different column wands?). Good to see another survivor in daily use.
I was watching clip of an old Channel 4 consumer back in the 1980's. People complaining about the three door Metros', when filling up with fuel, than driving the Metro, and steering to the left the fuel leaks out on to the back wheel.
You do make me laugh sometimes 😄 Never got the Metro in Aus 😢 although one or two were imported and I have sat in one but it was in the mid 90's so I can barely remember. Thanks for the fun year. ✨
I had a 1.3 L and was caught up in the hype at the time plus I wanted fwd because I was working in the Highlands at the time and my Vauxhall Chevette was not great in snow . I was disappointed . It came with AA cover and I had to use this twice in the first year and the head had to come off at 5000 miles for valve work. It was ok to drive but maybe did not do what was hoped .....save BL . Happy New Year Steph .
@@idriveaclassic Chevette was a good all rounder . It was a good load carrier and very comfy and the engine was a dream to work on . Not many of them left on road now .
That's a really good, balanced review of a Metro and its makes a nice change. I had a 1300HLS in the mid 80s, was a cracking car, reliable, comfortable, very practical, I really couldn't fault it. Seriously considering ditching the wife's Mazda2 in favour of one :)
Looking forward to next year Steph. We get so few of these cars here in America (I actually saw a Nissan Figaro at a local car show, a car I'd never seen other than pictures and videos) that when I see one in your videos I learn so much about them. I wonder if the guys on Wheeler Dealers ever fixed an MG Metro (turbo?) and gave it a once over. With 2020 to be history, I'm looking forward to even more cars and odd things. Come on, drive a Kitten for me! Have a better year, you lovely car lady!
I have owned three METRO'S ,in this case a METRO 1.0 L , Y REG, MG METRO 1.3 , C REG, and a MG METRO 1.3 TURBO , E REG , and I loved all of them , I am now looking for my fourth METRO, another MG METRO 1.3 TURBO , or a METRO 1.4 GTI . ROB.
I can remember going with my dad to Appleyard in Wakefield in 1982 age 5 to look at the Metro new in the showroom.....he decided it was too small and bought an ambassador from Arnold g Wilson down the road instead!!!!
I had a close friend who was still driving his Metro car until he was 103 years old. He was a dreadful driver so everyone of his friends celebrated when the car failed the MOT and he couldn't afford the repairs. On the positive side every body loved and when he died at the age of 105 he had two funeral services (one in Latin and one in English) both of which were packed. It would be fun to think he is driving a Metro in heaven this time safely. He first started driving in 1929 on his 18th birthday. All he needed to drive was to buy a driving licence at the post office, no lessons at all! No wonder he was terrible as a driver. You are missed Archie.
Sounds like he was quite a character. RIP Sir
Fantastic story.
An old friend of mine got his driving license during the First World War his license covered him to drive everything from a trains to motorbikes cars a lot
Another classic video!. Princess Di's metro is in the coventry transport museum. Happy New year to everyone who watches this video ✨
It is! I’ve been to see it in the past. Happy new year xxx
My grandmother, may she rest, had a Metro City E back in the late 80s and early 90s. It was a C reg if I remember rightly (which made it 1985?) and was an 'upgrade' from a battered silver mini she had before. I still remember the whine of the engine, which even as a young boy I absolutely loved. I remember her taking us swimming (5 kids in the car before seatbelts in the back were really a thing) and when it was time to leave she got trigger happy with the choke and flooded the engine. We had to sit and wait for ages til she could start the car again. If I can find a reasonably priced one I'm determined to buy one for myself for old times sake
I love the design of these metros they look really cute and the design still looks new to me
The gearbox whine is something that reminds me of my childhood. My mother drove an Austin 1100.
...that's what I miss about my Austin metro, that lovely whine, and the lit up indicator stalks which were lit green for visibility at night
Same engine & gearbox I think
Cheers from the USA! My father raced British sports cars in the early 1960’s., MG’s, Triumph etc. Each time I watch a new vlog of yours, I think of Dad and wonderful memories of him and his cars.
Same engine as the first Frogeye / Bugeye Sprites !
This brings back memories. My wife had a Mk1 1.3 HLE as our second car, same colour and trim, it did kids to school, shopping etc plus a two hundred mile round trip to the coast most weekends, swiftly and economically. was not gutless at all. If you can, try one!
Hi ! In France, there was a very nice special série at the end of the 80's, the Metro Schweppes. I would have liked to have one at the Time :). I really enjoy BL cars. I made my parents buy a Montego 1.6 SL at the time, good comfortable car, and then a Rover 25 to replace it 11 years later. My mother gave the rover to me in 2002 and I kept it for 8 years, good car too. Take Care Steph and a happy New year 🥰
I must google that! Thank you x
We had a diesel Metro for years, used to run all over the country on a thimble full of fuel 🤣 Brilliant car, absolutely faultless, didn't want to sell it but had to when kids came along and I was breaking my back putting the child seats in the rear. Wish we still had it.
Happy new year 🎉👍
Happy new year Stephen! X
I never knew that there was a diesel engine option for the Metro!
Lovely video Steph my uncle worked in the west works at Longbridge on metro assembly to almost the end of production of the original version when he moved to Land Rover he showed Prince Charles around the plant and always spoke highly of the cars he had a HLE on a W plate which was silver with a maroon interior and then he also had a later lipari blue 1.0L
Loved the HLE and always remember the loud tick of the clock on the dash!
Bought my girlfriend, at the time, a brand new G plate Black Metro Mosiac back in the day. Was a cracking workhorse and far more practical than my Rover Mini Cooper.
I drove a 1.1l metro from Brum to eurodisney Paris with my ex and our young son in 1999. Ended up driving thru rush hour Paris traffic, in the dark, on 'wrong' side of road on Friday night, and it was raining. The car coped with it -and their motorways- far better than I did. Paris drivers were really kind, & let me swap lanes multiple times as I was lost. Many thanks to them, from the clueless, lost Englishman in his little silver car.
My first ride in one was a brand new 1984 1.0 L. It was the same red as Timmy. The seats were lovely and I liked how tall it seemed compared to my Mum's 1981 Fiesta. It was obviously shorter than the Fiesta but it felt much more roomy inside.
The whine of the gearbox was a lovely sound too. Steph thank you so much for 2020.
Gosh this car takes me back I passed my driving test in one of these in 1981, same colour a BSM base spec model. Fun little car and a terrific review as always.
Can't overstate how much pleasure you have brought us with your road tests during this miserable year. You are just what we needed and bring so much knowledge and variety to each video. Rekindled our love for old cars. Keep up the good work .
How nice hearing from you on the last day of the year. Thanks Steph! Finding your channel was one of the best things that happened to me this year. May you have a wonderful '21 and God bless.
Oh this is the nicest comment ❤️
@@idriveaclassic I love you and your channel Steph. I look forward to what you'll bring us in the new year. And I hope the COVID will pass so that you might come to the USA and drive some of our classics.
I passed my test in '88 in a Metro VDP and vowed I'd never drive another one, the gearbox whine did my nut in. Still though its nice to see someone with a different opinion has preserved one because it brings back memories of when the roads were filled with them.
Not my favorite small 80's car, the Nova was much better (!), but I enjoyed the video. Thank you to idriveclassic and the Metro owner for sharing..
Ahh don’t miss the Nova video I did in the early days then 😂
@@idriveaclassic Apologies as I did miss it! Thanks for the info, I'll watch now. All the best.
Great video Steph, reminds me of the Metro I had in the early 90’s B reg facelift Metro 1.0 HLE, great little car, did a long mileage holiday to Scotland in it, didn’t miss a beat. The only issue I had with it sometimes was it didn’t like damp weather.
Yeah mine has been great in wet and cold. Apparently not all are!
Like my Mini 850cc 1978S it didn't like damp weather either.
I love those early Metros, they looked just right. In October 1980, I went with my Dad to the launch night at Wadham Stringers in Wiltshire. I recall the one in the showroom was a fetching shade of green, Applejack? I Still have all the brochures and gumph somewhere.
My first company car was a red HLE FFL something Y so have a deep affection for them. Great video and a happy new year!
Loved my metro back in the late 90's. Drop the rear seats and became a mini van, perfect for our mountain biking days.
Sometimes it's nice to be as old as God's dog...I grew up in Redditch, just a few miles from Longbridge and remember part of the advert being filmed on the then recently-built A448 dual carriageway between Redditch and Bromsgrove one Sunday in July/August 1980. Within months they were EVERYWHERE. Happy New Year everyone. x
Happy new year!!!
Austin Metro was selling relatively well in Portugal. I remember those little cars from my childhood but there was very strong competition from Fiat with the 127, Citroen with the Visa and Renault with the 5 GTL. It was quite innovative for its time with a very modern design specially the interior. Few years later, in 1983, the Uno had similar dashboard just adding a moveable ashtray and satellite controls for the lights and wipers. Sales dropped significantly once the Fiat Uno (1983), Peugeot 205 (1984), Renault Super 5 (1984), Opel Corsa (1982), Ford Fiesta MK2 (1983) and Citroen AX (1986) showed up.
It's lovely to see a solid metro when most have gone
I know of a MG Metro that's not moved in 30 odd years the poor thing has been left to rot
Indeed
Love the metro, what a beautiful example. So rare to see these days unfortunately, all Credit to Ryan. Wishing you and Josh a Happy New Year. Love that you sneaked in an extra video review as a treat for us Steph. Keep up the wonderful work in 2021, May your channel go from strength to strength as you bring a diverse range of vehicles and your videos are always well researched. By the way, loving the hair, looking amazing here!
Great video steph i remember my girlfriend back in the day picking me up in one in the early 80s .was the latest little car to have .do remember the whining transmission. Great visability though
I have a 1997 Rover 100 called rory! He may not have continued the metro name, but he's still 80% the same as this metro shown so wind your necks in! The 100 is one of the last true British cars so it should be remembered and celebrated, we shouldn't dwell on what could have been. I'm never selling mine, ever!
This was my first car after passing my driving test back in 94. I am looking for an MG or Turbo metro now..
That one looks like it's in amazing condition, such a British icon of the 80's.
This was a really good video and such a high quality production, the way you talk is so clear an crisp that you are so easy just to relax and get Los in the review
Great video! New Year's Eve spent watching idriveaclassic - perfect!
Love that every car you test is an honest example!
Look forward to seeing more of your videos in 2021!
Ahh thank you xxx
Great video Steph, i passed my test in a Metro with BSM in 1988, never driven one since but would love to again one day.
Keep up the good work, all the best for 2021.
I used to occasionally borrow the family Metro Vanden Plas. More comfortable than the original Mini (especially with the luxury VdP interior), but not as much fun to drive.
Thanks for all your great reviews, Steph, despite the difficulties. It makes me smile to see all the old cars we used to drive. Have a happy and healthy 2021. 😎👍
Aww thanks Roy xx
It’s easy to forget just what a breath of fresh air the Metro was for Austin Rover, and what a lovely, rational and practical design it has. The interior especially is very pleasing - I always liked the simplicity and clarity of the instruments, and the really neat switches to the right of the driver.
Those cars had a lovely exhaust note!
Great video, which brings back happy memories of learning to drive in a Metro. Don't ask me why but i can even remember the reg; GAH 810Y ! Love this channel so much.
Is it 1983 red Austin?
@@mm-qx4tv Yes it was, David Pritchard was the Instructors name.
@@poonmig wow. if austin metro was sold in malaysia back in the day, i also want to drive the metro.
Great review,brings back great memories,should be on mainstream tv.
Wow. Your reviews give better knowledge than a dealer sales person. And you're truly honest too, which is such a good thing.
Had soooo many of these, used to buy MOT failures repair them and sell them to new and learner drivers, most of the failures were usually due to corrosion, i spent way too many hours welding sills floorpans and jacking points which made mockery of the so called new underseal and waxoil. I also got the hang of swapping the engine and gearboxes within a few hours on my own and i am a retired nurse not a mechanic
That’s a cool additional skill to have!
Yay, what a way to finish the year. The gearbox whine totally takes me back to my childhood where you could always hear one coming and know what it was long before you saw it.
I always had a real soft spot for Metros, especially the Austin ones. There was a sort of boxy honesty about them and, as you say, the space and visibility are brilliant for its size. I'd love a shot of one as Ive heard they handle a bit like a Mini but just with more space and a better ride. Sounds like fun!
I got Craig Cheetham's Metro book for Christmas and I'm looking forward to reading.
Thank you so much for all your videos in 2020 - such a welcome relief when times were a bit odd - and all the best for 2021. Hope you have fun with Jill too when she comes out of storage and hope to see you at a car show in the future
This is such a cute little retro car, I really enjoyed this video!.
Absolutely Brilliant Steph. I had a red Corgi model metro in 1981. My first car aged 17 was a brand new Targa Red Metro City in 1987. I worked my way through metros in many different guises until my Rover Metro GTi in 1993. Fab to drive, loved them all- and regret selling them of course! Happy New Year to you.
Happy new year Stuart! X
I used a lot of metro vans with the Electricity Board and they were always a pleasure to drive.
I just about remember my grandad having a black X-reg one back in the late 80s. Would love to get my hands on one now but prices are steep. :(
Idk but this video is so wholesome idc about cars but I really liked it !!
My ex-wife and I had two in the nineties. The last one of these was quite old by the time we got it, being on a tight budget with two very young children and mortgage rates sky high. I remember fixing a whole in a panel by pop riveting a piece of metal I'd cut from a badly milk powder tin over it, dishing it in carefully with a hammer, and skimming over with Isopon before spraying with a can.
Was that a spare distributor cap in the boot Steph? Did anyone else do the Marigold glove trick, putting a tiny hole in the fingers of an old Marigold and pushing the HT leads through, one for each cylinder and one for the feed, then the wrist part going over the distributor to keep out the damp?
I love your focus bout bl, just gave away my 1100 left hand drive from 73 to my neffew [], hope his father's gonna restore it, has 8 years and bout 3000 bucks to go, but it's one rare gem, last 'press' of that one aaand left hand drive, cheers
Absolutely loved my Metro , I brought a Mew Metro Principles edition . It was ice white with a funky interior. It was stolen in 91/92 and never recovered . Happy new year my dear
Flaps! Ladies at home we can relate.
Currently dying of laughter! 😂 Brilliant. ❤️
😂😂😂
I had to check that Steph really said that!
I totally dig this channel, happy memories of the metro, I learned to drive in my dad’s metro arx 😆
A car I found devoid of character in its day, but seems a little sweetie now. As for the age group preference - I can relate to that as my current drive is a Panda (new!) and that's also a model generally popular with the senior driver. P.S. The flaps reference....camp and rude: I approve!!
I always thought the Metro was a bit of a flaky job. Then a friend of mine bought a black 1.3 litre 5 speed example. One old boy owner from new, 59,000 miles on the clock, fairly solid and £350.
It was suprisingly roomy and more comfortable than it looked. It wasn't terrifyingly fast despite having the "big block" A-series engine but neither did traffic form queues behind it.
Best of all was the handling. It scampered out of T-junctions, you didn't have to slow down much to take corners and not at all to take bends. It was a hugely entertaining car.
Nowadays of course, really decent examples are fetching the same sort of money they sold for new. Potential daily driver? Absolutely, I can think of plenty of worse cars. Metros are still a practical proposition.
As I write this, 2021 is nearly 6 hours old. I hope sincerely this year is better than last year for everyone!
Had an MG Metro in 1983 but got rid after a few months. Clutch slave cylinder failed within 24 hours of taking delivery and over the next 6 months the cyclinder head leaked coolant staining the block , the engine would cut-out at the lights and it suffered significant idle gear chatter. AA inspection also found the engine mounts were missing a number of bolts.
Luckily I worked for Lex Group Services and got it a good discount so I recovered all my costs when I sold it onto a main dealer. Went back to driving a Mini until my company car came along. I was so disappointed in the quality but later Rover cars I had were fantastic. Still got my Mini.
Nice to see you doing battle with the modern drivers Steph!Happy new year 👍
Happy new year x
I owned an HLE exactly like this but in Nautilus Blue. Great little cars and fun to drive.
Great vid as usual, i remember my Metro.
All the best in 2021 Steph.
Cool car! Would love a metro or marina now 👌
I'd love it if you drove a 1995 Metro so you could see how good they got (and should have been from day 1 had BL had the cash and ambition to make it).
We had a 1982 yellow, base model, Metro in the family. We loved it, and it drove really really well. And I love your hairdo! ;-) Another great video Steph!!!!
Wow 40 years since the Metro was launched! I still have a 1982 dark blue Metro that I want to get back on the road when I`m well, project for next year.
I got my Hydragas repaired on my Midas Coupe (Metro based) with a guy over in Telford, quite reasonable price too, check out Ian and Dawn Kennedy, they know all there is to know about Hydragas.
Regarding the heater on the Mk1 Metros the flaps in the unit have foam covering them which disintegrates over time, it can easily be replaced, just means taking the unit out and I used self adhesive fire retardant foam, which I bought in a roll and cut to size. did the trick and the heat comes through nicely now, also the cold air flow is much improved.
Anyway thank you for the great video and wishing you a Happy New Year and safe motoring.
I loved the MG metro it was a great fun little car. Happy New year to you and your family when it comes. Stay safe 🖐
Happy new year! X
My mother used to drive us to school in a Metro. It was a brilliant bit of kit and very comfortable. Happy New Year Steph and thank you for amazing content during this pandemic.
I use to have one of theses cars I also had the rover metro when rover bought out Austin it was never the same great video steph keep up the good work
When shod with Winter Tyres, this thing was one of the best performers in the snow in its day!
Another fantastic video. Thanks again. My wife and enjoying every video this year. You bring a cheer to would of motoring and return to enjoying motoring
My goodness, you (or rather Ryan) appear(s) to be driving along Marine Parade in Worthing. Feeling rather homesick now!
Once they were everywhere!I cant recall when I last saw a Metro.I had one and it was more reliable than my prevoius Mini,but I discovered 'foreign' cars and I never looked back....
I failed my first driving test in a Metro, a Chief examiner came along and when it came to me reversing around a corner he laid down on the backseat! Thinking he was experiencing a cardiac event I focused on him instead of the kerb and reversed up it and subsequently failed! I passed in a Nova in the end.
My ex-wife had one of the first ones back in the 80s. She had just passed her test but was an horrendous driver with NO empathy or care for the car. The poor thing suffered for 3 years of foot to the floor, snapping the clutch up hard and forcing the car through the gears. I even took a hidden video of her getting in the car for work dressed in all her finery with a short skirt and heels. Every morning that poor car used to scream for mercy!! I'll find the video and post it one day lol
I always wanted Metro. They looked so cute bouncing along a bumpy road in the ads. Never even got a ride in in one though. I hated Minis and did ge to drive one, but it didn't impress me. The best small cars I owned were a Morris Minor, and a Hillman Imp.
Just got to the flaps bit - my mind just went "OMG did she really just say that!" lol! Great vid, by the way - reminds me of my mum's white one, when I was a kid.
Hahaha thought I’d throw in a cheeky one before the end of the year
I love the metro I used to have a cream one they always smell the same great little runner 😍😍😍😍
Love a bit of hot Metro action! The gearbox whine is infectious. Happy new year Steph! Hope things will be better for us all very soon.
Happy new year lovely xxx
The A series whine is so iconic - I owned and drove a ‘78 Mini Clubman S which was assembled inAustralia (last year sold here) in the mid 80s - it was such a great car then visited uk in early ‘90s and got a ride in a D reg Metro 1.3 VDP and the classic whine was still there :) Unfortunately the Metro was never imported into Australia as petrol cheap and Escort sized cars were considered as being small :)
I always get sad watching these clips as I miss my Mk.1 and wish I kept it. Best looking cars ever. Had it from 1/7/95 to 30/10/98, A462 RBH. It was a very basic City, only 1 door mirror, one sun visor, no parcel shelf. Wing indicator was only a reflector. Thank you.
As a foreigner it's funny that Lady Diana would drive one when her family was super rich.
A lot of people especially women thought the metro was chic in the 80s so bought one , same with the mini , lots of rich famous stars owned one including Steve McQueen, Peter sellers, the Beatles etc
Fab finale for 2020, I cannot believe it is 40 years! Happy New Year x
you can’t go wrong with a Metro 👍 i personally refer you to Mrs. Metro 😊
Hahahaha. I haven’t driven mine in ages x
I learnt to drive in exactly the same model with the British School of Motoring they had thousands of them. Along with the Police they must have been British Leyland’s best customers for them👍
Love that epic gearbox noise. Bliss. Pete 🇬🇧
Elizabeth's car from Keeping Up Appearances! I always thought of the Metro as a British analog to the Chrysler K-Car; patriotically heralded at launch, massively popular in its' prime due to meeting customer expectations but didn't raise them the slightest bit, ultimately not good enough for the long production run.
Haha I love Elizabeth x
Loving the outside exhaust feature, love listening to the cars, loving the ongoing reviews! And great contents!
That’s something we should have gotten in the States
I have a neighbour who is still driving one, or at least he was prior to the lockdown.
He is in his 90s and I would see him pulling out bails of hey from the boot for his rabbits, bless him.
Oh my god. Give him my email address and tell him to contact me if he sells please x
@@idriveaclassic I don't think he does email he is in his 90s as I said. Because we have to stay indoors and I am disabled myself I think he will stick with it until he dies and then the council will take it away. Sorry if I got your hopes up.
@@idriveaclassic I have just phoned my neighbour and I will ask him for the man's Address and perhaps you could write him a letter.
@@jeremytravis360 I would really appreciate that! If you can explain I have brought my own back to life and I’m a decent owner, I’d appreciate that so much. If you can email me his address I’ll write him a lovely letter. Cheers for all your support x
@@idriveaclassic just sent you an email Steph
love the video. we rented one of these once drove it around London one new years, we had eight people in the car. I was the sober driver that night. about every 8 or 10 city blocks we had to let the two guys out of the back to get their blood back into their legs. fun cars : )
Very similar dash to the 1982 MG Metro I drove (family got it as new when I was 18) Had a more sporty steering wheel and gear stick and a rev counter where the clock is on this one. I didn't realise some non-MG Metros also got the black plastic spoiler at the back. The turning circle wasn't as good on the MGs plus the suspension was quite a lot firmer (I know because we got Metro City's as courtesy cars when the MG needed work done.. Very good road holding and quite nippy for its time. Rust was a nightmare. When it was 5 years old it need both front wings and front panel replaced and from then on had several welding jobs done to get it through MOTs. Many years later when I finally booked a lorry to take it to the scrap yard, the body shell detached itself from the chassis when it was being towed onto said lorry.
Other than the colour, this was my first car. I bought a nearside mirror for £5 from a scrap yard. And fitted my own radio which overheated and set fire to the dash.
My mum had several metros when I was a kid. She wrote one off at the bottom of Garrowby Hill in 1987/8. Her prior one got t-boned by an XR4i a day or so before my sister was born!
I eventually passed my test in a red rover 100. I don't remember the colour of my mums, she had at least two or three, but I do remember the brown and beige interiors. Total poverty spec aside from a radio cassette I think.
Cracking video Steph as always, and happy 40th to the Metro. Happy New Year when it comes and looking forward to future content in 2021
That is one amazing example of a metro. Great stuff as usual Steph
Great review, just subscribed and really looking forward to loads more in 2021!
Looks like an early facelifted one, with the larger front seats and "bottle opener" head restraints (and different column wands?). Good to see another survivor in daily use.
It’s the HLE which is why the seats and head rests and lights look different to base:standard
@@idriveaclassic I thought that original versions (S, HLE, HLS) had the slimmer head restraints, with the vertical bar in them?
As always, thanks so much! Stay safe and well, and very best wishes for 2121.
I was watching clip of an old Channel 4 consumer back in the 1980's. People complaining about the three door Metros', when filling up with fuel, than driving the Metro, and steering to the left the fuel leaks out on to the back wheel.
You do make me laugh sometimes 😄 Never got the Metro in Aus 😢 although one or two were imported and I have sat in one but it was in the mid 90's so I can barely remember. Thanks for the fun year. ✨
I had one in the 1980s I did mega miles it never broke down never complained it was a 1litre basic model but I wish I could have a car that good again
I had a 1.3 L and was caught up in the hype at the time plus I wanted fwd because I was working in the Highlands at the time and my Vauxhall Chevette was not great in snow . I was disappointed . It came with AA cover and I had to use this twice in the first year and the head had to come off at 5000 miles for valve work. It was ok to drive but maybe did not do what was hoped .....save BL . Happy New Year Steph .
I would love a Chevette
@@idriveaclassic Chevette was a good all rounder . It was a good load carrier and very comfy and the engine was a dream to work on . Not many of them left on road now .
That's a really good, balanced review of a Metro and its makes a nice change. I had a 1300HLS in the mid 80s, was a cracking car, reliable, comfortable, very practical, I really couldn't fault it. Seriously considering ditching the wife's Mazda2 in favour of one :)
Flaps!!! 😂😂 I nearly fell off the sofa laughing 😂😂😂
Looking forward to next year Steph. We get so few of these cars here in America (I actually saw a Nissan Figaro at a local car show, a car I'd never seen other than pictures and videos) that when I see one in your videos I learn so much about them. I wonder if the guys on Wheeler Dealers ever fixed an MG Metro (turbo?) and gave it a once over. With 2020 to be history, I'm looking forward to even more cars and odd things. Come on, drive a Kitten for me! Have a better year, you lovely car lady!
I have owned three METRO'S ,in this case a METRO 1.0 L , Y REG, MG METRO 1.3 , C REG, and a MG METRO 1.3 TURBO , E REG , and I loved all of them , I am now looking for my fourth METRO, another MG METRO 1.3 TURBO , or a METRO 1.4 GTI . ROB.
I can remember going with my dad to Appleyard in Wakefield in 1982 age 5 to look at the Metro new in the showroom.....he decided it was too small and bought an ambassador from Arnold g Wilson down the road instead!!!!