Austin Metro Vanden Plas

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In October 1980, British Leyland introduced their new supermini, the Austin Metro, which was originally intended to compliment and then replace the now globally iconic Mini.

Ironically, the Mini was the junior brand to this new Metro, which suffered a few false starts with initial designs receiving only a tepid reception in customer trial clinics by BL in the late 1970s. Development suffered due to BL’s cash flow crisis and ultimate bail out by the Government in 1975, until the design penned by BL’s chief designers, David Bache and Harris Mann, was finally given the green light for launch in 1980.

Produced at Longbridge’s new £200 million pound robotised assembly line, affectionately known as ‘the nest’, production figures were projected to be around 100,000 units per year, with production of the Mini and Allegro scaled back to allow for the projected onslaught of orders.

Much of the underpinnings were borrowed from the Mini, such as the venerable A-series 998cc and 1,275cc engines, drivetrain, gearbox and front sub-frame. The Metro also borrowed a modified version of the Hydragas suspension system found in the Allegro. The 3-door design was deceptively spacious which proved hugely popular with buyers.

The engines received minor upgrades, and the range expanded to include the more luxurious and better equipped Vanden Plas and higher performance MG-badged versions in 1982. The Vanden Plas received the MG’s more potent 1.3litre, 75bhp engine from 1984, as well as interior luxuries such as a radio-cassette player, electric front windows and a rev counter. Optional extras included leather trim, trip computer and front fog lamps.

Another mild facelift in 1984/5 included much-needed body coloured bumpers, further interior upgrades and a wider front sub-frame. With a launch price of £3,995, it’s no wonder it became such a huge seller with over 1 million being sold over a ten-year period before it was superseded by the Rover Metro in 1990.

This very original 1985 Vanden Plas Metro four-door, finished in white with black VDP coach lines, has only covered 61,912 miles from new in the hands of four keepers. In well-preserved condition according to the vendor, it has formed part of the Stondon Museum Collection since 2008. Documentation includes an MOT current until November 2016, nine old MOTs dating from 1999 - 2008, owner’s handbooks, service book (stamps from 1985 at 860 miles to 3,8620 miles in 2001), eight service invoices and a V5C.

Austin Metros are an increasingly rare sight on our roads, particularly the scarce and well-equipped Vanden Plas edition. Increasingly being bought by canny investors looking for the more diverse and unusual vehicle to add to their collections, good, low mileage examples are sought after and rising in value. An unusual, but tempting Modern Classic?