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MG Metro

MG MetroMG MetroMG MetroMG MetroMG Metro
MG MetroMG MetroMG Metro
Lot number 76
Hammer value £1250
Description MG Metro
Registration XPG 546Y
Year 1982
Colour White
Engine size 1,275 cc
Chassis No. SAXXBGNDIAD618135
Engine No. 01107121H996AA

Launched in 1980, the Austin Mini Metro was intended as a more modern and spacious replacement for the venerable old Mini. Some of the Mini's underpinnings were carried over, namely the 998cc and 1275cc A-Series engines, much of the front-wheel drivetrain and four-speed manual gearbox, and suspension subframes. However the remarkably spacious hatchback body shell was all new with revolutionary split-folding rear seats that are now a common feature. It used the effective Hydragas suspension system found on the Allegro which gave surprisingly good ride and handling, allied to excellent brakes.

Hailed as British Leyland's saviour at the time, the Metro quickly proved popular with buyers, and during the early part of its production life it was the best selling mini-car in the UK, before being eclipsed by the updated Ford Fiesta. The Metro range was expanded in 1982 to include the Vanden Plas and MG versions. The MG's engine was fitted with a modified camshaft, bigger valves and twin outlet exhaust manifold but retained a single SU carburettor which gave it 72bhp at 6000rpm, sufficient for a top speed of 105mph. The suspension, steering and brakes of the standard car were unchanged as these were more than adequate to cope with the uprated performance but the car was given a handsome set of pepper pot style cast-alloy wheels shod with low-profile tyres. It also gained a sporty interior with red seat belts, red carpets, a rev counter and a sports-style steering wheel.

This 1982 car has had just one family owner from new until 2006 and is said to be in excellent condition throughout with a particularly fine interior. Said to drive very well it has an MOT until June 2008 and the 64,000 miles on the clock is believed to be genuine.

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