1990 ROVER METRO GTA
ENGINE 1396cc/4-cyl/OHC POWER 75bhp@5550rpm TORQUE 86lb ft@3500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 104mph 0-60MPH 12sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 33-39mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, five-speed manual MoT 12 months ODOMETER 59,811 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The engine starts instantly and runs superbly with no signs of smoking. This is a surprisingly sophisticated machine, given its diminutive dimensions. There’s no A-Series engine whine, and no clattery ride here. There are no signs of overheating or any cylinder head issues with the K-Series engine. Its handling is excellent, negotiating sharp bends and twisty roads with ease – it’s as chuckable as a Mini but with a vastly improved ride. Performance is more than respectable, the car being capable of cruising happily at the legal limit while acceleration is excellent around town. The brakes are good, the clutch light and the gearchange precise.
BODYWORK CHECK
The Nordic Blue paintwork has stood the test of time extremely well and still retains its lustre. Some work has been done on both the rear wheelarches but to a high standard. There are no noticeable signs of corrosion underneath. The sills and front wings are in excellent condition, and there is no bubbling or significant dents on the doors. All the panels fit as they should. The plastic mouldings are free from cracks or chips. The lattice alloy wheels, and the tyres are also in excellent condition – the latter still with plenty of tread.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
It’s all a bit of a 1990s dream in here, with everything in good order. Even the rubber mats fitted from new have survived intact. The upholstery is free from tears or visible signs of wear apart from some barely noticeable creasing on the driver’s seat. The door trims have no scuffs or any signs of damage. The headlining is pristine and there is no evidence of any leaks from the sunroof. The dashboard has survived well without any wear on the chunky switches or the steering wheel. Everything appears to work as it should, including the Philips radio cassette player. All the glass appears to be in good order.
UNDER THE BONNET
The car’s underbonnet condition shows evidence of its meticulous service history. It’s not to show standard, but everything is in good order, with fluids to the correct levels and oil and coolant free from contamination. All the wiring looks to be in creditable condition.
THE CCW VIEW
The Metro comes with one of the most comprehensive service histories we’ve ever seen. It reveals that it was bought new from Quicks of Leamington Spa on 28 September 1990. The original owner kept the car until 2016 and retained every MoT from 1994, along with a full dealer service history. The condition of the car certainly reflects the care lavished upon it. As well as being a car to take to shows, here is also a highly useful five-door hatchback in excellent condition.
EXTERIOR Excellent, wheelaches repaired to a high standard INTERIOR Great original condition MECHANICALS Everything seems to be as it should