Metropolitan 1500
ENGINE 1489cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 47bhp@4100rpm TORQUE 74lb ft@2100rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 75mph 0-60MPH 24.8sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 32-35mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed automatic MoT Exempt ODOMETER 80,629 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
For a car being sold as a roadworthy rolling project in need of further improvement, the B-series engine seems to be in good health. It starts instantly, although the tendency for it to cut out without full choke – which then lurches the car forward when first is selected on the auto transmission – isn’t ideal. That said, a thorough service and some new plugs should help to cure the misfire issue. Everything appears to work, with the gearbox functioning okay (this three-speed unit was never that smooth) and the brakes effective thanks to recent new cylinders. The narrow track means that no Metropolitan is a top handler but this one copes well.
BODYWORK CHECK
This car does have potential. It’s had work carried out over the decades, though rippling at the bottom of each door and the lower wings are obvious signs of filler, and there’s rust bubbling where the top of the rear wings joins the ‘boot’ panel (there was no lid pre1960). It would benefit from a re-spray and the bumpers will need attention at some point thanks to general pitting, as well as peeling chrome on the front in particular. The underside has some old weld repairs but looks sound.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The seat’s white vinyl top sections look original but the seat bases and lower sections of the backrest feature a more modern-looking nylon-type fabric; it’s functional and in decent enough condition, but won’t please the purist. The door cards seem original but would benefit from some refurbishment. The carpets are in good, usable condition, while the headlining needs a proper clean. The dashboard is a joy to look at and everything is in good working order, aside
from the aforementioned tempermental choke.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay is perhaps the car’s most presentable area, being in sound condition and pretty tidy (the blue paint looks newer than that on the outside) and with the original chassis plate legible and still in place. The missing air filter and filter housing wouldn’t aid smooth running, but no doubt a replacement can be sourced. There’s no cause for concern with the wiring, and the hoses look fairly recent and leakfree. The coil also looks like it’s been replaced, while new nuts and bolts around the timing cover suggest that the engine has had some sort of attention, although the vendor can’t guarantee what.
THE CCW VIEW
Mint Metropolitans change hands for around £15,000 mark, so one with an asking price of just over half as much will always be a rolling project. It certainly has potential and could be used straight away following a service and check-over. An interesting proposition.