Tiny Turbo leading a boosty Metro charge

In another life on Top Gear I presented an item on buying a used Metro, or more accurately, not buying one. The piece was less than flattering and I was told later by Rover’s press people that the entire Longbridge factory was so offended that they were a whisker away from downing tools and going on strike. Imagine my surprise that I’m now telling you that values of MG Metros are on the rise.

Last year H&H sold an ’85 Opaline Green MG Metro Turbo with 9000 miles and three owners for an astonishing premium-inclusive £17,650, a stock Zircon Blue ’84 MG Metro with 25,000 miles for £7875 and a tired barn-find ’83 Turbo needing everything but with only 49,000 miles for £6468. In November Anglia sold a white normally aspirated 88’ with 55,000 for £6210 which, compared to a very similar white 87’ with warranted 67,000 sold by Charterhouse back in Feb 2018 for £2000, means that in two years MG Metros have notionally tripled in value. Maybe we’re getting sentimental celebrating the Metro’s 40th birthday, perhaps we like an underdog or it’s got something to do with misty-eyed Brexit nationalism but this rise in values certainly can’t have anything to do with the Metro’s build quality, which was always dire. There are only 211 Metro Turbos and 377 normal MG Metros registered with the DVLA – so survivor numbers may be a factor. Whatever the reasons, keep your eyes down for mint tiny-mileage cars, especially the Turbos, which are bound to still turn up in the small ads at 2018 prices. But do make sure you drive one first. Nostalgia is a funny thing.

VALUE 2014 £3000 VALUE NOW £14k