1983 Austin Metro 1.3 HLE

WHO? John Patey MILES 52,000 PROVENANCE Full history MODS None HOW MANY LEFT? 89 HLEs

HOW LONG HAVE YOU OWNED THE CAR?

I have owned the car since August 2016, when I bought it from a fellow Metro fan. It is a 1983 Y-plate Austin Metro 1.3 HLE in Opaline Green with a genuine 52,000 miles from new. It has had a recent service and MoT. It still looks great and is lovely to drive but other commitments at the moment mean that it just sits in my lock-up garage, only coming out for the MoT and occasional runs during the winter months. I would like to know how much I should be insuring it for? It is currently insured for £1000.

HOW MUCH HISTORY?

It had just one lady owner from new until she signed it over to the Metro Owners’ Club in 2014 after 31 years of ownership. I have the original bill of sale along with two folders of invoices, paperwork and every MoT from the first one 1986, which together confirm the car’s relatively low mileage.

HAS IT BEEN MODIFIED?

No, the car is totally original.

WHAT’S LEFT TO DO ON IT?

It had the front wings replaced in 1991 (after just eight years – boy did these cars rust) so would benefit from some attention due to the famous rust settling in once again. Also the front valance and tailgate require looking at for similar reasons. However, the underneath is very solid and it hasn’t failed an MoT in my ownership, though there were a couple of small advisories following the last one – a minor oil leak (which is typical of the breed) and play in the offside front steering rack inner joint.