Rover Metro

ENGINE 1113cc/4-cyl/OHC POWER 60bhp@5900rpm TORQUE 66lb ft@3500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 97mph 0-60MPH 13.7sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 40-43mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, five-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 28,383 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The K-Series bursts into life at the first turn of the ignition key and its manual choke can be dispensed with in no time. Gear selection feels exact and the car pulls swiftly away with clutch bite at half-travel. It performs well, with good acceleration from the carb-fed powerplant. The Hydragas suspension soaks up the worst of potholes while offering sufficient firmness to warrant the ‘S’ trim designation. Good brakes and direct steering combine to create a Mini-style drive. It’s a lot of fun for 60bhp.

BODYWORK CHECK

The metallic British Racing Green finish was applied within the last three years, and close inspection reveals just one tiny dent to the window surround on the nearside rear door. There are some age-related cracks in the front windscreen rubber, a small stone chip in the bonnet and a light mark on the nearside of the front bumper. The underside is as impressive as the top, and a thin coat of protection covers the solid floor pans. There’s little evidence of the car’s restoration but it has recently received replacement

EXTERIOR

Clean underside Impressive paint INTERIOR

Little wear High trim level MECHANICALS

Zippy engine Slick gearbox

sill panels on both sides. The wheel trims are rare Rover originals and the tyres are good all round. It’s nice to see original dealer plates, tax disc holder and window stickers, too.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The ‘Sports Harlequin’ interior is bright and clean with only minimal wear to the seats and black carpets. The rear parcel shelf has not been butchered to accommodate additional speakers and while the head unit is a modern Alpine CD/ radio, the original Rover radio/ cassette player is in the boot, along with the factory tool kit. The central locking works, likewise the manual windows and mirrors and the dials, gauges, buttons, switches and

stalks within the refreshingly uncomplicated dashboard.

UNDER THE BONNET

The tidy engine bay has straight, original panels that show no signs of accident damage and the K-Series motor is clean and shows no signs of fluid leaks. The black rocker cover would benefit from a fresh coat of paint but while the history file is limited, old MoT certificates confirm that the Metro has travelled just 8000 miles since 2004. Restoration began in 2014 and the car returned to the road two years later. Invoices from 2017 show that the Hydragas globes were replaced and the front pads and discs renewed the following year. Both rear brake cylinders and hoses are new the car will be serviced and MoT-tested before sale.

THE CCW VIEW

This is the perfect entry-level vehicle for any younger driver looking to enjoy the classic scene. There’s no rust and the excellent mechanicals can be maintained on a small budget. It’s a credit to previous owners who have lavished time and money on it.