METRO MASTERS THE MODERN CLASSIC RUN
CCW READER PAUL THOMSON TOOK PART IN THE SISTER RUN FOR MODERN CLASSICS IN HIS 1988 AUSTIN METRO 1.3L. HERE’S WHAT HE MADE OF IT ALL…
‘My Metros have made it to Madeira Drive and back home to Waltonon-thames with ease every time so far, but the 2022 run was the most challenging so far. The event team warned us that all of the drivers were going to earn it this year, and they were right. My friend and navigator, Darcy Weafercook was on it right up until the sign noting the change of county from Surrey to Sussex, when we knew that it was time to prepare for Ditchling Beacon. This isn't a big deal in a modern car but marks the big final hurdle for older cars as the Sussex landscape lays in your way before you can relax as you head towards the finish line. ‘This is where the Metro excelled, ascending Ditchling in third gear all the way to the summit with ease. There was grateful and enthusiastic patting on the huge bus-like steering wheel from us both at the summit. ‘The organisers and participants make this event for me. It’s always friendly and welcoming – you'd never have known that we were in one of the lowest budget cars on the day. There's always a place of interest arranged for your pit stop, too – this year it was the Wings Avation Museum near Balcombe for the modern classics, where we spent a fascinating hour. ‘Mike Brewer wrapped the event up with his unstoppable enthusiasm and humour from the 8am send-off to welcoming every single vehicle to the finish line on Maderia Drive. ‘Fancy dress is encouraged in the era of your car, too – and with our entry being a 1988 Metro, it had to be back to the ‘80s T-shirts and everyone's favourite – gaudy shell suit jackets. Happily it earned us best fancy dress award for the modern classic run. ‘We will definitely be back next year with the Metro. We are already thinking about our next ‘80s fancy dress outfits and sorting that second gear synchro out...’