‘This car is actually a little bit of local social history’

1989 MG Metro Tom (left) and James Wood, West Midlands

‘It was originally sold by a dealer just around the corner’

Tom, why did you choose an MG Metroin particular?

'I was one of the last Technical Engineering Apprentices at MG

Rover Longbridge, hence my love for Rover cars. I was there during the factory shut-down and remember vividly being told on the last day not to come in tomorrow, as we were going into administration. I have many fond memories of the revival of the MG brand at the time I was there through cars like the ZR, ZS and SVR. I got to visit MIRA test track in some of the cars too! Our mum had a non-turbo MG Metro when we were kids so when this car came up for sale, we just had to have it.'

You’ve known the car for a long time, haven’t you, James?

'The first owner, of 15 years, was a lady who lived just a mile away. As an ex-local postman, I used to deliver to the that first owner’s address, so I must have walked past it every day! It’s weird to think that this car is actually a little bit of local social history, too. After the first owner sold it, it had a few more owners, including one up north before we bought it from a chap in Cannock, and the cycle was complete – the car was back where it came from.'

Did it come with a lot of history?

'Yes, loads. Even the original bill of sale and pre-delivery inspection sheet as well as every MOT from new. It was originally sold by a dealer just around the corner, and now has just 35,000 miles on the clock.'

Have you had to do a lot to it?

'Not masses, given that we were starting from a very good basis. It’s never been welded – nor does it need it. The underside of the car, as well as the inside of all the box sections and doors, had been thoroughly protected with Bilt Hamber Dynax by the previous owner and we’ve continued it in our ownership. It came to us on its original tyres, so it’s had new rubber all round; we’ve also sourced and fitted an original turbo boost gauge plus some other detail work.'

What’s it like to drive?

'It’s really good fun. You feel like you are sitting on top of the seat rather than in it. The gearbox is not precise but easy to use. The brakes are not up to much considering they are four-pot. When the turbo kicks in, it makes a great whoosh – but most of the boost goes out the waste gate to protect the gearbox, so it doesn't feel much faster! That said, it brings a smile to everyone who sees it. People often say they can’t remember the last time they saw a Metro, or even a MG Metro, let alone a genuine Turbo version!'