Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Bitumen Boy]

Wasn't there a get-out clause on the emissions test, at least for the early ones? They were reckoned to be exempt from the emissions test as they couldn't meet the standard even when new, IIRC. Surprised VW didn't try something similar...

[Rick]

As posted in "Seen anything interesting" recently



RJ
_________________
Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
Videos:https://www.youtube.com/user/oldclassiccarRJ/videos
OCC & classic car merchandise (Austin, Ford ++):
https://www.redbubble.com/people/OldClassicCar/shop

[norustplease]

Getting collectible status now, I believe, particularly MG and Turbo versions. Definitely a practical classic and a typical BL Tardis with regard to generous interior space in relation to overall car size. A friend has just acquired an MG one as a restoration project.
_________________
1953 Citroen Traction
1964 Volvo PV544
1957 Austin A55 Mk 1
Boring Tucson SUV

[V8 Nutter]

[quote="Bitumen Boy"]Wasn't there a get-out clause on the emissions test, at least for the early ones? They were reckoned to be exempt from the emissions test as they couldn't meet the standard even when new, IIRC.

I seem to remember hearing something about that before. A couple of postings have mentioned Metro Turbos. Back in the day we used to have a regular stream of heads for exhaust valves and seats for the turbo models.

[lowdrag]

We were in the market for a new shopping trolley back in the 80s, and we had a short list of cars which included the Metro. We looked at a Civic and thought how modern and civilised it was, we looked at a Polo and thought how typically German it was, and then we looked at a Metro and thought how antiquated it was, just like a Mini from 20 years previously. It was noisy, had the same "power steering" traits - you know accelerate for understeer, foot off for oversteer -, and how the mechanics were so abysmal compared to the others. We bought the Polo, despite only having two doors, and never regretted it. I would not, even today, give a Metro house room. Er, wait! Maybe a 6R4!

[52classic]

Metros? We love 'em in our house. Mrs C's shopping trolley of choice during the 80's we can count an HLE, a Vanden Plas, an MG and even one of the rare Cabriolet versions amongst the family fleet in days past.

Furthermore, we bought another one last week! The story goes that a friend of a friend died in September. "I looked in his garage and thought of you." said my pal and sure enough a 1.1C Metro as well as an MGF came my way last week.

Isn't it sad when your worldly possessions are spread to the four winds?

Anyway, his cars will have a good home and I was immediately impressed as to just what a sweet urban drive a Metro can be. Willing engine, roomy interior, even a 5 speed 'box on this one. All with less than 40k on the clock. Less so the MG TBH. Couple of suspension issues to fix and It'll only be for longer runs....... 'cos I can barely get in and out of the thing!

So the priority becomes to shuffle the fleet around so the the newcomers get a roof over their heads along with everything else. Lockdown? Meh, Keep busy I say.

[BigJohn]

I remember visiting a small rural BL dealer on the evening just before the Metro dealer launch. The dealer let me in and showed me a new Metro that had been delivered, he was panicking. One door had a base trim with no door pocket, the other an upmarket trim with a door pocket.......
He had already sold the car to a local lady who always bought the latest model car, and would have the car a couple of days after the launch bash, what to do? I scratched my head a bit and told him to tell her that the car was sent with different trims so he could demonstrate the difference to potential customers on the launch, as they could only supply him with one car due to demand, and a matching door panel was in the post.
It's no wonder BL had a rubbish reputation when they couldn't even get the right door trims on a launch product!
_________________
1974 Mk1 Escort.

[Ray White]

[Bitumen Boy]