Description
After owning my 1986 MG Metro Turbo for 18 years, I think now might be the time to sadly consider selling.
Over the years, not just in my ownership, it's had plenty of work (mostly structural welding and replacement of parts during the time I've had it). I think I'm the 6th owner and the mileage sits at 67, 990. I know it's genuine as I've literally only done a couple of hundred miles if that. There's some decent history, too. For example, I know it's on its second set of wings with the originals being replaced in 1998.
It's been on and off the road over the years and was last legally roadworthy in 2017-2018. At that point I had the head gasket done, decided it was still running poorly, and stored it away. It wouldn't boost and anything over a light throttle and it would splutter or cut out. I'd taken the fuel lines off from the carburettor/ fuel regulator etc with the aim of replacing the fuel filter and, as these things go, it's only recently that I've put the pipes back on and fired it up.
It will now start and idle but will not really drive. In my head, despite needing plenty of work, it's the cheapest running and complete MG Metro Turbo currently for sale in the UK.
Those in the know will know that the best examples are up for between £12-£15000. Mine's £8000 because it's a project.
The photos do flatter it, as although the paint is largely original there are numerous blemishes, chips, little dings from storage and, dare I say it, some rust here and there. Terrible eh, who'd have thought it, a 36 year old Metro with rust! The boot lock also needs sorting and the rear wiper doesn't work.
Mechanically, it sounds alright at idle but the engine's never been rebuilt. It's definitely got a few oil leaks. The coolant looks grim too, (rusty!) and I'm not 100 per cent convinced the head gasket hasn't gone again despite a handful of miles on it. That said. it idles without smoking and there's no gunk on the oil filler cap.
As I've mentioned, it won't boost and won't handle any load. and while I'm no expert, I do wonder if a new fuel pump might sort that. That is the route I'll be going if it doesn't sell.
The rear displacers also require re-gassing, not just pumping up.
Structurally, I think it's solid, but obviously can't guarantee. The sills/ floor/ rear valance, rear arches, inner arch tubs have all been welded or replaced and the work's held up well as I've always garaged it.
I always see the bad in it, but there are actually some good bits!
The interior is presentable and complete, although like so many the Turbo logo on the seats is missing. It's still got its original manuals and two sets of keys etc. The original radio comes with it too, and the wiring is uncut. I'll probably keep the period Alpine pullout to be honest. The original sunroof bag is still around, too.
The gearbox seems fine but I always thought the clutch bite quite low. The radiator was replaced with a NOS one a few years back, plus a lot of the brake components are also recent. The tear back box was also replaced with a NOS part.
All Metro Turbos are rare (there's circa 25 left on the road and about 100 SORN'd), but the earlier two-tone cars are definitely harder to find. This one's Moonraker Blue over Stone Grey and I only know of one other that's left in this colour scheme.
At the end of the day, it's a survivor car that's had significant work but is unrestored. It's lived a life and had I not coughed for lots of welding in 2006, then it would be long gone by now.
The reason for sale is that I'm getting attracted to early orange-indicator Boxsters. I am in no need of the money and, to be honest, there's really no point in letting it go for any less than the asking price.
Can't say I'm 100 per cent convinced at letting it go - as once it's gone there won't be another like it and I am quite attached to it - but if you're a serious buyer then feel free to get in touch.
