1989 MG Metro 1300 – Project Profile

A car from 1989 might seem a bit modern to be called a classic, but the reality is that it was thirty-one years ago. And trust us, it hurts us just as much to accept that. To our mind, 1989 was last week, but we digress. 

The reality is that 1980s cars, particularly those of a sporty or performance ilk, are now coming into their own. These are the cars that people who were teenagers at the time lusted after. The XR2s, the GTEs and yes, the MGs. Cars that were sporty, that had red bits and that we couldn’t afford to insure even if we won the Pools, because the Lottery wasn’t a thing back then. 

These cars, which soon dipped to the lowest points of their respective depreciation curves were either driven to death, modified to oblivion or they rusted away. Metal from the 1980s was not great. As such, these cars we once so passionately coveted were more of a regular sight in scrap yards than they were on our driveways. The cars that have survived through to today are now a hot commodity. We’re not teenagers anymore, we have a couple of quid to relive our youth. These cars are selling fast. 

What is it? 

The Metro was a hugely successful car for Austin, but it wasn’t a car that attracted the youth market, which was what Austin needed. As such, in 1981 the decision was made to put the MG badge on the Metro, and in 1982 it hit dealerships. It was a fresher, more vibrant take on the traditional Metro. It had sporty spoilers, alloys wheels and red seat belts. And as we all know, red seat belts mean speed. It also got the mighty 1,275cc A Series engine with an uprated cylinder head resulting in 72bhp.

The car here is a 1989 model, and as such is one of the last. However, it’s also one of the more desirable models. The car underwent a facelift in 1984, resulting in what you see here. Colour-coded bumpers, additional red trim, a new front and rear spoiler and instrumentation from the Maestro/Montego. It also has widened subframes, resulting in better handling. Furthermore, being a late car, this one can run on unleaded fuel – pre-1989 cars couldn’t. 

It might not have the panache of the Turbo, but it’s also not Turbo money. It is, however, a lovely spec. The interior looks incredibly tidy, the black paint over the mesh alloys is fetching, and the red seat belts, which are an obvious deal-breaker, are present and correct. It does need some work though…

Why is it a project? 

In a nutshell, it’s a bit rusty. As we touched on earlier, the 1980s was not a great era for rust protection, with most cars dissolving mere minutes after being driven from showrooms. This Metro, lovely though it is, is no exception to that rule, as the unsightly holes attest. However, all is not lost. The engine has covered a mere 39,144 miles (seller states he has paperwork to back this up), the interior – which is near impossible to find today – is present and correct, and the car comes with a brace of parts to repair it. 

Looking at the pictures, there is the most obvious issue of the big hole in the end of the sill. The vendor also states that other ‘usual rust areas of Metros’ need attention too, which could mean everything. However, the car looks reasonably solid from the pictures. Plus, the car comes with new sills and new rear arches along with good condition used front arches. Though, this being a Metro, there are other areas to look for, which we’ll list below. 

These cars are rare now, and as such, they have deservedly earned a passionate following. This one looks, at face value, to be well worth saving. It’s all there, it comes with hard to find spares and the mileage would suggest that exposure and consequent rust could be minimal. 

Five things to look for:

1) Rust

The Metro, in any guise, likes to rust. It’s happened here, after all. But don’t assume that’s all. Check under the carpets for rust on the floorpans, the bulkhead and the bottoms of the A pillars. Check the arches, the rear floors and the boot, too. 

2) Trim

This MG Metro seems to be all present and correct, but you should still check the trim. If there is even the smallest bit missing, you have to remember that it’s going to be a nightmare to find it, if you ever do. 

3) Engine

We have faith that this engine is in good fettle, as the seller seems pretty clued up. However, still check the paperwork against the mileage, check the engine number (stamped on the top of the cylinder block – should start with 12A) and do the usual checks for leaks etc. 

4) Suspension

The Metro has Hydragas suspension, which is great when in rude health. However, the system can leak/fail and ruin the ride. This car looks to sit well, so it could be fine. However, it still pays to check it. 

5) More Rust

We don’t wish to sound like a broken record here, but rust really is an issue. The front and rear subframes should be inspected, as should the front inner wings and front valance. 

What should you do with it? 

They’re rare, so we’d just go for restoration to original specification. Maybe a slightly better exhaust wouldn’t go amiss, and some uprated discs and pads up front, but that’s about it. Restored back to its former glory, this little MG Metro would be an impressive head turner. 

Furthermore, the condition isn’t so bad that originality is hard to maintain. If it was stripped out or the interior was knackered, etc, we’d suggest something else. But as it is, we think standard is best. And then you’d have a little time machine that could take you back to the carefree days of 1989. Bliss.