1985 Austin Metro 1275 Auto
Discussion
The only brand new car I've ever owned - a 1989 MG Metro Turbo, which I had for a couple of years.
Was faultless while I had it - it handled well, was comfortable, had decent space, was fairly economical, and quick enough on 'B' roads and in traffic (think 0-60 was a shade under 10 seconds).
Only sold it because I had the opportunity to buy a MK1 MR2, which I'd always wanted.
Was faultless while I had it - it handled well, was comfortable, had decent space, was fairly economical, and quick enough on 'B' roads and in traffic (think 0-60 was a shade under 10 seconds).
Only sold it because I had the opportunity to buy a MK1 MR2, which I'd always wanted.
ttthilvester said:
The only brand new car I've ever owned - a 1989 MG Metro Turbo, which I had for a couple of years.
Was faultless while I had it - it handled well, was comfortable, had decent space, was fairly economical, and quick enough on 'B' roads and in traffic (think 0-60 was a shade under 10 seconds).
Only sold it because I had the opportunity to buy a MK1 MR2, which I'd always wanted.
Lovely looking car Was faultless while I had it - it handled well, was comfortable, had decent space, was fairly economical, and quick enough on 'B' roads and in traffic (think 0-60 was a shade under 10 seconds).
Only sold it because I had the opportunity to buy a MK1 MR2, which I'd always wanted.
I wonder if those manual trans driving school cars were fitted with the optional Police spec flexi's in the downpipes 
the rigid ones use to fail with alarming regularity back in the day due to aggresive drive take up and rough gear changing no doubt , even witnessed a few front engine mount to subframe failures way back when also due to the above ... probably
the rigid ones use to fail with alarming regularity back in the day due to aggresive drive take up and rough gear changing no doubt , even witnessed a few front engine mount to subframe failures way back when also due to the above ... probably Roderick Spode said:
Scotty2 said:
WARNING. The oil is critical for smooth changes and long life of the auto box.
Use this (or equivalent) as it has the correct properties for the internal wet clutch plates:
https://www.westwayoils.co.uk/products/10w40-semi-...
What he said. We have an Allegro series 3 estate with the 1275 and auto, sold as spares or repair with a gearbox clutch fault, slipping in 3rd when cold. I managed to nurse it home from London to Edinburgh, changed to 10W-40 4T oil, and it was like a new car.Use this (or equivalent) as it has the correct properties for the internal wet clutch plates:
https://www.westwayoils.co.uk/products/10w40-semi-...
However, it is not a fast car. Progress is best described as 'dignified'. The Metro might be faster with a smaller bodyshell. It's a fun steer though. The gearbox tends to want to be in top gear by 22mph, unless you wring it's neck and hold the revs. I think from memory the AP box was only rated for 85bhp, so careful tuning is possible - no twin cam crossflow 100bhp conversions...
Watcher of the skies said:
Probably makes me a weirdo, but I think the Allegro estate is pretty cool too!
Me too. I had one when I was 19 as a stop gap car, but ended up quite liking it. My girlfriend at the times Father thought it was a very sensible car, without realising quite how much room there was in the rear with the seats folded down 
Sammo123 said:
Watcher of the skies said:
Probably makes me a weirdo, but I think the Allegro estate is pretty cool too!
There's a beige Allegro estate on a Beetle floor pan that turns up at the various retro car shows. Really cool looking car.Yea, looks ace.
ttthilvester said:
The only brand new car I've ever owned - a 1989 MG Metro Turbo, which I had for a couple of years.
Was faultless while I had it - it handled well, was comfortable, had decent space, was fairly economical, and quick enough on 'B' roads and in traffic (think 0-60 was a shade under 10 seconds).
Only sold it because I had the opportunity to buy a MK1 MR2, which I'd always wanted.
And did you regret it then and how about now?Was faultless while I had it - it handled well, was comfortable, had decent space, was fairly economical, and quick enough on 'B' roads and in traffic (think 0-60 was a shade under 10 seconds).
Only sold it because I had the opportunity to buy a MK1 MR2, which I'd always wanted.
Touring442 said:
ttthilvester said:
I have a sizeable list of 'Cars I wish I had never sold' - how long have you got?
You sold it at the right time. After 3-4 years you would have been dealing with rust and gearbox mainshaft bearings. They really were not a quality item. 
Zener said:
I replaced so many front valence inner and outer skins and floor pans back in the day I have lost count most were circa 5/7 years old , I like seeing this stuff being saved and looked after but I would and never have owned one inc the Mini , I also dont like the A series at all when considering modified performance in mind , three bearing cranks and siamesed ports is an instant downer, worked on both plenty back in the 90's
Metros seemed to get worse later on - I used to buy and sell cars including these, and bought a C plate Metro City in 1989 with a hole in the wing. It was a pity as they drove much better than the Fiesta. We supplied a new E plate one in 1988 and up on the ramp it was clear that the paint gun had missed the lower inner to outer front and rear valance flanges. I mixed up some Targa red (iirc) and painted it properly. Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff