Cars these days are very serious and very sensible. Perhaps too serious and sensible, in fact: beyond so much tech and grip and soundproofing, even a lot of design feels quite sombre. And no amount of optional bright paint will solve that. Car names feel even more matter-of-fact than ever. Maybe there’s some hope to be found in a few of the littlest, cheapest EVs (manufacturers will hope to revive it) but that implacable sense of fun and joy and freedom that used to characterise small cars has pretty much vanished.
Once upon a time the Austin Metro probably seemed a bit too smart for its own good, what with its Hydragas suspension and styling that would never be as classically cool as a Mini. It was the future of the supermini that wasn’t as lovable as the past - which sounds familiar. But now a Metro is a step back in time, to simpler lives and simpler cars, which it’s hard not to crave in 2025.
Really simple, in fact; as a mere 1.0 City this makes do with four gears, wind-up windows and an airbag-less wheel. The whole thing likely weighs as much as a plug-in hybrid’s battery. There’s not a rev counter, and the engine bay looks like another 998cc could be nestled in alongside the standard lump. The engine doesn’t seem much bigger than the battery. Those craving the joy (and slight jeopardy) of old, not very powerful, not tremendously safe superminis will find a lot to like about the Metro.
Especially as it’s not just any old Metro; it’s a beautifully restored example now known as the Retro Metro. Look, there are bumper graphics and everything. Plus spotlights, and rear window slats like it’s a mid-engined poster car of the era. Wheel choices are either four-spokers like it’s an Escort RS2000, or the original cross-spokes in white for maximum '80s style points.
This isn’t just some fun add-ons for an iffy Metro, either; the seller reckons more than £20k has been spent over the past few years, with the engine rebuilt, underside restored and paint redone. The engine bay is one of the cleanest we’ve seen in yonks. Somebody has loved this thing, and spent the money to demonstrate it.
Now it’s somebody else’s turn to cherish the Retro Metro, and everything looks to be in place - complete with 358 days advisory-free MOT - to do just that. Freshen up the fluids if they haven’t been done and away you go - surely nothing else will get as many smiles and thumbs up for £5,000.
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