British Leyland introduced the Mini Metro in 1980, with a view to it being a possible successor to the popular and highly acclaimed Mini. Known initially as the Austin Mini Metro, as time went on with vehicle manufacturer mergers and takeovers, it became popularly known as simply the Metro. Designed by David Bache and Harris Mann, the Metro was assembled at the Longbridge plant and came as a 3-door/5door hatchback with front wheel drive, a four speed gearbox and engine options from 1.0L to 1.3L.Top speed was 84 mph.for the basic model. With a length of 3,400 mm and a width of 2,250 mm and boasting a spacious interior, it was particularly popular for use in the city too. The price was pretty attractive as well. You could buy a new Austin Mini Metro basic 1.0L model for £3,095.
The Metro was revealed over a 3-week period in September 1980 but not at the British Motor Show, where it made its official public debut later. British Leyland chose to sail from Liverpool to The Isle of Man aboard a cruise ship which proved highly newsworthy and attracted huge attention from prospective buyers from the car trade, who took advantage of this unique opportunity to view and buy the acclaimed vehicle.
The Austin Mini Metro was popularised to a notable extent by one famous purchaser of the early version. The 19 year old Lady Diana Spencer bought one at the time when she was attracting a great deal of attention prior to her marriage to the then Prince Charles. Registered MPB 909W from 1980/81, it is Lady Diana’s Metro that Oxford has chosen to launch this new model.
Decorated in the ruby red Emberlow colour scheme, Oxford's Austiin Mini Metro is based on the 3-door version. The exterior features a fine double white stripe along the waist of the car, with a similar black stripe below. The majority of the exterior trim is black including the distinctive radiator grille. which also has the squared off headlights embedded into it with the Austin blue badge in the centre. To the rear the Austin mini Metro signage is printed in silver along the lower edge of the boot.
The Austin Mini Metro was the best selling mini-car in its early production days and was voted Car of the Year in 1983. During its 18-year production span, the Metro clocked up over 2 million sales. However, it is a very rare sight today.