A remarkably original 1984 MG Metro Turbo with just 7,317 miles on the clock goes to auction later this month – with a hefty estimate.
Part of Silverstone Auctions’ Race Retro Classic Car Sale, the MG Metro has had just two owners from new, and is in time-warp, concours winning condition. Silverstone says it expects the ’84 Metro to tempt bidders on auction day, as it represents a unique opportunity for MG collectors, as well as being a ‘potentially lucrative investment prospect’. And as such, it has an estimate of between £16,000 to £20,000.
“The condition of this MG Metro Turbo can only be described as ‘show-stopping’,” explains Guy Lees-Milne, general manager, Silverstone Auctions. “Last year we sold a 1989 Peugeot 205 GTI of a similar calibre which soared through its estimate, selling for a new record price of £31,000. This rare, immaculate example is perfectly suited to today’s market.”
This particular car was ordered new as a special factory order by its first owner, Mr H.W Lamont, and supplied by dealer Lex Mead of Bexleyheath. The unique design featured white, colour-coded bodywork with matching painted wiper arms, mirrors, and grille, with a red and grey cloth interior. The supplying dealer loved how the car looked so much it persuaded Mr Lamont to delay collecting the car so that it could remain displayed in the showroom.
With input from Lotus Engineering Race Technology, the new Metro Turbo featured a 1275cc engine with a Garrett T3 turbo on a specially designed and cast exhaust manifold, powerful servo assisted brakes using four-pot calipers, ventilated discs up front and stiffer suspension. It also sported a new body kit with a front spoiler, four wheel arch extensions, a MG Metro rear spoiler, while running on Turbo-specific 13" alloy wheels and low-profile tyres.
Maintaining this example in excellent condition, Mr Lamont entered his pride and joy into several shows, winning first prize in car-club Concours d'Elegance events in 2000 and for a second time in 2001. The car then spent a period in professional storage before being passed onto its second owner after 30 years of single ownership.
“We have a superb selection of sportscars and classic cars on offer at the Race Retro sales, and this fun, sporty, modern classic Metro Turbo is a fine example of car ownership and preservation,” continues Lees-Milne. “It's also a fascinating part of British Leyland history which, with hindsight, probably played the pivotal role in 'morphing' the Metro from a 1.1litre shopping car into Leyland's most successful competition car ever.”
The car is offered with its complete history file including full service details with all the MoT certificates and all documentation, and even its original, unused Dunlop wheels and tyres, as the owner wanted to ensure its total originality.
The Race Retro Classic Car Sale takes place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on 25th and 26th February.