The car in the picture above is a special one. It was allegedly given him from British Leyland on the occasion of the royal-sponsored introduction by Prince Charles. He in turn passed it on to his fiancee Diana Frances Spencer. It was the most noticed car in London not only by the paparazzi.

In strong contrast to this, at least at the time still enjoyable story, took place the development of the motor vehicle production summarized by the state under the name British Leyland. The accumulate losses and tried to start an escape attempt.

It was in vain, as we know today, but one believed firmly in a comeback at that time. Otherwise one would not have spent 275 million pounds of taxpayers' money for the development of a new small car. Not only this was unusual for Britain's car industry, even the very modern manufacturing. It should then also give the ailing quality the decisive turning point.

The Metro was not only the successor to the Mini, also 'inherited' from him. That was both good and bad. The legendary space economy of the Old had a very positive effect on the New. It's amazing what a relatively large interior and luggage space was possible at such cramped conditions in the engine compartment. In addition a rear seat foldable in the ratio 1 to two-thirds. Unfortunately, one has also maintained the somewhat unfortunate position of driver's seat and steering wheel.

While one coverts the rubber springing to coilsprings at old Minis nowadays, the Leyland engineers choose to their favorite the so-called Hydragas. So, if you look at the vehicle there is a conflict today: On the one hand, the although revised, but somewhat outdated engine, together with the annoying noisy transmission, on the other hand the springing system, certainly looking into the future for those times.

Especially bad when to the not few defects at a Metro will add one at the springing system. Because it establishes an interconnection between front and rear, an oddly tilted to the side appearing Metro is certain ridicule on the way to the workshop. And if it would produce at least superior springing characteristics.

In turn good the offer of a special drive that saves, not listed above. It is the basic engine with a high compression ratio of 10.3 and much longer transmission. Its best value at 90 km/h even below the 5-litres limit. To this also fits the good drag coefficient together with the low vehicle-sectional area.

Constructive achievements and failures in the execution will throw back the car. Incomprehensible, that he rusted even more than his colleagues in those years. That this happens at many parts visible from the outside, but interchangeable after all, makes the damage to the image not less. The offensive of Leyland failed, to stop the conquest of their own country by foreign cars. 05/14