Launched in 1980 as the Austin Mini-Metro, the Metro was a critically
important car for British Leyland and was hailed as the car that saved
the company. This book looks in detail at the car's design, development
and sales success from its initial design stage to the end of production
in 1998, by which time it had evolved into the Rover 100 - an
astonishing eighteen-year production run. As well as looking at the cars
in detail, the book also includes interviews with some of the key people
involved in its design and development. Craig Cheetham covers the full
story of the Metro from the initial rough sketches in 1975, including
the engineering developments. The launch of the car and its reception by
the media and the public is featured, as well as the rebranding process
as the company was reorganised under the Rover badge. A revised Metro
was fitted with a new K-Series engine. The launch of the turbo-charged
MG Metros, as well as the GTA and GTi versions, are covered alongside
the Metro's circuit racing successes. The author also reveals some of
the design ideas for a Metro replacement that never made it to
production. Including advice for both current and prospective Metro
owners and what to look out for, Austin and Rover Metro: The Full Story
is a gold mine of information about one of Britain's most significant
car models.
