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cutter67
cutter67 Reader
12/24/12 6:23 a.m.

has anyone ever seen one before here in the states. i will most likely be picking one up this week. the car was imported for the drivetrain it was going into a mini but plans were changed. the car has a title and runs and drives. it is all there except factory wheels. i have never seen one before and this car is tiny and has 96hp

eastsidemav
eastsidemav HalfDork
12/24/12 6:30 a.m.

I think I saw one of these in the infield at Lemons at Nelson Ledges back in 2009. I thought it was pretty cool, might've been for sale, too, but would have been out of my price range.

N Sperlo
N Sperlo UltimaDork
12/24/12 7:26 a.m.

That is so fun looking. Never seen one before. It's got as much HP as my Ranger, so you should be fine, but I'm sure you can add some power via LSx or 5.Oh if you want.

Whats the plan?

You pose that you need help, but you never really asked a question. Whats up?

Adrian_Thompson
Adrian_Thompson SuperDork
12/24/12 7:38 a.m.

This is a way cool car, most have them have rusted away even in the UK. Please don't strip it and put the power plant in a 'regular' mini. HEad over to Retro-rides, there's a couple there in the readers ride build section. THey have better engines and trans than regular Metro's. Dead simple carb based turbo system with lot's of potential in there. Please please please keep and restore it.

mazdeuce
mazdeuce HalfDork
12/24/12 7:40 a.m.

It's weird and looks fantastically clean. You could always just drive it. I know that's really really weird advice around here, but sometimes all a car really needs is gas and oil.

DeadSkunk
DeadSkunk Dork
12/24/12 8:15 a.m.

Just fix it up and go to MG/British car shows. You'll be a hit !

BoxheadTim
BoxheadTim GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
12/24/12 9:22 a.m.
Adrian_Thompson wrote: This is a way cool car, most have them have rusted away even in the UK. Please don't strip it and put the power plant in a 'regular' mini. HEad over to Retro-rides, there's a couple there in the readers ride build section. THey have better engines and trans than regular Metro's. Dead simple carb based turbo system with lot's of potential in there. Please please please keep and restore it.

I'll echo Adrian's sentiment. These are getting extremely rare these days and in many respects are a better car than the Mini that they so often play organ donor for.

Fix it up and use it.

Raze
Raze SuperDork
12/24/12 9:28 a.m.
DeadSkunk wrote: Just fix it up and go to MG/British car shows. You'll be a hit !

THIS ^

sethmeister4
sethmeister4 Reader
12/24/12 9:30 a.m.

I agree...looks to good to mess with. Maybe try to find some original wheels and just drive the crap out of it?

FSP_ZX2
FSP_ZX2 Dork
12/24/12 9:32 a.m.

Minilite or Panasports...will be easier to find than OE wheels...and will look sick.

BoxheadTim
BoxheadTim GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
12/24/12 9:33 a.m.

I'd start searching for someone who has the tools to pump up the suspension first - that one looks like it's devoid of pressure and getting that sorted out is most likely the involved part of the resto.

sethmeister4
sethmeister4 Reader
12/24/12 9:42 a.m.
FSP_ZX2 wrote: Minilite or Panasports...will be easier to find than OE wheels...and will look sick.

Yes, I like this idea better.

benzbaronDaryn
benzbaronDaryn Dork
12/24/12 10:27 a.m.

Kind of reminds me of the turbo spirit I saw not too long ago. Cool nonetheless.

92CelicaHalfTrac
92CelicaHalfTrac MegaDork
12/24/12 10:34 a.m.

Whoa!!!! I want one!!!

EvanB
EvanB GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
12/24/12 11:00 a.m.

I can't decide if I want this or a Trabant more.

Adrian_Thompson
Adrian_Thompson SuperDork
12/24/12 11:23 a.m.
EvanB wrote: I can't decide if I want this or a Trabant more.

Easy, the Trabant is only desirable because its an icon of crapness. The Metro Turbo is a cool car because it's a true pocket rocket and probably more rare than the Trabant these days.

cutter67
cutter67 Reader
12/24/12 12:02 p.m.

i was hoping i wasnt crazy for thinking this thing was on the cool side and of course friends have been emailing me all types of things that can be done to it. there is a lot of aftermarket support over in the UK. there is this wide body kit for $1100.00 right now on UK ebay

Basil Exposition
Basil Exposition HalfDork
12/24/12 12:13 p.m.

Great thing is that under the bonnet is just the same ol' 1275 that powers vintage Minis, Midgets, Sprites, etc. Only better. The head gasket is o-ringed-- a mod that many 1275 vintage racers do to handle higher compressions. I think there are various reinforcements to the block (known as an A+ block), but can't remember off hand.

Certainly engine parts and knowledge are therefore readily available. It is worth keeping it in stock form. You'll always be able to sell it to an MG enthusiast, if nothing else.

GameboyRMH
GameboyRMH GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
12/24/12 2:43 p.m.
cutter67 wrote: there is this wide body kit for $1100.00 right now on UK ebay

^ THIS. DO THIS.

BoxheadTim
BoxheadTim GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
12/24/12 2:45 p.m.

In order to do this properly, he'll also have to fit a Rover V8 with two cylinders cut off in the back, though.

Kenny_McCormic
Kenny_McCormic HalfDork
12/24/12 2:49 p.m.
BoxheadTim wrote: In order to do this properly, he'll also have to fit a Rover V8 with two cylinders cut off in the back, though.

What do you think a Buick 90* V6 is?

93EXCivic
93EXCivic MegaDork
12/24/12 3:05 p.m.
BoxheadTim wrote:
Adrian_Thompson wrote: This is a way cool car, most have them have rusted away even in the UK. Please don't strip it and put the power plant in a 'regular' mini. HEad over to Retro-rides, there's a couple there in the readers ride build section. THey have better engines and trans than regular Metro's. Dead simple carb based turbo system with lot's of potential in there. Please please please keep and restore it.
I'll echo Adrian's sentiment. These are getting extremely rare these days and in many respects are a better car than the Mini that they so often play organ donor for. Fix it up and use it.

I am going to plus one these two. It is a seriously cool car.

BoxheadTim
BoxheadTim GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
12/24/12 3:12 p.m.
Kenny_McCormic wrote:
BoxheadTim wrote: In order to do this properly, he'll also have to fit a Rover V8 with two cylinders cut off in the back, though.
What do you think a Buick 90* V6 is?

Something in need of boost?

Actually I was wrong, the engine in the 6R4 was a purpose-designed N/A unit but OTOH it should be possible to replicate at least part of the sound with a boosted V6.

cutter67
cutter67 Reader
12/24/12 4:28 p.m.
Datsun1500 wrote: That's later than an 81. Dashboard is wrong for an 81 and I'm pretty sure the turbos began in 83. From what I understand the 1990 and older engines will not run on unleaded fuel without damaging the head.

that is how it was advertised as a 81 and the more research i do i am coming up with it's newer. the car is only 10 minutes from me. the owner has imported many minis and may of just made a mistake on year. as far as unleaded fuel issue i have no idea. he also has a bmw 6 for sale and i was going to try to package them together. he is asking $3,500.00 for the MG.

fastclown
fastclown Reader
12/24/12 6:55 p.m.

I have a '67 Mini with the Metro turbo (ported, 276 cam) engine in it with 8lbs of boost. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions....

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