Ramrod's Nu Shite

[eddyramrod]

Now, let's see if this works....

 

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set= ... 066&type=3

 

Yes, it does. This takes you to my Facebook album featuring our Cyprus cars. Look at the last few pics, this is a new addition .

 

I was in conversation with a chap at the Paphos Classic Vehicle Club, and later with him at my friend's garage. Alan offered this to Andreas, but Andreas said it was no good to him as a running vehicle, and would be too good to break. At which point Alan offered it to me, on condition that I put it back on the road rather than break it. I pleaded poverty (getting good at that ) but we went to see it anyway. I posted a pic of it, in his garage, covered in dust and a rubber boat.

Finally Alan and I worked out a way I could afford it and shook on the deal. With help from Andreas I arranged for a recovery truck to bring it from Alan's house to mine, so I can fettle it.

 

So what have I got?

In the early 80s BL decided to group their Austin-Morris cars under the Austin banner, and commercials under Morris. This, therefore, is a Morris Metro, registered new in Cyprus on June 20th 1983. It was ordered with the 1275, which I think is a bit of an achievement as Cyprus tax rules favour smaller engines and the 998 was available (I've had a 998 hatch). There are two owners listed in the logbook (yes, it still has an old-style book). I know the second one died as Alan bought it from his estate. It's been sitting around in garages for a long time. There's a 2001 tax disc in the window. Rate of tax then was ELEVEN POUNDS! The mileage recorder shows 16,563 miles. I have no battery, so I haven't tried to start the engine yet, but I want to do a couple of things before that anyway. I can push it, the handbrake works and I can slip it into gear. The locks all seem to work (only one set of keys though).

 

This will be coming back to UK with me.

 

You didn't think I could leave it here, did you? I can see this being an extremely practical bit of kit for the South Lakes. Room for wheelchair and/or dog, cheap to run, fits in parking spaces, and no shortage of Metro parts when I need them. I've looked at HowManyLeft, which thinks there are... none. Will this really be the last surviving Metro van on the road?

[Spiny Norman]

Frayed knot.

 

The page you requested cannot be displayed at the moment. It may be temporarily unavailable, the link you clicked on may have expired, or you may not have permission to view this page.

 

I'm guessing your privacy settings are blocking it.

[eddyramrod]

Adjusted, that might be better. Sorry!

[M'coli]

Tidy! It's quite possible it'll be the last surviving mk1 Metro van on the road, I know of a mk2 kicking about somewhere.

[KruJoe]

Really? The last one? Wow!

Weren't these called "Austin 310" rather than "Metro Van"?

 

Anyway, a great little project there. How are you bringing it back Eddy?

[morris_ital_lover]

Morris Metro.... OMFFFFFG (etc). That must be mega rare, I'd heard of them and saw a pic of one a while ago but they must be down to single figures. Top draw stuff and the purchase of the month for Mister E Ramrod!

[RedSparrow]

 

Even if it's not the very last mk1, it's very possibly the best surviving example.

I love it - guard it with your life!

[greengartside]

Superb buy! Will be keeping a close eye on this and look forward to it's return back home to the UK Keep us updated!

[Skizzer]

OI M8 CAN I HAVE THE ENJIN FOR MY MINI? CASH 2NITE

 

Seriously, top find Eddy. Looks really tidy under the dust

[eddyramrod]

Thanks guys. Yes, it is really tidy, almost like new. Or at least, like a 1983 Metro van in 1986. I don't think I'll be able to put it in my container, for Customs reasons at this end, so it'll be coming as a ro-ro. THIS is what I expect to be driving at my long-planned Coniston day.

 

Is it the only one left? Possibly, but I would believe it's the best, without too much effort. I will need to guard it against the legions of engine-rapists trawling the South Lakes for fresh fodder. Better get a couple more dogs! The whole point of me having this van is to make sure the engine doesn't end up in some half-arsed Mini; to make sure the whole thing survives as it was intended to by BL back in the day.

 

Joe, I believe I have seen these with 310 badging (many years ago...) but whether they were Austin or Morris, I don't remember. I suspect the Morris name was dropped around the time of the 1985 facelift, so maybe all the Austin 310s are the Mk2. My badges just say Morris 1.3L. "Metro van" is just the generic name the public gave it, like Anglia van; a designation never used by the manufacturer. Unless of course you know of an old ad or brochure that proves me wrong...

 

I'm very frustrated at the moment. Lack of funds prevents me from doing anything beyond cleaning it; and it needs the suspension pumping up. There's no Hydrolastic fluid in Cyprus. Trust me, there isn't. Which means I'll have to import some, which is going to cost. Bugger. I really really need to sell something, urgently.

[Albert Ross]

Isn't it similar to Anti-Freeze in content?

[eddyramrod]

Is it? I have no idea, this is the first time I've ever needed any. Andreas assures me he has a pump, but I've never knowingly seen one of those either. As I was saying about half-arsed?

[Albert Ross]

Dunno if this helps. Hydralastic was discontinued in 1978, Hydragas took over, and it's the early stuff that's the same as Ethylene Glycol. Apparently it can be used for emergencies.... Would an anti-freeze pump up get you on a ferry and into western Europe?

http://www.hydragas.co.uk/

[Spiny Norman]

I can see your page now.

Superb looking wee van, must be one of the best ones left, well worth bringing home I'd say. Is there maybe a Metro owners club or forum you could ask for some advice about the suspension?

[Lord Sterling]

That looks fantastic Eddy! Glad your bringing it back to Blighty.

 

I spotted a Metro van in Halesowen a couple of years ago. not sure if its still there though.

 

[Angrydicky]

That is in amazing condition! It could possibly be the last MK1 Metro van left, but defo the only 'Morris' badged one. I think there's a small number of MK2's left.

 

You'll have to rustproof the hell out of it to stop it dissolving in the Lake District climate though!

[dollywobbler]

Brilliant! As has been mentioned, anti-freeze can be used. You could probably get away with pure water, but then your pipes would all corrode from the inside out and one Lake District winter could cause all the pipes to freeze up. You'll also need a converted grease gun but I can't remember what the change is. Nowt complicated.

[scruff]

Fabulous. +1 on the rustproofing front. What a great little wagon to run around in.

[worldofceri]

Nice buy Eddie.

 

This one is still taxed. 'Tis but an Austin though.

 

[lancashireclamper]

Eddy,

Saw this on t'bay and wondered if any of it might be of use; (unlikely I know but thought I'd mention it)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1988-AUSTIN-M ... 4ab95ed110

[RobT]

Nice buy Eddy! Get yourself logged on to the MOC forum:

 

http://www.metroownersclub.org/

 

I'm a member of the club but it's free to join the forum. Lots of decent, knowledgeable folk on there that'll give you advice if you need it.

[Lord Sterling]

Eddy,

Saw this on t'bay and wondered if any of it might be of use; (unlikely I know but thought I'd mention it)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1988-AUSTIN-M ... 4ab95ed110

 

Reg. Mark: f*** ***

 

[fotorabia]

Massive Metro respect Eddy..simply quite cute and awesumness..

[AnthonyG]

It will be Hydragas, must be some Allegros/Metros/Rover 100s/MGFs in Cyprus somewhere..as MGFs are most likely I'd try an MG club, or ask where the last MG Rover garage was (assuming they sold them over there until 2005).

[retrogeezer]

I saw (and snapped) a couple of vans at the cars in the park show at Lichfield on Sunday...pics coming up.

[retrogeezer]

Looks like I only took a pic of one of them:

 

[eddyramrod]

Thanks guys. RG, the temptation to slip over and run away with that towbar is awfully strong, but I must resist! If it's a 310 (like the white one) are they all the Mk2? I have a feeling the Mk1 didn't get the 310 designation.

 

Of course if I join the Metro forum I'll probably find out, lol. Think I should, I do intend to keep it.

[Albert Ross]

That white 310 above looks like a Mk1 going by the position of the filler cap. Mk2 had them higher up to prevent fuel contamination of the offside rear wheel......

[eddyramrod]

Albert: the cars did, yes, but not the vans. There's a Mk2 van further up the page with the low-mounted filler.....

[Albert Ross]

Yeah right.... look at page 1.... there's a J plater with a high filler!