The Metro probably, the most discussed new car project ever. The British motor industry was effectively saved from bankruptcy by the government in 1974, with the result that ADO 88, a replacement for the famous Mini was the subject of much debate in the Houses of Parliament, in the motoring and national presses and in the saloon bars of many pubs up and down the country. ADO 88 was build as the car to save British Leyland. However, the first attempt was a stylistic disaster and only an emergency restyling some 18 months before launch saved the project and the British car industry form certain failure. Financial restrictions ruled out new running gear so the Metro, as it was eventually to be called relied on Mini subframes, suspension and the ancient four speed sump mounted gearbox. However, the old A series engine was somewhat updated, to become the A+. Despite the rocky road to production that it had to travel, the Metro was surprisingly decent car and one that deserves to be remembered fondly. Its utilization of space was second to none, and it was also the first car to feature an asymmetrically split rear seat. It handled with alacrity, even spawned MG and MG Turbo versions.

The Metro was given a comprehensive make over as a Rover vehicle in 1990 which put it at the top of the supermini league. The final version of the car, badged the Rover 100, stayed in production until December 1997, still selling at a decent rate. Although outlasted by the original Mini it was based on, it did indeed help to save the British auto industry.

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• austin mini metro