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Reliant Metrocab

Reliant Metrocab in Time Trax, TV Series, 1993-1994 IMDB Ep. 1.09

Class: Cars, Sedan — Model origin: UK — Built in: AU — Made for: AUS

Reliant Metrocab

[*] Background vehicle

Comments about this vehicle

AuthorMessage

Gag Halfrunt UK

2015-12-18 17:03

Looks like a Metrocab, but the windscreen is too small (or covered at the top).
/vehicle_861225-MCW-Metrocab-1988.html

Sandie SX

2015-12-18 17:07

It's a deflector attached at the top. I'm having the same Metrocab thoughts through my doubts are from the grille. Maybe the Australian ones had some design changes later on?

mike962 DE

2015-12-18 17:16

[Image: snapshot20151210190723.118.jpg][Image: snapshot20151210190723.119.jpg]

-- Last edit: 2015-12-18 17:16:52

Exiv96 BE

2015-12-19 12:46

A comment in this entry ( /vehicle_512029-MCW-Metrocab-1987.html ) says :

"Yes a Metrocab version were built in Sydney, fitted with either local GMH Holden or Ford Falcon 6cyl motor & transmission. I think the wonderful feature was fiberglass, bolt on mudguards to eliminate long downtitme should one have an accident. I think they were modified to the style of the Nissan Prairie which only came with a 4cyl 2Litre motor."

But I'm not sure this was a full local "build", or merely an assembly - or conversion - of UK elements. And I haven't found any photos of these aussie Metrocabs.

Also, found on the web, a comment on that forum : http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2167864

"NSW trialled the 6 MCW Metro cab back in the 1980's and were a complete failure."

-- Last edit: 2015-12-19 12:49:26

Gag Halfrunt UK

2015-12-19 13:02

Also from that entry:

ozhudson wrote I have a 1988 Ford Metrocab for sale. Im in Adelaide South Australia
ozhudson@gmail.com

Perhaps someone could ask them for photos.

-- Last edit: 2015-12-19 13:02:58

Sandie SX

2016-10-08 04:13

Found a few for sale ads for Australian Metrocabs (copying the most useful pictures in case the ads go off line):

Link to "www.gumtree.com.au"

[Image: aus_2_metrocab.jpg] [Image: aus_2_metrocab_2.jpg] [Image: aus_2_metrocab_3.jpg] [Image: aus_2_metrocab_4.jpg]

Quote 1991 Reliant Metrocab, x taxi with Holden running gear


This one is a closer match for this one here (grille, bumper etc): Link to "www.ebay.com"

[Image: aus_1_metrocab.jpg] [Image: aus_1_metrocab_2.jpg] [Image: aus_1_metrocab_4.jpg] [Image: aus_1_metrocab_5.jpg]

Quote VIN: SCD253103MF103803 (MY digit = M = 1991?)
Engine No: VH1186093
Date of Manufacture: 12/1993 (?)
Date of 1st Registration: 07/26/1994


Info on this ad is a bit conflicted, built 1993, registered 1994 but described as a Reliant Metrocab (so should be before 1991?). VIN has M as a modelyear digit which usually means 1991. Also there is a Reliant badge on the steering wheel, which points to Reliant and 1991 or earlier being correct.

So what does this mean for identifying these? Well, it seems they mirrored the UK manufacturer names. Not sure when they stopped (were there any after Reliant sold off the Metrocab?) but as an earliest possibility it seems this type of front (grille and bumper) started with Reliant there. I'm clearing these two unknown Metrocabs as Reliant for this reason pending further information.

bulldog332 AU

2019-03-18 06:51

I now own the black Metrocab in this thread. I paid for it sight unseen (stupidly) and I had it brought down to Melbourne. I'm slowly getting it back on it's feet. It was in far worse condition than the pictures show. After a lot of investigation, I have found out that it is indeed a 1991 Reliant, imported the same year with 13 identical cabs, all with no engines. they were fitted with Commodore VN 3.8 V6 engines, with modified bumpers, bonnet and brakes. Very few of them left, which is a real shame as there are some parts I just cannot find, thus far preventing me from getting a roadworthy - very frustrating!

EPBill EN

2019-08-30 12:44

That's very interesting to know, bulldog332. I ran a Metrocab in London in the 1990s and have researched the history of London cabs extensively. I've been trying to find out more about the importation of them into Australia. Would you know any more about the story, please? Interesting too to see the yellow example, which I understand to be in Melbourne colours

Gag Halfrunt UK

2019-08-30 13:09

bulldog332 has never posted any other comments, so they probably don't visit the site regularly or at all.

bulldog332 AU

2019-10-11 01:16

Hi EPBill,

To the best of my knowledge, around 100 MK1 Metros were imported in batches over the course of a couple of years - this explains why some were branded Reliant, some MCW. The earliest import group of 14 (of which mine was one) were all white and had no running gear at all. They were fitted out with the Holden Commodore VN running gear and went to work. They weren't very popular with fleet drivers. Mine was used across Oz; NT, NSW, QLD and VIC. Once it was out of service, the person who owned it decided it would make a good promotional vehicle and painted it black - seemingly with a brush and roller. It was in a lot worse condition than I had been told, and I have had to really work hard on it to get it running again - which it is.

The other cabs that came in were MCW branded, and had Ford engines and running gear, and the grille badges were changed to Ford ones. All the cabs were given strengthened bumpers and brakes etc to meet Australian road standards. The ones with Holden running gear had special bonnets and scoops made by Sydney Special Vehicles. All of them ran exclusively on LPG.

I bought it because my old man was a cabbie and had a Metro in the 90s too. It was the best cab he'd had since getting out in 1970, he says. I've taken mine as far as I can, and have just sold it to a nice bloke from Warragul who is planning on hotrodding it. I'm just glad it's not going to the crusher...

Let me know if you have any specific questions, I might have an answer or two, or be able to find out.

Cheers

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