Austin Mini Metro 1.3 HLS
British Leyland wrapped the Mini's proven A-series ideas in a roomy new three-door body, then made the 1.3 HLS the plush top model at launch.
1980 Austin Mini Metro 1.3 HLS · Paula Ham · CC BY-SA 3.0
Research pending
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More than a set of wheels.
British Leyland needed a modern rival for the Fiesta, Renault 5, Fiat 127 and Polo. Its first Mini-replacement proposal, ADO88, tested as too van-like, so David Bache's team reshaped every exterior panel into project LC8. Launched in October 1980 as the Austin Mini Metro, the new car used a modern robot-built shell but familiar small-Austin engineering. The 1.3 HLS sat at the top of the range with the strongest launch engine and luxury trim.
Look a little closer.
Longbridge workers chose 'Metro' in a ballot; the other options included Maestro and Match.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
Old engine, new factory
The Metro kept the long-lived A-series engine family, but its shell came from a heavily automated new West Works line. British Leyland invested £15.5 million in the plant, and the museum says two body shells could emerge every 45 seconds after a five-year, two-million-mile test programme.
Source: British Motor Museum · Metro at Forty ↗A survivor from before the launch
The museum's HLS was one of about 300 pre-production cars built in May 1980. It became the centrepiece of the 1980 British International Motor Show stand, preserving the exact top-specification launch identity rather than a later Metro wearing similar badges.
Source: British Motor Museum collection · Mini Metro HLS, 1980 ↗Where these facts come from
- British Motor Museum collection · Mini Metro HLS, 1980
- British Motor Museum · Metro at Forty
- Automobile-Catalog · 1980 Austin Metro phase I range
- Austin/MG Metro handbook and driver's guide
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed 2026-10-03.