Metro Cabriolet
Manufactured
and launched in 1991. This is the most special and most rare of any model
in the entire eighteen years of the Metro. Rover encountered many technical
difficulties, i.e. ensuring the hood was waterproof from all angles, and it
didn't jam. The high spec and all the extra work was putting the price up
and up. It was going to sell around £12,000. In the end very few
were ever made. It is evident however that an immense of work went into designing
this Metro, as the whole roof and back of the car was redesigned. There is
brief mention of the Metro Cabriolet in an October 1994 Rover products guide,
but no pictures, almost as if they didn't want you to see it... If anyone has an
actual Metro Cabriolet please let me know, I would like to know how many there
are out there - if any. The text below quoted is from a sales leaflet dated
1991...
"Drive it. And enjoy a breath of fresh
air, in the cabriolet that puts you head and shoulders above the rest."
"Rover. The name means quality and refinement in a
class apart. Cars that are distinctive, stylish and luxurious, and superb
to drive.
Now, the Rover been acclaimed as the best small
car in the world* offers you the exhilaration of open top motoring. And because
its a Rover, you can expect a great deal more than the average.
The Rover Metro Cabriolet has all the class beating qualities
of its larger
stablemates. Naturally, its uniquely stylish, with the hood up or
down. With sleek, sporting looks emphasise by the build quality and fine
coachwork which are Rover hallmarks . 
Take your place at the wheel, and experience Rover
design excellence, to the smallest detail. Generously proportioned, contoured
seats. An elegantly trimmed passenger cabin,
from the cut pile carpet to the bright sill tread strips. And a driving environment
which suits you to perfection.
On
the road, further important qualities reveal the pedigree of this new cabriolet.
The smooth, eager response of the award winning K-series engines. And the
exceptional refinement. Rover engineering has created a body structure
which is extremely robust; endowing it with remarkable quietness and freedom
from vibration. 
Because security considerations are a particularly high
priority for cabriolet owners, Rover have built in an advanced anti-theft alarm
system as standard. Operated through the remote central door locking
system, the alarm features perimetric sensing of doors, bonnet and boot.
It also has a sophisticated volumetric sensing capability, setting up a field of
coverage within the car with the hood up or down.
Every aspect of this new cabriolet shows Rover's
attention to detail. For example the hood is fully lined, enhancing both
the interior appearance and the levels of refinement. The hood canopy is
firmly attached to the hood frame bows; preventing the distinctly unstylish
billowing to be seen in other cabriolets at speed. A power hood is
available as an extra cosy option fitted by your Rover dealer.
The
car body has been engineered with wind down rear windows for additional style
and convenience. There's even a folding rear seat providing extra luggage
space when required. Whilst the unique suspension gives taught responsive
handling which is also well-insulated from road shocks and
vibration.
Choose
from two exclusive models. The Rover Metro 1.4 Cabriolet is powered by the
75PS K-Series engine; catalyst equipped, naturally, and with electronic single
point fuel injection giving a smooth and lively response. Among the luxuries is
a high quality electronic stereo radio/cassette with security coding and four speakers.
For wind in the hair motoring with full-blooded,
sporting performance, choose the 103PS Rover Metro Cabriolet 16v; with
multi-point electronic fuel injection and a close ratio transmission.
Unique sports styling features and alloy wheels with low profile tyres emphasise
the lively character. The sports style front seats have a
distinctive 'Silverstone' trim, and lumbar adjustment provides additional comfort
for the driver.
*'Autocar and Motor' - October 1990
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