Fans of the Austin Metro are being invited to the official launch of a fanclub dedicated to the car. The newly-formed Metro Owners Club is staging an open day at Longbridge on Sunday afternoon.

The club has been going as an internet-based enthusiasts’ group for some years and already boasts more than 700 members from as far afield as Spain, Cyprus and the US.

Club spokesman Grant Parker, of Brick Kiln Street, Wolverhampton, said the 25th anniversary celebrations of the car in 2005 had boosted interest in the 1980s hatch.

“There are a lof of youngsters who remember their parents having Metros and now want to buy them themselves as restoration projects.

“We have annual gatherings on the anniversary of the car in October and these have proved very popular.

“At the last one we had everything from a Metro City to the 6R4 – the amazing rally version of the car.

“This will be our first day as a proper club and we will be having an open day to celebrate.”

The event, which will feature 80s music from the likes of the Human League and Duran Duran, will take place at Longbridge Vicarage in Longbridge Lane, home of Metro fan Rev Colin Corke, who owns three of the cars himself.

The Metro was launched in 1980 as a big brother for the Mini, changed its name to the Rover Metro in 1987 and continued to be manufacturing until 1994.

Further details are available from teh club at www.metroownersclub.org