Oxford Diecast 76MET001

Austin Mini Metro Emberglow (Princess Diana) 1:76 scale.

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs

Prototype Eras
Era 7 (1972 to 1982) British Rail Blue (TOPS)
Era 8 (1983 to 1994) British Rail Sectorisation
Era 9 (1995 to 2004) Initial Privatisation
Era 10 (2005 to 2015) Rebuilding of the Railways

Manufacturer description

British Leyland introduced the Mini Metro in 1980, with a view to it being a possible successor to the popular and highly acclaimed Mini.  Known initially as the Austin Mini Metro, as time went on with vehicle manufacturer mergers and takeovers, it became popularly known as simply the Metro.  Designed by David Bache and Harris Mann, the Metro was assembled at the Longbridge plant and came as a 3-door/5door hatchback with front wheel drive, a four speed gearbox and engine options from 1.0L  to 1.3L.Top speed was 84 mph.for the basic model. With a length of 3,400 mm and a width of 2,250 mm and boasting a spacious interior, it was particularly popular for use in the city too.  The price was pretty attractive as well. You could buy a new Austin Mini Metro  basic 1.0L model for £3,095.

The Metro was revealed over a 3-week period in September 1980 but not at the British Motor Show, where it made its official public debut later.  British Leyland chose to sail from Liverpool to The Isle of Man aboard a cruise ship which proved highly newsworthy and attracted huge attention from prospective buyers from the car trade, who took advantage of this unique opportunity to view and buy the acclaimed vehicle.

The Austin Mini Metro was popularised to a notable extent by one famous purchaser of the early version.  The 19 year old Lady Diana Spencer bought one at the time when she was attracting a great deal of attention prior to her marriage to the then Prince Charles.  Registered MPB 909W from 1980/81, it is Lady Diana’s Metro that Oxford has chosen to launch this new model.

Decorated in the ruby red Emberlow colour scheme, Our Austiin Mini Metro is based on the 3-door version.  The exterior features a fine double white stripe along the waist of the car, with a similar black stripe below.  The majority of the exterior trim is black including the distinctive radiator grille. which also has the squared off headlights embedded into it with the Austin blue badge in the centre.  To the rear the Austin mini Metro signage is printed in silver along the lower edge of the boot.

The Austin Mini Metro was the best selling mini-car in its early production days and was voted Car of the Year in 1983.   During its 18-year production span, the Metro clocked up over 2 million sales. However, it is a very rare sight today.

Catalogue listing

Oxford Diecast Austin Mini Metro Emberglow (Princess Diana) is a 1:76 scale model produced by Oxford Diecast. The item carries the manufacturer part number 76MET001 and is intended to represent the British Rail sectorisation period.

The model reproduces the 3‑door Austin Mini Metro as owned by Lady Diana Spencer in 1980/81, registered MPB 909W. It is finished in a ruby‑red Emberglow colour scheme with a double white stripe along the waist, a black stripe below, black exterior trim and a silver‑printed Austin Mini Metro badge on the boot.

The die‑cast vehicle measures approximately 70 mm in length and includes details such as squared‑off headlights, a black radiator grille and the original Austin blue badge. All components are rendered in metal with painted accents, matching the original car’s specifications.

This miniature is marketed as a collectible representation of a historically significant British automobile, linking the vehicle to the early 1980s British Leyland model range and its association with Princess Diana.