Meet Melvin - My Beloved Rover Metro

This little Metro was the subject of the first Twin-Cam video, he's responsible for ferrying me about the country in comfort, getting me up to university dependably, and introducing me to some of my best friends.
But now, he needs a bit of love, so he's going to be treated to a full restoration.
Patreon: / twincam
Would you like your car to be in a video?
If so, contact me via the links below!
Email: [e-mail]
Instagram: / twincam_vids
Twitter: / ed_westby
TikTok: / twincam_vids
Facebook: / twincamvids

[@TwinCam]

Sorry for the dodgy audio on this one. I thought, as I was so close to the camera, that I wouldn’t need my mic. I was wrong. I’ve also been asked a few times about how people can help support Twin-Cam, and the best way to do that is to just keep watching, subscribe, and comment! But if you’re feeling extra generous, I do have a Patreon page, where supporters gain early access to my videos and occasional snippets or behind the scenes doings. www.patreon.com/twincam?

[@mikedstringer]

I am gladdened to see a younger person have such love for a car. The unalloyed joy of driving, freedom and car ownership cannot be overstated.

[@MakerfieldConsort]

Don't worry about rambling, Ed. It just shows how you really feel about this beauty of a car. And remember, not only do you owe so much to Melvin - so do we. Because of Melvin, we have been entertained and educated for these past three years. His story is one we've followed keenly (when we're not being seduced by other cars, that is). As you said, this car - or the channel that resulted - has introduced you to many people, some of whom have gone on to become good friends. One of those friendships is our own, of course, so I personally owe a lot to you deciding to point your phone at Melvin. It's even possible that my own channel may not have existed without this one, as one of the thoughts that went through my head was along the lines of "If some young lad up the road can film his passion, why can't I?" And that's just one person's story. There will be many more people equally indebted. So I answered your rambling by rambling myself. Congratulations if you got this far!

[@Marie579]

This is what KZbin should be, informative, fun, almost wholesome and honestly genuine. And Ed is good too!😂 It restores your faith in the younger generations outlook. Not a hint of selfies and faux being the new real. 👍👍👍

[@andrewstones2921]

It’s great to see such a commitment to one car.. I’ve owned more cars than most people would believe possible, everything from a Reliant 3 wheeler to a Porsche 911 and all over a span of 40 years since my first car. There was only ever one car that I felt the kind of attachment to that you show to Melvin and that was a Volvo 940 SE. Its hard to say why that car meant so much, it was 14 years old when I bought it and had a few knocks and needed some work.. but I loved it and spent far too much time and money on it to make sense. I had to sell it when I moved half way round the world in 2016 and importing it was not really an option for all sorts of reasons. I think we don’t choose the cars we become attached to, rather they choose us.

[@ianturner6954]

great plan Edd looking forward to watching Melvins rebirth!

[@RoxhamCottage]

Looking forward to following Melvin's restoration!

[@neilmustow368]

Best of luck with the restoration of Melvin Ed

[@giulioz.4928]

Personally I am grateful to Melvin for him bringing you and the channel to us. You entertain and motivate. I really like your male enthusiasm and ways and Steph’s feminine enthusiasm. You two (and Ian in some ways) motivated me to buy a classic car and start an adventure

[@OXOtwo]

Looking forwards to seeing Melvins journey on his restoration.

[@stevenbrown8857]

So pleased i found twin cam ... love your enthusiasm 🙂

[@TwinCam]

Cheers Steven!

[@ianstewartorr8455]

I had a rover metro 1.1S it was a wonderful car it went like shit off a shovel greetings from Scotland thanks 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧 I also had previously a Austin metro the K series was the best metro

[@Poppy323F]

We love the little rambles and I can’t wait to see what’s next for little Melvin ☺️🥰

[@roberttaylor6295]

Don't know how I missed this one but glad I found it as you are about to do what I enjoy you doing - sorting your car with your unsurpassable enthusiasm and acquired skill - if not bravery! Trot on with the adventure as I am honest and did not like you acting as a salesman for a auction company as much as I have enjoyed all other videos over the two years or so. I hope you were well rewarded for your superb efforts! And while I have discovered other similar (but not as good) sites) though a failure I am a loyal supporter! Keep up your erudition and ralaxed, knowledgeable style which is always a joy to watch. Rob

[@petewilliams1237]

Simply brilliant! Such articulate passion. Thank you for this, and everything else you do. It's a joy!

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Pete 🙂

[@stuarthall6631]

What a refreshing presentation, Ed! My first car was an Austin Metro 1.0L and I then went on to buy an MG Metro Turbo. This was my first brand new car, having been re-imported from Holland and converted by a specialist company to R.H.D. Re-imports were "the thing" back in the early eighties as even this process saved serious money because of the higher prices within the U.K.

[@davidgibson4840]

I have been around since very early on . good luck on the restoration

[@warrenny]

It's nice hearing you talk about Melvin in such a rich and personal way. Once upon a time, I drove a Mazda Miata 1st gen. I can imagine some similarities from that feeling of driving something special.

[@Roverjoe]

Looking Forward to seeing how the restoration comes along, im sure the final result will be stunning! :)

[@CortinasAndClassics]

Ed I am really looking forward to seeing the restoration of Melvin. Your passion for Melvin is the same as myself for TeeCee. I will never sell him.

[@trancematics]

Looking forward to following the restoration story of Melvin. (PS can't wait to see if see if the KV6 engine squeezes under the bonnet 🤣)

[@TwinCam]

KV6 incoming!

[@karltork6040]

Ed, best of luck with Melvins restoration. I so enjoy your enthusiasm for the little fella. Look forward to taking the ride with you. Cheers.

[@torresalex]

Everyone loves Melvin

[@rayaspo4893]

Ray Aspo 1 second ago Love your passion for Melvin the metro. When you buy a classic it’s got you for life. Your so correct when you say you meet new friends through the car, the love of an older car is full of highs and lows.Looking forward to the rebuild series.

[@Pturbo306]

Good man Ed! I know you’re saying about bodywork maybe making her fail but if you could, I would still MOT it. At least you can still drive it to workshops etc. I took my corsa b off the road to do up but with no MOT it became a lot more difficult. Keep it up!

[@TwinCam]

Hard to MOT a car that needs serious welding to pass!

[@rob1971]

Looking forward to watching the series and seeing you lavish the love Melvin deserves on him 🚘

[@peterthwaites5891]

Looking forward to following your restoration of Melvin... I know many will argue that by changing the engine "You`ll ruin the car" and while they do have a point Melvin is YOUR CAR and if you wish to improve him, make him better to drive and more relevant for today`s driving then i`d say GO FOR IT and enjoy..

[@TwinCam]

Indeed. These are all things I’ve only noticed I want through all the driving I’ve done. The more I have in mind aren’t over the top or pipe dreams, but things I think will enhance my enjoyment of the car.

[@oliverstemp9132]

It’s so good to see so much enthusiasm in one video

[@maxeluy]

If i can't wait to see the series and the end result I can't imagine how excited you are about it 😬

[@adrianlw2750]

Great to hear background to your friendship with Melvin. We had several versions over a number of years in the family, a 1.1C (unlike you though, I was not a fan of the engine in that car), a 1.4 GSi automatic (a lovely engine/transmission match), and a manual 1.4 GSi - I found the driving position a bit too awkward for town driving though, unlike the auto which was much easier coz no clutch to worry leg position. The 1.4’s gave excellent performance and with diminutive dimensions made for a quick car along back roads. At the time, the motoring press criticised the 1.4 for being less nimble due to the heavier 1.4 over the 1.1. But handling was still fun, just not as delicately balanced. Preceding the Rover 100’s were original A-series Metros which were much liked and great in the snow. Yes, tin-worm very much got to cars in those days though.

[@maverick_motors_]

Looking forward to seeing the restoration Ed. Best of luck with it!

[@kellybrickey4300]

I commend you lad! Now you will never have the regret I feel after selling my trustworthy 50th anniversary Landy Discovery. His name was Alistaire, and I hope somebody did what I should have , and restored him. bought him in 2008, with 112K, and drove him 90 thousand carefree miles, all over the mountain passes in the western U.S. . Very much looking forward to seeing your progress!

[@GIXXERUKX]

Brilliant, can’t wait for this, totally agree upgrade where you see suitable, you know the car and what you want 👍😎

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Paul 🙂 The changes I want to make are things I’ve noticed I’d like done differently while I’ve been driving the car. For example, I want more intake noise, I want more torque, I want closer gearing, I want better brake pedal feel, I want a sharper turn in, I want a snappier rear end. All these things it takes time to realise, and while I go on this restoration adventure, I’m going to be exploring how to achieve them!

[@Speedscholars]

Looking forward to this 🎉

[@razorsz195]

Every time i see Melvin and these happy videos talking about him, makes me want to start my own journey..really need to kick myself to start learning to drive again..but something about learning to drive in your own old car you've worked on getting back onto the road in your driveway, getting it to run right, road ready again. is much more special than some boring new corsa, theres a connection between the driver and the car that is what makes me want to drive and enjoy a car. Thats the motivation i need..suppose its time to start searching for a peppy old pov spec car, no fiddly dials and screens and stupid stalks that do too many things, 3 pedals, a stick and a wheel, electric windows if you're feeling fancy!

[@TwinCam]

Do it! Do it! Do it!

[@davecoleman7431]

Great series on Melvin Deffo going to follow you on your way to make him “new” again

[@anthonystevens8683]

You have certainly bonded with this car Ed and I can certainly understand why. When things that need to be looked at 'at some point' and others need t be done it sometimes makes sense to just do the lot. My first car that wasn't well past it's sell by date was my 'A' series Metro 1.3L on an F plate I bought second hand. I had that car for ~8 years and only sold her when I relocated to a completely different part of the country for work. At the time that leaded petrol was being phased out and the engine would need re-working to take unleaded fuel along with a list of items that would need sorting at some point would have been expensive (but not an issue) and the car off the road for some time that was the big issue. That combined with a new daily commute that changed from 6 miles a day to 20 in a new job meant we parted ways. 23 years later and I still miss that cars character that thanks to your videos of Melody brings fond memories back. Keep up the great work Ed and update us on the progress on Melvin.

[@richardhunt1384]

I see a 1.6 being dropped in Melvin, that or a hot 1.4!! They do have a charm about them and it shows with how much you express you love for him!! 👍👍😁😁

[@TwinCam]

We’ll see, but I already have something my heart is set on… 😉

[@fatefulcoma]

Seeing your feelings towards Melvin makes me feel the same about my Peugeot 206 2.0 GTi. I have only had it since July this year but i get what you mean when it becomes something more. I think your next engine will be a K series Twin Cam to go in line with your channel name. Good luck with the restoration.

[@carlmarkwyatt]

I'm in a similar place with my 208 GTi, it's a 2015 car so well off being a classic but I've had it since 2017 now and absolutely love it, can't imagine ever selling it.

[@mitchellharris9854]

I don’t realize we where the same age. I bought my mgb when I was 17 too, daily driving in the US I have managed 50,000 miles in the last few years. Henry is his name, and he is also going to be needing some rust repair soon.

[@TwinCam]

Lovely! I’d adore an MG someday.

[@rovercoupe7104]

Lovely motor. M.

[@michaeltutty1540]

Well done, Ed. I know exactly what you mean about a car that gets under your skin. I feel exactly the same about Arthur, the 1990 Volvo 240DL estate Ma bought as her 60th birthday present to herself. Ma put the first 190,000 miles on him in 25½ years. Yes, the old boy had a willing partner in the Old Lady, aka Hotrod Harriett. Ma ordered Arthur with very few options on the base model. Automatic, power windows, rigid floor trays, and Ice Blue metallic paint. In the 7½ years I have been driving Arthur I have more than doubled the mileage. It is now at 390,000 miles. A full on restoration is in his future, about 4 years from now when I retire and move away from the Great White North. People who don't know better think I'm nuts. Volvo people know I am NUTS, but in a good way. I can't wait to see Melvin the way you want him.

[@ChristopheOnly]

Melvin and his owner are both charming 🙂😇

[@sonofatwitch82]

come along for the ride, nice pun

[@nigelh4617]

All the best with this resto, Melv definitely deserves to live on for a long time. I wonder if the 3-piece bumper was originally intended for the van variant, which never happened. But, maybe the parts had already been supplied and were used on the 1.1C, rather than have them go to waste.

[@TwinCam]

It couldn’t have been intended for the van, as van production was always going to end once the K-Series came on stream. And these bumpers were only introduced a year into production anyway.

[@pauljeffries]

1.4 16v engine I reckon Ed or a 1.8 VVC......let's hope so, nice little update on Melvin 👍

[@TwinCam]

All will be revealed… 😉

[@markellis4229]

@@TwinCam 1.8 turbo mgzt engine with a Slight remap 🚗 🔥🔥😁 even better

[@andidubya3840]

Looking forward to this. My first motor was a metro (x-reg when years were at the back) my Dad and I restored it because 80's cars otherwise there is So much for an engineer to unpack in this I could write an essay - just on K vs A for a start!

[@TwinCam]

They’re very different creatures!

[@andidubya3840]

@@TwinCam one doesn't simply have ONE metro

[@Morinaka25]

Insurance is a pain as a young guy. My first car was a base model Citroen AX, paid £700 for it, insurance was about £1000 third party (not fully comp) for a year. I can't really blame them when i think back and realise how many stupid accidents my friends got into. Look forward to the restore.

[@KiwiStag74]

So....little Melvin's heart (among other things) is going to get either a little titivation or a transplant. If a transplant (and if at all possible) keep his original engine off to one side in case you ever want to put him back to original spec (some people do). Me? I'd be interested to take the little 1.1 litre K-series and chuck a road race camshaft, bigger valves, double valve springs, port and polish the head, dual timing chains and either twin carbs or a two-barrel downdraught or side draught carburettor and manifold.....coupled with LCB extractors / headers if they did not go on with the Maniflow (which I don't believe they did). That way when someone asks what manner of monumental power plant you have in it, you can still tell them it is a 1.1 litre! I suppose you COULD go the whole hog and throw a 1.4 litre 16v SPI or MPI donk out of a Metro GTI.....or even more power-happy and drop an MGF's 1.8VVC in.....but the latter would definitely mean adding an engine management computer....and I think at least the MPI might need one and all. Hmmmmm....... You've got me stumped, Ed - with so many options that appeal, I can't decide which way I reckon you'll go! Whatever engine it is, it MUST be mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, because I don't believe you'd be one to enjoy an auto....or would even consider it as an option for Melvin's refit! I reckon that you'll want some better stopping power if you up the ante on the engine, so I can see some work going on there too. Man this is a bit scary - I'm thinking more about YOUR project than I am about the ones in my garage! Any way you look at it, Ed,, it will be an improvement to how Melvin is now. Yes, he's perfectly adequate and a lot of fun right now, but I certainly get the idea of making a car "your own - just the way you want it". I have three in the garage that I have taken certain liberties with as well - after all, who drives them? I do. Therefore, they have to reflect what I want in my car - and of course what I want to get out of it. The first modification I did for all of them - a Triumph Stag, a Triumph 2500S and a 77 Mini - was to design, build and fit cup holders for that ever-present cup of coffee! I'll look forward to see what you have in mind for Melvin as it unfolds over the next few months.....or however long it takes......and if it IS a 16v engine, you will definitely have earned that channel name of yours, won't you?! All the best

[@TwinCam]

I have something already in mind… 😉

[@tlongie6055]

As an owner of a 1.1 K-Series Metro and a 1.1 MK2 Fiesta, I definitely can attest to the difference in performance! Metro is obviously far superior. Really looking forward to following Melvin's restoration! 😁

[@TwinCam]

I haven’t driven a Mk2 Fiesta, to be fair, but I have driven a Mk3. And it felt loose and slow compared to the Metro. Still perfectly competent, but in a different league.

[@markpatterson4917]

Great Vid my brother had a 1.1C. He took it on track days. It always punched above its weight I'm a big fan of the K series. My 2nd car was a rover 214 a great car. I didn't mind the fake wood. The joy was the K series engine and it handled well too. loved 4 wheel drift on roundabouts. Unfortunately rover also made my worst ever car an MG ZR which died after only 63000 miles due to cheap wiring. It was one of the last ones off the production line before they went bust so thought i had a bargain. It proved they were cutting corners. Same engine just wrong time to buy. heyho but still annoyed seeing slightly earlier ones driving around.

[@thebigcheese6606]

Maybe, you said before Why did choose a Metro?. I liked metros. Was buying a MG in 1989. But a lot of them. Had rusty back wheel arch. Still love the style. K series, still holding up even now

[@TwinCam]

Because Minis are expensive!

[@raychambers3646]

A friend of has the G S I version of this ,bought it off a vicar with extremely low mileage.

[@lukewilly]

My first car

[@MrEpsilonEagle]

I once bought Metro seats to put in my Mini but I could not get it to fit properly. That was about 18 years ago and they could still be in my uncle's shed 😅

[@TwinCam]

Yep, totally different seats!

[@carlreading9916]

Melvin's of the road waiting restoration, and Melody's still not got an engine, so what are you driving?

[@TwinCam]

I am carless 🤣🤣 Fortunately, I don’t need to go anywhere, and if I need to go off to the shops or out with friends I’m a named driver on my Mum’s Corsa C.

[@21stcenturyozman20]

Ed, you're a brave fellow to take on a rebuild! I started what was to be a partial rebuild four years ago on my 1884 500 SEC Benz - and it's still not finished! Covid got in the way and caused the non-delivery of parts (some ended up IN the Suez Canal!). I found more rust than I expected (natch). Then I got carried away and went the whole hog, including having every fastener and any other part that was originally yellow-cadmium plated redone - only months before cad plating was banned in AU. I completely re-did the interior - all new leathers, new headliner, carpet, wood trim … The workshop I was using was sold, so the car had to come home, where the aluminium bonnet was damaged irreparably by a monster hailstorm (try finding a replacement for that! - though I did). Then I moved home - 1,000 km! - and the Benz went into storage, where it remains until I can finish it. What started out as a proposed 3-month project has become almost ridiculous - but I'm determined to finish it so I can again enjoy driving my fabulous grand tourer. Once the dash is reassembled (and rewired, replumbed - what a horror show!) the rest should be easy going. Best of luck with the Melvin rebuild!

[@TwinCam]

I’m hoping I don’t end in such a predicament, though I’m anticipating this to be a long term, slow burn project!

[@skyll4141]

good luck, get a decent mig welder and practice lots. It's not so hard. 1.1 k series is a good engine, my 1.1s had over 140k on it when I sold it, gearboxes can start popping out of second gear so change the fluid.

[@minecraftkid7219]

How do you keep its bumper so black, mins fades after a week of applying wd40 or silicon spray stuff.

[@philipsmith0752]

how you come to name this car Melvin ?

[@TwinCam]

A friend suggested it the week I bought the car.

[@Richard-Bullock]

You gonna drop a 5 speed box in? I am tempted to swap my Micra's 4 for a 5. I don't often venture on to a motorway, but when I do the poor old girl is screaming her little head off at 70mph.

[@TwinCam]

I’ve already bought a 5-speed. Don’t buy one for lower revs. That’s not how they work. They aren’t 4-speeds with an extra gear on top. They just spread the ratios closer.

[@Richard-Bullock]

@@TwinCam To me that seems unusual. I know on a K10 the ratios on a 5 speed are slightly closer than on the 4 speed, but 5th is still a higher ratio than 4th on a 4 speed.

[@cjmillsnun]

1.8 VVC conversion to follow??

[@TwinCam]

I can rule this one out right now. I’ve driven VVC Metros and they’re a little too fast for my liking.

[@davidmbell]

Can I say (again) REAR BUMPER

[@TwinCam]

What about it?

[@davidmbell]

@@TwinCam your opportunity to swap for a full plastic one (I know you want to keep it original, but like the wheels, a sensible upgrade

[@TwinCam]

Absolutely no way am I swapping it 🤣

[@johnf5817]

So Melvin is off the road, Melanie is sans engine right now, what's your daily drive?

[@TwinCam]

Errr… nothing… 🤣🤣

[@phuketexplorer]

Whatever you do, don't be tempted to swap out the 4 speed box for a 5. The ratios are simply appalling and only serve to slow you down!

[@TwinCam]

Unless you buy the correct five-speed ‘box… 😉

[@phuketexplorer]

@@TwinCam Drive the doner 5 speed beforehand and make your mind up then. I hated my brand new Rover 100 'Kensington', after owning a wonderful 4 speed Rover 100 'Rio'.

[@grayfool]

I had a few cars without floors, cost a small fortune in welding! Sorry, dad joke.

[@schmutzfabrikag5304]

Again, this number is for you, Ed: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZKofmeAjquDnNk

[@TwinCam]

I love Queen. But I have to say, this is one of my least favourite of their songs 🤣

[@jamesengland7461]

Don't waste your time replacing the cv boot; just replace the whole axle.

[@dquad]

Just don't put too big of a camshaft in, you can ruin the character of the car. There's no replacement for displacement. A 1.6 would be perfect.

[@davidluck4608]

Why was the AUSTIN name killed-off completely…….. There are plenty of manufacturers that “re-badged” ……The only car I ever owned from brand new was an AUSTIN METRO back in the mid 1980s……..