Have you ever looked at a custom build and thought it was so crazy you weren’t sure how to assess it? That is how I feel about this 1996 Geo Metro. It looks quite unassuming until you notice the bulging rear quarter panels and their integrated scoops. They are functional, supplying cooling air for its rear-mounted V8. It isn’t a trailer queen, because this brutal beast runs, drives, and is roadworthy. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting the Metro listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Los Angeles, California. It could be yours for $16,000 OBO.
Introduced in 1995, the Second Generation Geo Metro remained on sale until 2001. The Metro represented a joint venture between General Motors and Suzuki. The result was a subcompact returning respectable performance and economy with above-average build quality. Our featured Metro rolled off the line in 1996, ordered by its first owner in Wildfire Red. The seller became its custodian in 2022 after the previous owner completed most of the custom engineering. However, they were unhappy with a few aspects, so they tweaked the rear bodywork and applied a fresh coat of paint. The car presents well, with no significant cosmetic shortcomings. The panels are straight, and the trim and glass are in good condition. The wider rear wheels and the quarter panel scoops aren’t cosmetic, because both are functional.
This is as close as we come to discovering what makes this Metro such a crazy beast. It originally featured a transversely mounted front engine, and in its most potent form, the 1.3-liter four delivered 70hp and 74 ft/lbs of torque. However, the word “potent” is a relative term when you consider the Metro’s profound changes. The original motor is gone, with the previous owner installing a 5.3-liter LS4 V8 where the back seat once was. Forget 70hp, because this LS4 would send 303hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The cooling system wasn’t as efficient as it needed to be when the seller purchased the car; hence those additional air scoops. This Metro isn’t a trailer queen. The seller recently took it on a one-hour road trip, and this beast didn’t miss a beat. It might not be an appropriate weapon for cross-country adventures, but for hitting the show trail or heading to a Cars & Coffee, it should be great fun.
The interior is essentially standard Metro fare, with a shift light added and the shifter moved back slightly to cope with its new duties. It isn’t pristine, because the driver’s seat looks dirty, but at least there are no holes or other problems. The dash looks excellent, and the remaining plastic is acceptable for a driver-grade classic. I was initially worried about engine noise, but the builder installed a pretty robust firewall and a screen made from what appears to be fairly heavy perspex. Therefore, the sound levels might be bearable for short journeys.
I typically like unmolested classics, but there is something almost irresistible about this crazy 1996 Geo Metro. I can imagine the crowds it would draw wherever it goes, and the surprises it could spring at the local drag strip. Would I buy it? Probably not. That said, I’m sure some enthusiasts will appreciate its engineering and performance potential and gladly hand over the cash to take it home. Would you?
I’d like to see pictures of the frunk.