WHEN some people buy a new car they take care of it, polish it and perhaps top up the oil occasionally.

But Viv Rowe has done a bit more than that - he's torn his new metro apart. Roof, doors, bonnet - even the wings have been torn off the car.

Viv's puzzled Astwood Bank neighbours were relieved to hear there is a good reason for his odd behaviour - he plans to turn the Metro into a top rally cross car.

"It's got plenty of potential - but it's going to need a lot of development work," said 33-year-old Viv, who is working on the body at his Astwood Lane home.

And he pointed out there are no established go-faster parts for the motor - it's all do it yourself.

That's why he and last year's driver Tim Greenhill are planning only a few selected races this year.

The car won't be finished for another two months and it will cost them a total of £12,000 to make it competitive.

Last season they came third in their national championships - and now they are hoping to do even better with the unusual car and effective sponsorship.