1988 Austin Maestro 1.6L

The Austin Maestro was heralded as a practical five door hatchback for the small car family market.  British Leyland commenced production in 1983; 1988 saw the Rover Group take over manufacturing until 1995.  A higher specification version of the Maestro was given the MG Logo and known as the MG Maestro until its final production in 1991. However, manufacturing continues to this day in China – how good to learn that some still do appreciate a design relic from Eighties Britain!

It would be fair to suggest that many of us have mixed memories of the Maestro; its common affliction of tin worm may have contributed to the lack of survivors left on the road in the twenty-first century, but those that do remain surely deserve the status of a ‘modern classic’, and should be enjoyed as such.

We are informed that this example has been in the careful care of one family from new and has been garaged throughout its life. Due to various circumstances, the little motor was dry-stored from April 2011 until January of this year; when it was awoken from its slumber, the Austin was equipped with a new battery, started up and miraculously passed its MOT test with no advisories!

The current custodian and vendor is the great-granddaughter of the first owner and prefers her transportation to be a little more modern and nippier, hence the sale of the Maestro. Overall, it is in surprisingly good condition throughout considering the duration of storage, but because of that, we would recommend a recommissioning service.

Offered with its original and distinctive registration number, the Austin is supplied with its V5C registration certificate, invoices, sundry paperwork, original handbooks and a workshop manual.

Auction Date: Thursday 2 March 2017