Descrizione
HERE is an incredibly original 1971 Austin Maxi. Registered on January 1, 1971 and therefore built in 1970, she is in Limeflower (very much a colour of the day) with matching interior. The V5 states just four previous owners and her history file reveals a loving past with one full handwritten notebook and another half full, noting everything done in something like the past 20 years.
You tend to see Maxis for sale now and again from the late 1970s and early 80s, but rarely from their early days ie this one from 1971. The model was launched to much fanfare in 1969 but, due to teething problems, basically underwent a second launch in 1970. That was when the cable-operated gears were replaced by rods and the Maxi was up and running. The UK's first ever hatchback and billed as the first 5-speed, 5-seater!
Anyway, rare it is. Now to the car. I am told by the previous owner that it has never been welded and certainly there is no apparent evidence of any such work. The floor pans - when you can manage to prise up the original extremely well fitted carpets - are in the same condition as the bulk of the car's exterior. Limeflower with no black paint; no repair work. Even under the rear seat when it is folded down for luggage space is untouched and in the original Limeflower. Her exterior panels are really very good and sills look to be original. She is one hell of an eye catching car showing only some minor surface rust spots here and there but, you could safely say, no areas of inherent rot or rust. This is probably how a three-year-old Maxi would have looked back in the day. Come to think of it, it is probably better than that!
The 1750cc engine has only just been introduced in 1970 when this example was built and so will have been one of the first 1750s on the scene.
She is probably the most comfortable classic I have driven during the past year and she performs admirably on the road - in all five gears!
Her interior is simply amazing. Limeflower seats look like they are still new and the wooden facia is excellent.
So, there we are. An enormous history file, a much loved car, a 50-year-old example, and an extremely rare early example. What's not to love.
I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote. Thanks, Martin. the details below.
