Beschreibung
Austin Maestro 1. 3HL. This is a fairly rare pre-facelift car with the modular ‘Lego’ dashboard.
When new, the HL's benefits over the more common 'L' versions were a tachometer, padded head restraints, side rubbing strips and chrome door handles. This one has had rear seat belts added during its life, making it a family-friendly classic car.
This car has a current MoT until May 2024 and is in regular use. It was registered January 1985, but built in December 1984 so it will be eligible for tax, MoT and ULEZ exemption in April 2025. In the meantime, the 1275cc engine means that it qualifies for the lower (£200) tax rate.
It starts from cold with ease (there is a manual choke conversion fitted) and drives well, with no untoward smoke or noises. It has the 4-speed VW-sourced gearbox. Mileage is 64, 000 with no history other than the online MoT records since 2006.
The bodywork is structurally good, although as can be seen from the photos, it has received various ‘DIY’ cosmetic repairs over the years to the usual Maestro rot spots of door bottoms and rear wheel arches. A few interior items would also benefit from attention, so a fair amount of work would need to be done to bring this Maestro up to full ‘show’ condition. Yes, it could probably be cheaper in the long run to buy one in better condition, although that would be at least double the price I am asking for this one.
However, it will make a reliable and cost-effective entry into classic vehicle ownership: the price of many 1980s cars has risen sharply in recent years and it is becoming difficult to find usable ‘entry level’ cars.
And after all, not everybody wants a pristine example.
I have not seen any other roadworthy Maestros on the market in this price range recently.
Note: I don’t mind receiving a quick message to ask if the car is still available, but after that I would prefer to discuss the car in a proper phone call, not just with texts going backwards and forwards.... This car has had seven previous keepers, originally being sold new by Clarks of Cullompton and their sticker still survives in the top of the rear window. More recently it has lived in Worcestershire and Cambridgeshire before coming to me in 2019.
During my ownership I have fitted new brake pads and rear wheel cylinder and also sorted out a few minor electrical issues.
