Description
Concours winning Rover Ledbury Maestro with just 5, 104 miles from new.
This stunning Rover Maestro in spotless Midnight Blue coach work with an immaculate Sports Crayons and Velour in Flint was first registered in January 2001 and has covered just 5, 104 miles since under meticulous ownership. Has been in my collection for 2 years, only coming out for the odd show if bone dry outside. Stunning condition in every way, inside, outside, underneath, I guarantee you will not be disappointed on inspection.
Matching Goodyear tyres with excellent tread all round, matching Unipart glass all round and perfect veins still apparent on the steering wheel all back up the car’s low mileage and unmolested care.
Due to dry weather use only, there is none of the usual Rover Group rot, the MOT inspector commenting the underside is like new.
Please study the photos to appreciate the condition, there are no stone chips to the valance, inside the door shuts are as perfect as the exterior, inside the boot is unmarked and even the parcel shelf has its original support cords still. Under the bonnet is also clean, detailed and ready to show.
Displaying charming period features such as the caravan towing warning light, coin holder, rare rubber dash mat and wind up windows, not only does this Maestro throw you back 3 to 4 decades, but it also equals frugal classic ownership as there is literally nothing to go wrong, believe me…I’ve got everything from McLarens to EVs and they’re a nightmare when the gremlins set in.
Drives beautifully due to everything still being tight and new. The 5 speed gearbox is very light as VW supplied these to Rover group (mk1 golf I believe). The 1300 A Plus engine recently tuned and carb needle oiled. Compared to the many classic Minis I’ve owned, this is smoother, quieter, none of the structural rot and for a third of the price. i
The last 2 photos show the only minor flaws hardly worthy of mention; one wheel trim has slight touch in marks, delamination to the windscreen corner and the period stereo radio cassette is not wired up. Service history covers no less than 18 recorded services, such has been the meticulous care afforded to this classic. Just mot’d with no advisories.
First pre registered by Ledbury, the vehicle was immediately sold on to Peter, who used it sparingly for 19 yrs until 2020, sporting a very expensive cherished number plate. A museum curator snapped up the car spotting its low mileage credentials before going to its 3rd enthusiast owner for 3yrs, attending shows and never failing to draw attention.
The Rover Ledbury Maestro, a fascinating car with a story to tell. Originally destined for assembly operations at the new Rover Groups Project Enterprise plant in Bulgaria, only 2, 200 units in KD, (Knock Down), kits were produced ready to be exported. The plant was expected to produce 10, 000 cars annually when built in 1994. The projects rapid demise due to advanced competition from other car makers and broken contractual agreements meant that 621 ‘cancelled export order’ Maestros mainly hatchbacks but some vans, left-hand drive and crated up in complete kit form were snapped up by the multi-millionaire boss and ex Formula One team owner, Paul Stoddart. His warehouse at a garage he owned in Herefordshire that he could convert to build the cars was called Parkway Services, it was in Ledbury, hence the name Ledbury Maestro. The conversion from left to right hand drive which involved a new dashboard, steering components, wipers and headlights. The first cars have R-reg plates but they’re available on anything up to a 51 plate and at the time they were sold for £4, 995 making it Britain’s cheapest car. Source: Rover, Bulgaria, and an F1 team owner: The curious story of the Ledbury Maestro by James Foxall and Ledbury Maestro – Rodacar’s Bulgarian Austin by Keith Adams.
