FOR SALE
A miracle Austin Maestro 1.3L with massive specification and 30,995 miles.
EQUIPMENT
Five-door body with hatchback, bolt-on wings and integrated front spoiler, colour coded bumpers, triple graduating side decal tape, laminated windscreen, jack-knife folding rear seat, childproof rear locks, homofocal halogen headlamps, internally adjustable passenger door mirror, illuminated cigar lighter, Austin radio cassette, heated rear window, rear wash/wipe, rear seatbelts, rake-adjustable front seats, coat hooks, ash tray. Maestro Upgrade Equipment: Twin bright-highlight door mirrors, MG/Vanden Plas solid-state instrument displays with trip computer and voice synthesis facility, HLS Plain and Chalkstripe Velvet seats and upholstery, electric front windows, remote boot release, passenger cigar lighter. Dealer Fitted Accessories: Bright Hella grille with integrated driving lamps, Maestro mud flaps, Maestro rubber mates. Upgrade Equipment: Certified switchable LPG fuel system, remote central locking, tow bar with single electric socket.
EXTERIOR
Finished in warm and delicious factory original Clove Brown, (Code AMS), this very early 1984 Maestro has covered just 30,995 miles from new. The brilliantly retro colour is showcased by a deep polished uniform shine to the original panels which are straight and largely free from dings or damage. Nothing other than light paint blemishes are detectable to an otherwise outstanding finish. The trim sections, glass, Unipart lights and badges are all intact and in good condition. Supplying dealer fitted number plates remain fitted and Austin Maestro & Montego Owners Club window stickers hint towards the enthusiast ownership since new. Eagle-eyed Maestro experts will note the exterior revisions plucked from the genuine Maestro accessories brochure as well as the prestigious Vanden Plas model, such as the twin bright-highlight door mirrors, additional driving lamps and mudflaps. A rare surviving example guaranteed to draw nostalgic praise.
INTERIOR
A humble 1.3L with a twist, this Miracle Maestro has been breathed upon by the higher model Elite! Plain and Chalkstripe Velvet seats and upholstery in Bitter Chocolate are HLS specification. The interior is in spotless condition and the seats show no notable wear. The famous ‘talking dashboard’, usually reserved exclusively for MG and Vanden Plas owners, has been fitted and the solid-state instrument displays with trip computer and voice synthesis facility is operational. Dare to try and drive without your seatbelt and you will be swiftly reprimanded by the lady in the dashboard. She will also directly inform you of your trip particulars in a not so soothing voice should you desire! If you wish to no longer be spoken to or indeed told off, she can be turned down or silenced entirely. Remote central locking and electric front windows, fully working, will ensure you soon forget you are driving a modest Maestro L and the period radio remains fitted but inoperative. Quirky and fun, the perfect blend of retro plushness and 1980’s tech obsession!
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The renown 1.3 litre A-plus engine needs little introduction and is legendary for its driveability and excellent economy, this low mileage example being no exception. The 68bhp feels spirited, is quiet and offers very low maintenance costs, even more so with the certified switchable LPG fuel system allowing you to alternate between LPG and conventional petrol and cut running costs further! The system was professionally fitted complete with invoice and certificate and operates perfectly. The engine bay is very clean with original inner and outer wings, and factory labels, stickers, and body plates. The five-speed gear box, again enjoyed only by the privileged MG and Vanden Plas drivers, has been specified to this 1.3L to offer high speed cruising refinement.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Oblong slotted pressed steel rims wearing the correct centre hub caps are pristine and matching brand 155/70 R13 tyres show plenty of tread. In lieu of the spare wheel is the LPG tank, neatly installed so as not to impede on the luggage space. The diagonally split dual-circuit hydraulic brakes with servo assistance offer ample stopping power having been overhauled in July 2025.
HISTORY FILE
A fascinating example with a fascinating history. Registered new on the 6th June 1984, the supplying British Leyland Main Dealer was Henlys in Northampton. The first owner, Mr Hinde, who cherished the car for 22 years until 2006. Proud of his purchase, Mr Hinde even kept a copy of a newspaper from five days after with the ‘Miracle Maestro’ advert, but shortly after buying his beloved Maestro, Mr Hinde developed Glaucoma meaning he could not drive. The car was garaged in the hope he could resume driving, however his condition never improved enough to permanently resume motoring. In 2006, Mr Hinde sought to find an enthusiast new owner and so advertised the car through the Austin Maestro & Montego Owners Club. The second owner was found, Mr Grindon, who was a former Austin Rover technician. He wanted to create the ultimate blend of what he saw as the perfect specification when he was a young man working on the Maestros, indeed having even served his apprenticeship on them. Using genuine Maestro parts and accessories, he added the upgraded equipment and ensured this was fastidiously done to the standard as if it were factory fitted. He further had fitted an LPG kit and improved air intake set up as well as a brand new 5 speed gearbox which later Maestros had. Early Maestro dashboards suffered from creaking but not this one, as he even did the dealer style modification to stop this! The car was finally treated to light rustproofing and not content with this car, he built an identical specification car in red for his Brother! There has been just one further keeper, Mr Hann, who works at The Great British Car Journey Museum in Derbyshire. Having seen the car locally for many years, Mr Hann snapped up the opportunity to buy it in 2015 whereby it has attended shows and carried out daily commuting duties in summer months, even being on display during the day at the museum!
The large history file is neatly presented with invoices for servicing and maintenance as well as comprehensive MOT records. The original owner’s information wallet houses the full book pack including service book. A ‘Miracle Maestro’ sales brochure and further range and accessories brochures are included. A full service was carried out in July 2025. In prized care with British Leyland Austin Rover enthusiasts from new, this example is a rare, early and unique part of Maestro history.
MOT July 2026, HPI Clear.
Original
