Austin Maxi 2 HL Automatic 1981

Where to start with the Austin Maxi. They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and never has this much been true of this classic British underdog. With the ageing Austin A60 Cambridge long overdue for retirement in the late sixties BLMC soon to be British Leyland wanted something different for it's new range of cars. With the dawn of the new Hatchback era still something of a novelty, British Leyland were keen to be at the forefront of this motoring revolution. So as one of the first Hatchbacks produced in the world and indeed the very first British Hatchback the Maxi was born. Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, the genius behind one of the greatest cars of all time, the Mini, the Maxi was his last design but due to the decision to save tooling costs the Doors were a carry over from the tired looking Austin 1800 Landcrab. By now already an ageing design and with the market having moved on to a more American inspired curvaceous look the Maxi was always going to struggle despite offering a spacious interior, comfortable passenger accommodation, competitive prices and low running costs. 

Fast forward 12 years to 1981 and the now lightly revised Maxi 2 is crying out to be put out of it's misery with it's soon to be launched successor the Austin Maestro, another car from Austin Rover which could and should have been so much more but never really delivered. Never did a car look so sorry for itself as the Austin Maxi, always the underdog and bottom of the company car desirability list. If you got a Ford Cortina you'd made it. If you got an Austin Maxi you'd had it. 

Fast forward another 40 years and has anything changed.... No not really. Anything Ford is highly desirable and not very affordable, but the humble Austin Maxi bucks this trend as in it's highly affordable but alas still not very desirable. But lets not be so hasty. It's a classic British motor which deserves a bit more love and attention. When did you last see one. These are now rare cars and as such deserve their classic status. According to How many left there are only 3 Austin Maxi 2's left with Automatic Transmission. And this isn't your poverty spec 'L' model. No this is the much more desirable 'HL'. Were mixing it with middle management now, not junior understudy. With the extra 'H' you get intermittent screen wipe, tinted laminated glass, LM/MW push button radio, door bins, walnut veneer dashboard and velour seats. 

TOD945X is in superb condition both inside and out and is finished in a very pleasant Champagne Metallic with contrasting Orange 'ish' Velour interior (an acquired taste it has to be said). On the plus side the seats are super comfy. it's like driving your Nan's favorite armchair. The E series engine starts on the button with a bit of Choke and the Automatic Transmission engages smoothly as you briskly waft down the road. No power steering or electric windows I'm afraid. Nor do you get remote central locking or any central locking for that matter. But what you do get is a heated rear window and cigarette lighter and ashtray, and did I mention the seats are super comfy. Talking of which another ace up it's sleeve are those folding rear seats which fold in both directions so if you recline the front seats you basically end up with a double bed. Who needs a Caravan for those romantic weekends away when you've got a Maxi. Need I say more. 

So there you have it. The good old Austin Maxi. Were they once rubbish - Yes. Will all your mates laugh at you - probably. But we cant all drive about in Ford Cortina's  now can we. 

If you fancy a classic car on a reasonable budget and something a bit different then look no further than the exceptionally unexceptional Austin Maxi 2 HL Automatic. Whats the worst that can happen, If the Wife chucks you out at least you'll have somewhere to sleep.

All joking aside this low mileage Maxi is a great usable classic in exceptional condition and is ready to be used and enjoyed for not much money.

Viewing is encouraged and welcomed. We are located in Swaffham Norfolk and are open Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.30pm.

LG Motor Services Ltd

4 Castle Acre Road

Swaffham

Norfolk

PE37 7HS

Tel 01760 724282

www.lgmotorservices.co.uk

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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