Austin Maestro which model was better?

[Guest]

Hi all

In your opinion which model on the Austin Maestro was the best?

Here is the list of models made in the Maestro range.


L (1983-1990)
LE (1986-1988)
HL (1984-1987)
HLE (1983-85)
HLS (1983-1986)
LX (1990-1993)
City (1985-1988)
City X (1985-1988)
Special (1988-1990)
Clubman (1990-1994)
SL (1988-1990)
Mayfair (1986-1988)
Vanden Plas (1983-1988)

I like the Vanden Plas, City X, Mayfair, SL, HL, HLE, HLS and LX I like the features they had.

Which is your favourite model?

[D87SMW]

Ugh, this is like Michelle McManus chosing her favourite Quality Street.

Whilst I like the simplicity of the 'lesser' spec models, I like the bling and the gadgets on the higher spec ones.

If we are talking about when they work, :laugh: , I would go for a Mayfair or a Vanden Plas. A Shauntung Gold one with tan cloth interior and S series engine.

When I've had enough chasing fuel leaks and messing with the autochoke, I'd like a nice dark-coloured Bulgarian Maestro.

If we're living in dream-land, I'd like a Nightfire Red Monstro Vanden Plas with the MG 2.0EFi body kit and tan cloth interior.

[Guest]

I know of a Gold Vanden Plas. I see it quite a lot. I'm thinking of asking the chap if i could have a look at it.

[Guest]

I have always liked the look of the cherry red advantage with the white wheels

[Oli]

I have always liked the look of the cherry red advantage with the white wheels

Now that's a rare beast and a half!!
Good choice, that.

[Stu_CDX]

Well, 12 hours and 250 miles into L-Reg Clubman ownership, I can honestly say, an 1983 Vanden plas in Zircon Blue with the plush chrome wheel trims and tan leather.

Last on my list would be the L, Surf and Clubman!!!!

[Guest]

(D)LX for me.

Got all the toys that you need to make everyday driving civilised without being as 'flashy' as the VP. With the Perky under the bonnet it's very frugal too. You can 'dugger dugger dugger' along at 50 + mpg all day long.

[Jeff Turbo]

I have always liked the look of the cherry red advantage with the white wheels

My son has one of those

[G51 NAV]

I liked the appearance of the (dis)Advantage, especially when in the best colour to ever grace an Austin Maestro: Pearl Cheery Red with the standard white alloys However other than that the name was a misnomer as the model got very little in the way of standard goodies.

So for me it has to be an early Oporto Red VP with the digital 'Nic-in-a-box' dash and chrome embelishments. I feel lucky to have been the proud owner of one of the very best around.

[Guest]

It seems that every other VP is Oporto Red, too common. Opaline Green is more my colour

[Guest]

i think the advantage was just a nice looking car, for people how whated MG type looks but smaller 1.6 engines and cheaper insurance.

Jeff turbo is that your one on the site, looks great. cherry red is the best ones i think though BRG looks ok. never seem a black one though

[Guest]

Around the corner from my Nans there was a MG Maestro in British Racing Green. It always had a wash and polish because i remember seeing the owner doing it.

In my Nans area there are quite a few Maestro's. There was the MG, My aunts Blue Maestro, A red G-reg with a grey bottom, two Maestro vans, Ledbury Maestro and a Maestro VDP.

[Jeff Turbo]

i think the advantage was just a nice looking car, for people how whated MG type looks but smaller 1.6 engines and cheaper insurance.

Jeff turbo is that your one on the site, looks great. cherry red is the best ones i think though BRG looks ok. never seem a black one though

Yep that's the one

[MartynD]

I've now owned my VP since February and absolutely love it. The enigmatic Stone Grey paintwork is wonderful and seems to change colour according to the light. My girlfriend & I recently completed an 1100 mile touring holiday in the north of England, Northumberland, the Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District and F200 FNB [I]sang[I] throughout it. Ace!

[Simon]

For me it would have to be a Maestro Advantage in the even rarer black colour scheme. The standard spec is...well, bog-standard but room for plenty of improvements.