Is this the highest spec/best MG Maestro around?

[John C]

I stumbled across this car...

[John C]

...in this garage
http://www.fairfaxmotorsport.com/
who are based in Colchester, Essex. The garage's sign states 'Austin Rover Specialist' but it looks like this was painted in the 80s. The garage's labour rate is £60/hr inc VAT, which doesn't sound bad if this is the quality of work they produce. They're also working on a bare shell build of an MG ZR Tarmac rally car for a customer (Rover Tomcat engine -whole job will cost best part of £40,000 -which is crazy money considering what else you could get for rallying for that sort of money!)

The Maestro pictured was built by the garage's owner James Lingard in approx 98/99 and cost £10,000-12,000.

It has a Rover Tomcat 2.0 Turbo 16v engine producing an est 280bhp.

It is road legal and does track days but not races or shows.

The build quality was immaculate and outstanding; professional race team quality. Metallic paint throughout whole interior.

I'm guessing that this car is a contender with the MotoBuild racing MG Maestro Turbo (if it's still in existence?) for 'ultimate spec Maestro'. Anyone know of a better car?

[Captain Slow]

Sorry, but I think that's dreadful!

[E_T_V]

I think Andy Nichols Maestro in its hayday wins that accolade I reckon. 500bhp+ in a maestro

[Austin-Rover]

Meh. Nice if you're into that sort of thing.

Nothing to get over-excited about, I don't think.

As for 'ultimate spec maestro'. That's only got two seats, I bet it's noisy, uncomfortable and my shopping would roll all over the place in the boot. In my opinion, my Maestro City X is better than that. A nicer colour/trim combination, too!

[countrydude]

Yep, mine same engine but doesn't have a gash coloured dash, it makes a genuine 279bhp nothing estimated about it, looks more original, is one of the best street sleepers, and handles like a demon! Granted theirs might be tidier paint wise but that is something I will look at soonish...

It has a Rover Tomcat 2.0 Turbo 16v engine producing an est 280bhp.

Anyone know of a better car?

[Captain Slow]

Meh. Nice if you're into that sort of thing.

Nothing to get over-excited about, I don't think.

As for 'ultimate spec maestro'. That's only got two seats, I bet it's noisy, uncomfortable and my shopping would roll all over the place in the boot. In my opinion, my Maestro City X is better than that. A nicer colour/trim combination, too!

But I would say Felix, being a Swiss car with anti-smog stuff and a spec we didn't have in the UK at the time, is the more interesting of your Maestros...

[Simon]

Yep, mine same engine but doesn't have a gash coloured dash, it makes a genuine 279bhp nothing estimated about it, looks more original, is one of the best street sleepers, and handles like a demon! Granted theirs might be tidier paint wise but that is something I will look at soonish...

I'd agree with you on that.

[Guest]

Yes,agree with most,might have some expensive parts on it,but its been overlooked in other areas.....i mean they have painted the dash (or whatever it is!!) and there's big cracks in the top of it!!!! why didnt they find another tidyier one,or fill it??

And everything outside is coloured coded!!! i dont mind,but you do need a bit of black ,to break things up!!! (imho)!!

[H48HPE]

seen quite a few better than that as well!

£60 an hour - they earn far too much!

[John C]

OK, there are some people saying 'I see your Fairfax Maestro and I raise you Maestro X', but now it's time to 'put up or shut up' -show us some photos...

[E_T_V]

http://www.an-racing.co.uk/maestro.html

11.9second 1/4 mile.
550bhp

[G51 NAV]

Andy Nicholls' MG Maestro Turbo was the fastest-accelerating FWD car in the world and, imo, looked nicer. But I accept that looks are a personal thing.

[countrydude]

It is a track car that can go on the road but as said, fully stripped out it will be loud and uncomfortable, it may well be light and fast but with no heater and carpet you couldn't use it on the road with much saftey!

So as a dedicated track car they have done a mild job, stopping at around 280bhp. For a road car they have gone too far stripping out some elements that give a bit of comfort.

So for those reasons I'd not rate it too highly.

[John C]

Yup, Andy N's car does look (and go) pretty awesome.