1989 AUSTIN MAESTRO 1.3 SPECIAL

The Maestro never ceases to amaze. Sadly, it is sharing quarters with a 1995 Rover 216, of which I have grown inordinately fond, and the 2003 MG ZR. This meant that I decided it was silly to tax all three cars when I brought it home from the MoT station, so the Maestro had a two-month holiday.

The potential excitement of Maestro manhandling soon grew too much, though, so I licensed it during lockdown. Incredibly it started first time of asking.

Since then the car has enjoyed a whirlwind of visits to the tip, food shopping and socially-distanced conversations with Maestro fans in car parks. Honestly, I have never known a bargain basement vehicle attract more attention. I do get sick of Ferrari owners complaining about people clambering over their cars to get a glimpse of G189 UNM, but there you go.

The 1992 Rover 75, which is supposed to be frontline transport, will hopefully be back on the road soon. I really am having major leanings towards a Rootesmobile – maybe a late Audax Hillman or Singer – though, so there may have to be a fleet cull.

With the Maestro looking good following its bodywork revival it will certainly be going to shows, meaning the rare luxury (for me) of going to a rally and not having the greatest piece of tat present.

A heritage tour of the car’s previous Hertfordshire haunts is also on the agenda, so it’s a case of Hitchin here we come! Oh, the glamour…

OWNED SINCE May 2015 // MILEAGE SINCE LAST REPORT 308 // TOTAL MILEAGE 64,288 // LATEST COSTS £0