The Austin Maxi was launched in 1969 as replacement for the 'Farina' range of Austins. It was Britains first five door hatchback and the first British production car with a five speed manual gearbox. It also has the distinction of being either the last BMC car or first BL car depending on how you look at it. Adams Maxi is a 1979 example of the 1500 version in a fetching two tone white and rust colour combo. It has had 8 previous owners and is in need of a little fettling. She received very little prior to Europe other than a matt black bonnet and sponsors stickers.
Europe proved to be a bit of an issue for her. Both front hydragas units failed, the wipers went as did the heater, cigarette lighter, brake pads and far too many other parts. On the plus side no trim fell off unlike the Dolomite.
This has left Adam with much work to do until the start of BL Challenge 2009...
...Which was solved by Adam buying a new car. Mildred was replaced by Marge, a 1978 Maxi 1750 automatic in sandglow (imagine a cross between orange and biege and you'd be there). She had been left on a farm for ten years or so but was press-ganged into action with minimal tinkering and survived the trip with little if any issues. Sadly on returning from a trip to the Beaulieu Autojumble she thew a wobbley and came home on the back of an AA truck, awaiting some new oil seals and oil pump. The spannerinig continues!
Just as things were looking up, having replaced all the necessaries and rebuilding the gearbox Marge decided to give up on her sills and was found wearing her axle stands as opposed to them supporting her. She now awaits a more complete restoration pending Challenge 2012!
All material contained within copyright BLChallenge 2008-2012.
