Austin Maxi 2 1750 HL

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Launched to the press in sunny Portugal in 1969, the Austin Maxi was initially going to be called the Austin 1500 but following the merger of BMC and Leyland, the new management decided it would bring them luck to name it Maxi in homage to the hugely successful Mini which had come out 10 years previously. How wrong they turned out to be.

With a tag line of ‘All the Fives’, the model boasted a five-door hatchback body and a five-speed overdrive gearbox. As with the Mini, Alex Issigonis ensured that the Maxi made the best possible use of interior space. The rear door was huge and all four seats folded almost completely flat. As a later TV ad would demonstrate, they could even be used as a double bed – which had obvious appeal to some!

With 68bhp to push it along, hydrolastic suspension and front-wheel-drive, it got from A to B effectively enough. But the press and the public didn’t quite get it. A five-speed box seemed needless to many and fleet buyers were reluctant to come over from the familiar rear-wheel-drive layout. Despite keen road holding and a great ride, the awkward gear change and sluggish power delivery didn’t wow the buyers. Add in the slabby styling and it was no rival to the snappy Ford Cortina with its curvaceous Coke-bottle lines and multi trim options.

In October 1970, eighteen months into production and after a lot of back room furtling, the 1750cc E-Series version appeared. In addition to more power (now a heady 74bhp), the Maxi also gained a smoother rod-operated gearchange. The new version was still no looker and the steering was just as heavy and low-geared, but at least the Maxi now had a reasonable turn of speed.

By the time the 1750HL came along in 1977, power had been bumped up to 92bhp and trim levels had improved. A 1500 version was reintroduced in the same year and further levels of luxury were added with the launch of the Maxi 2 in 1980. But it all proved fruitless and the model was finally pensioned off in July 1981 to free up the Cowley production line for the new Triumph Acclaim.

However, the qualities that many overlooked during the car’s production are now cherished by Maxi enthusiasts today (yes, they do exist – Ed). Namely the Maxi’s long-legged cruising ability, it’s comfortable ride and that almost MPV-like load carrying ability. Pretty it isn’t, but practical it most definitely is.

This 1750HL comes from the final year of production and has all the Maxi 2 luxuries. Part of the Stondon Museum Collection since 1997, it has had just four owners in total according to the V5, and has a tan velour interior and a pale wood dash which nicely complement the red exterior paintwork. Displaying only 58,100 miles on the clock (which is thought, but not warranted, to be correct), it is said to start and run well but has not been on the road for some time so will doubtless benefit from precautionary recommisioning before use.

Supplied with a blue V5 registration document and some original sales literature, it will provide practical classic transport with plenty of room for all the family – and don’t forget that double bed…