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Austin Maestro

Austin Maestro

Take yourself back to February 1983, you are a leading journalist and sitting on your desk is a parcel, you open it up to find this ring binder inside......

Austin Rover Group Maestro Launch Catalogue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not for Publication until 1st March 1983

THE NEW AUSTIN AND MG MAESTROS

Innovation, advanced technology, aerodynamic style, versatile packaging and exceptionally low running costs are the hall­marks of the Austin Rover Group's exciting new Maestro, a compact, five-door, front-wheel-drive hatchback which, by virtue of a specification which transcends the traditional sector split, will forge a broad arrow into the medium sector market.

Maestro's seven model range, from a 1.3 litre standard model to a sporting 110 mph plus MG 1600, is designed to capture sales from both the lower medium and upper medium sized cars in the middle ground of the new car market, a section which accounts for 60 per cent of all new car sales in the UK.

Maestro's advanced specification and wide appeal will push the Austin Rover Group firmly into contention in the medium sector and is essential to the company's forward profitability plan, promising a favourable increase in market share.

Outstanding technological features incorporated in Maestro include:

  • Microprocessor controlled Engine Management package incorporating electronic fuel control and breakerless ignition
  • Solid state electronic instrumentation
  • Voice synthesis
  • Body colour, integrated moulded bumpers

 Austin Maestro Press Information

  • Flush glazing
  • Homofocal headlamps
  • White light front indicator lamps
  • Low rolling resistance economy tyres
  • Aerodynamically efficient shape

This remarkable combination of advanced features helps to position the Austin Rover Group firmly amongst industry leaders in technology.

Maestro the Computerised Car

Electronic Engine Management on Maestro's carburetter engines gives the efficiency benefits of electronic fuel injection with­out the cost.

An on-board microprocessor avoids fuel wastage by controlling an automatic choke to meter the exact engine condition and control the mixture accordingly, by cutting off fuel on de­celeration and, by means of an electronic idle speed control, by reducing engine idle speed.

High energy breakerless ignition is included in the management package for improved efficiency and for consistency in service.

This unique Engine Management system is fitted to all Maestros except the high performance MG.

Austin Maestro Press Information

Maestro the Talking Car 

Maestro is the first European built volume production car to offer voice synthesis as standard equipment.

Maestro actually talks to the driver, asking him or her politely, in a calm, female voice, to "Please fasten your seatbelt", or to warn of abnormal running conditions like "Handbrake on".

The 32-word voice synthesis unit supplements the electronic instrument pack and trip computer of the Vanden Plas and MG Maestro by monitoring selected operating functions and providing audible warnings when necessary. It is available as an option on some other models.

The advanced, solid state electronic instrument system has no moving parts-other than for the mileage recorder and has a processing capacity about twice that of an advanced home computer system.

Vacuum fluorescent displays are used for speed, engine revs, temperature and fuel tank contents.

The display can be converted to and from mph to kph by the push of a button.

Then move forward to September 2021

Oxford Diecast announces that the new 1:76 scale Maestro will join the range.

  Oxford Diecast Austin Maestro 76MST001 Design Cell

 A car much requested with over 600,000 manufactured.

Oxford Diecast Austin Maestro CAD 1:76 Scale

 Oxford Diecast Austin Maestro CAD

Early CAD Data for the Austin Maestro

We estimate first shots will be around late 2021 - I will keep you updated as we progress, until then it's back to 1983!!!

 

Back to 1983 Launch Pictures

Austin Maestro Launch Picture 1983 - Oxford Diecast Blog from Taff

Austin Maestro Launch Picture 1983 - Oxford Diecast Blog from Taff

Austin Maestro Launch Picture 1983 - Oxford Diecast Blog from Taff

Austin Maestro Launch Picture 1983 - Oxford Diecast Blog from Taff

Austin Maestro Launch Picture 1983 - Oxford Diecast Blog from Taff

 

 

Previous article Land Rover Discovery 1 - Development Update
Next article Oxford Land Rovers and Range Rovers at 1:76 scale.

Comments

David Gould - October 9, 2021

I was working at Smith’s Vehicle Instrument Division (VID) when both the Metro and Maestro were lunched. VID manufactured the instrument clusters for both cars including the VDP ‘speaking’ version.

My office was next to the development lab and hearing the constant ‘ding dong’ and the voice repeating the information would drive us bonkers!

Golden days.

More N gauge cars please Taff

Michael Hunt - October 9, 2021

Would love to see this in 1/43, along with the Montego saloon and estate , and how about the Maxi too?

Gary Mennell - October 9, 2021

I owned a blue over grey meastro 1.3, and was the first family car I had. I hope Oxford Diecast do a version of this car as try to collect cars I used to drive. Also when I worked for British Rail we drove meastro vans. They took over from the Ha Bedfords if I remember correctly, something else for Oxford Diecast to think about.

Alastair Fitton - October 9, 2021

Great memories of my mum’s 1.6 VdP!
It came from the factory with the wrong seats – light blue – should have been a gold veloury stuff!
Had to wait a fortnight for the correct seats to arrive – so we waited til the end of the month for her to proudly wear an A plate on Aug 1st!
Would love to see a 1:76 Nova and Montego, and some foreign gear – A SEAT Ibiza – original version, Citroen GS/A – Renault Espace (original version)!

Andrew Brazell - October 9, 2021

Would love to be able to get these in 1/76 scale

Andrew Brazell - October 9, 2021

Would love to be able to get these in 1/76 scale

Dimitri Urbain - October 9, 2021

Great idea to model the Maestro ! Would really be nice to get it along with the Montego, estates and vans in 1:43rd scale ! Could be a new collection theme, Austin Rover cars then MG Rover ones… not forgetting commercials !
While you’re at it, a 1:43rd Jowett Javelin would be nice too… along Reliant Scimitars from all eras😉

Keep up the good work !

Edward Foulds - October 9, 2021

I had two MG Maestro’s the early 1.6 and then the 2.0 both purchased from Kennings Ltd Ripley Derbyshire. The 2.0 was a fabulous car to drive, good acceleration and top speed. My car was a pale blue registration B111 GAL.

David CLarke - October 9, 2021

Hi Taff,
Yes please – can we have the Maestro & Montego in 1/43 scale – and the Maxi & Allegro Estate while you’re at it too?

Shaun - October 9, 2021

A great addition to your range. Any chance of a Maestro van? Or a Montego and a Rover 800 to accompany the Maestro?

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