IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: 60s Austin Maxi

Today we're looking at the car made famous with the campaign 'all the fives' - it's the iconic and sometimes overlooked, Austin Maxi
Today's video is sponsored by Adrian Flux
If you're hard of hearing like me, I've put the walk around text below:
1969 was the year man landed on the moon…and that ADO14, or the Austin Maxi as we know it, became available for purchase as the first car sold by the British Leyland motor corporation.
The car sold under the strap line ‘all the fives’ was meant to be a mid-range, more modern motoring choice for the discerning car buyer.
It was a 5 door hatchback with a five speed box and as we discussed in the Austin Allegro video, this fitted perfectly into the Austin stable.
Decisions had been made whereby Austin would be the trail blazer, experimental and daring brand with the leading technology whereas Morris would be the Ford challenger - so it makes perfect sense the Maxi was sold under the Austin branding.
The Maxi came into the fold to replace the Farina saloons, which had launched in the late 50s but were proving to look outdated when sat alongside the more modern offerings from competitors like the Cortina, which looked a million miles ahead of the Oxford and Cambridge.
Unlike many 70s BL cars which were rushed over the line, the Maxi had a little more thought behind it.
Work began in the mid 60s and as I mention later on, one of the biggest design overhauls was very early on and partially due to cost. The team were told the car had to use the doors from the 1800 cars which meant the car was longer than planned and made it considerably bigger than the Cortina, which was of course, fast taking market share and therefore a big consideration.
Although we talked about Morris being the Ford fighter, the Cortina was very much a consideration when designing the Maxi because of it’s capabilities.
It even impacted the engine choice, which meant the tired A series wheeled out for every occasion wasn’t really cutting it and to be honest, would’ve made this a stodgy, slow car.
But sometimes competition is a good thing, because it meant that the team had to come up with something new - which saw the birth of the E series.
In fact, it’s an investment we shouldn’t undersell, because they spent £16 million on a new factory to make these gearboxes and engines - so it should’ve been absolutely without fault for that level of investment.
There were some real high hopes for the E series in the early days and engineers thought it would fly with four different capabilities - 1160cc, 1300cc, 1485cc and a 2227cc six cylinder variant.
However, for a myriad of reasons this didn’t happen. It’s a real shame, because I think with more investment and less trade offs, we might’ve seen a stronger replacement for the A series in later decades.
When discussing all the fives, it’s worth mentioning the gearbox too. The idea behind it was to remove fuss when cruising - or in real speak - make long distance travel at high speeds less taxing. It was said the noise levels came right down, but as you’ll see when we go driving, this car is really noisy - almost offputtingly so.
Although it is worth mentioning despite the 5 gear strap line, there was an optional automatic gearbox available from the mid 70s.
Although this is a car you can look at today and feel like it’s an attractive proposition, press reception at launch wasn’t great, which is something we’ll talk about when we go for a drive.
It was this negative feedback which saw the cars given a shake down and relaunched in 1970 with feedback and input from BLMC management and senior engineers from Triumph and with that, the range was doubled and if you wanted a Maxi you could’ve picked the 1500 like we’ve got here today and the exciting 1750. Both had rod operated gear change instead of the hated cable change, but the exterior still saw the 1800 doors and a few interior changes and a new grille. I show you some of these when we get into the car later on.
The range was expanded again in 1972 with the HL which had the 1750 engine but now with twin carb set up and a sporty makeover of the interior which meant a new steering wheel, seat coverings and a padded dash and in 79, the HL became the HLS allowing them to insert a new HL which was essentially the same car but with single carb set up.
The sales on the 1500 soon petered off and it was quietly dropped in 1979 and the maxi 2 was introduced in 1980 before maxi production ended in 1981. It got replaced by the Maestro, which for me, is no way near as cool or as exciting as the Maxi. In short, not all progress is progress.
Just under 500,000 Maxis were produced and It might’ve only been in production for 12 years, but to me, they’re one of the coolest BL cars produced.
#austinmaxi #1960s #britishleyland

[@sambrooks7862]

My dad had a maxi, a very early one 1970 1500. It was actually a brilliant car it was in daily use for 10 years and had done around 200k when he had to scrap it, it never missed a beat, not even a clutch replacement. My dad was a builder and one day we had to take some bricks from a site in spalding to a site in wisbech and we just kept loading them in. We managed to get nearly 500 bricks in the old girl which I reckon was close to 3/4 of a ton. We went to Scotland in it twice, just a good, solid family car.

[@stuartmecham]

I want to give James a hug when he talked about his partner passing.

[@sambrooks7862]

James, I'm so sorry for your loss and you're a brave man speaking on here so soon after.

[@idriveaclassic]

He really is, isn’t he? Very proud of james for doing so well ❤️

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Absolutely great video as always, Steph. This one is special for me because this was my car before I sold it to James. We had seven wonderful years with 'Hayley'. She was actually my first classic car, which I bought when I knew nothing about cars at all! The design of the Maxi made absolute sense to me, so I bought Hayley unseen. In the week or so that passed between agreeing to buy her and picking her up, I did all the research I could, only to find that seemingly no one had anything nice to say about Maxis! So with some reservations, I picked her up, and quickly learned that just about everything bad they say about a Maxi is wrong! They're a superb all-round car that's still practical, comfortable and economical today. I'm glad that James is now Hayley's custodian, she's getting lots of love! x

[@johnf4279]

Nothing nice to say about Maxis was the media 'opinion' at the time. I had different, direct experiences of Maxis at the time & I knew it was BS.

[@LewisMorleyMusic]

Best wishes and prayers for James, so sorry for your loss and so proud of your admirable courage ❤️

[@simoncoulson9643]

Had a Brown Maxi 1750 back in the late 80s, replacement for my previous 1.8 marina. 5 speed box a bonus at cruising, seats extremely comfy, under rated car even today. Full credit to James very sad for his loss of partner

[@grayfool]

I agree with you Steph, the Maxi was and is a great car. It was streets ahead of the Cortina as a family car in just about every respect. It was one of the most spacious cars for its size too. As for the noise, cars just weren't very quiet back then. Nice one to start the year.

[@Mark_T]

A car that was so unremarkable & dull to me as a kid, but strangely likeable today. I'd have one!

[@alansimpson835]

There's something really likeable about it. Big roomy family hatch with a very friendly looking face with those round headlights. I'd forgotten about the bed but great to see Steph try it for our benefit. Like my fellow viewers, my heart goes out to James. It must have been a very difficult thing to go through and to talk about and full respect to him for doing so and distracting himself in such a positive way. Thanks for another great video

[@williamknellor2027]

These Maxis where ahead of there time, for instance a clutch system could be changed completely in 20 mins on the side of the road, complete with the planetary gears. 1500 where high revving engines, the 1750, a lot smoother, more refined and more economical than the 1500, and a bit quieter than the 1500. some thing that a lot are not aware of is that a lot of these including Maxis, Allegros,Marinas, etc where all noisy, this is because sound insulation was missed from between the roof and the roof lining, the bulkhead under the dashboard and hatchback area, compared to how it was supposed to be in design, due to cost and industrial troubles in these times, cost was cut where ever it could be, hence low noise insulation, same Marina handles, even on the Range Rover classic 4 door model, same stalks,etc, but non the less, in their day, they where cheap, easy to maintain, economical, pretty nice to drive and had lots of charm, this is hard to find in some new cars today, these have always been under estimated, nice to of seen your review, thanks..

[@martinda7446]

William that was a wonderful appraisal of the Maxi...But you really should sort out your where and were etc. as you got them all wrong.😺 PS. These door handles were not the Marina/Range Rover type, and all automakers share parts between models...It would be silly not to really. (Most people talk about external handles) This was of course an Issigonis design and the packaging for space is amazing, along with sophisticated suspension and geometry giving it delightful manners for a larger car.

[@stevenharrison9257]

Slept comfortably in my 1974 Maxi many times & I'm 6'2". It was my first car & I loved it.

[@martinda7446]

James, so sorry to hear that tragic news. Was not expecting that. Enjoy the Maxi and we are all sending you our warmest thoughts. Thanks for showing it to us.

[@profrumpo]

Commiserations James thanks for sharing your Maxi with us. More memories with this one, my Dad had a J reg 1750 in white when I was a child (the colour faded to cream!). We went all over the UK on holidays, and many trips to Switzerland too to visit family members. A wonderful solid car, though I still recall my dad complaining about the awful gearbox. Thanks for another cracking review :-)

[@mikeattheimagebusiness6215]

Thank you for this lovely review. Kind thoughts and best wishes to James too. I’m (sadly) now of the age when I’ve owned many of today’s classics! I bought a 1971 Maxi 1500 in 1977 for £500. It was a great car in many ways, it handled well, was comfortable and spacious. On the down side it the gear change was awful, a the regular driver you got used to it, changing by ESP. It was a bit noisy, with some of the same whine you get in the 1100/1300 and distantly in the 1800. Mine failed the MOT at 7 years with sill rust and the engine mounting gave out at around the same time, not unusual in the day. I loved the fresh air vents in the dash which were often in cars of the era. I don’t recall mine having the luxury of electric washes though. Sold the Maxi for 1971 Citroen DS21 Safari, but that’s another story!

[@kevinhirst4108]

So sorry to hear about your tragic loss! What a lovely car, clutch replacement very easy, my dad had two in the late 80s as work horses, he whent to the scrap yard for some parts for the first car, and realized the "scrap" car was better than his! He brought the car complete, had to get a hydrolastic pipe made up, then ran it for 3 years! No issues apart from when the front suspension arm rotted off its mounting, while I was driving it! It was 5 years before he stopped moaning about it! Happy days fantastic old car

[@HQBProductions]

Steph....one strap line that was used when the car was new was that it was a “Five car...five doors, five seats, five speeds!” It was also inspired by the Renault 16 which offered a very similar design layout but that car was better resolved and supremely comfortable. The early cars were plagued with troubles and the cable gear change was a challenge! It was though, an inspired car compared to most other offerings...it deserves to be saved! 😃😃😃

[@rodhili3946]

Respect to James. Another great video. My neighbour had one of these. While travelling to margate on the m1 the bonnet came off & landed in the outside lane. It was retrieved by the police & we completed the journey with it in the boot. Happy days

[@robertgarrett4046]

We had a 1971 MAXI 1750 ,in Teal Blue , [ PEB307J ] ,REALLY EXCELLENT CAR , I am in the process of looking for a MAXI for myself now .

[@TheDarkPhoenix23]

I always liked the Maxi. I think they scream "British car" and I love that! Good thoughts, vibes, and prayers for your friend James. He's awfully young to experience such a tragedy.

[@kevinwhelan8126]

Lovely example of a ride grossly underrated. Heart goes out to the owner for his recent loss.

[@paullacey2999]

My Dad had a M plate 1750 in Mirage,a lilac grey.Very rare colour. It was huge inside and we went everywhere in it.Not as unreliable as people made out either.We all still remember it fondly.I look at a 5 door Audi A3 today and think its like a modern Maxi!

[@vincentwaddington490]

HI Steph, really liked your overview of the Maxi. Firstly, my condolences to James, that must of been so hard in these difficult times and I wish you all the best for the future. I only wish that you had done the review in my Maxi. It's a 1980 1750 HLS ( not a Maxi 2) in Tara green metallic with black velour seats and with the extra sound proofing provided at manufacture with only 30000 miles and never welded. She's a peach! My Mum back in the '70's drove us around as kids in her 1500 and yes, it was noisy. The Maxi was largely ignored by BL, because it was a BMC design and was launched before it was ready, which ruined its reputation before it had even started. The 1970 Maxi was a much improved car, but the damage had been done. It matured into a really good car and it's vastly underrated today. Ernie at the Austin Maxi club has a labyrinth of spares and there is great back up from the club for owners. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Maxi as a great, versatile classic buy, with lots of character and a joy to own. I've had my Maxi for 8 years.

[@robwoodward2330]

I never understand why some of these owners don’t clean their cars before they appear on camera!? Mine would be spotless if it was ever to feature on IDAC! Great vid Steph xx

[@idriveaclassic]

Being fair to james, it was spotless when he set off. The roads were covered in salt. I told him I was more bothered about seeing him and his car than a bit of dust. James had much bigger things going on and I’m so proud of him for being brave enough to come on the channel so soon after losing Tash.

[@ianstevenson4378]

Great video actually, Steph you bring character to the presentation. Felt so bitterly sorry for James, so young. Brave man.

[@davidcooke6803]

I had a V-reg 1750 HL in the mid 90s, it’s one of the only cars I’ve ever regretted getting rid of, it had a beautiful webasto roof! One of the other quirks was the fuel line runs too close to the engine and in warm weather the petrol evaporates in the pipe meaning you have to use the choke when the engine is warm! I loved that car, spent several nights in it as well, but I was just 21 years old! Great video, I’ve only just discovered your channel, will watch more, thank you! James belated thoughts for your loss, I hope life is moving on smoothly.

[@jacketrussell]

Most Austin cars of that era were very spacious. I had a Maxi, an 1800s and an Ambassador. All gave good service.

[@thomaswykes3647]

My grandad had one for years. It was so comfy and practical - never let him down. 5 doors, 5 seats and 5 gears! Miss you grandad.

[@philipbarker4420]

Thanks, Steph, James and Hayley! My dad had an orange 1500 new in 1974, many happy memories of family trips out. I remember one hot summers day my dad hopping around after getting in and burning his legs on the vinyl seats! 😂It was great to be taken for a trip out in a maxi again! We had it until 1981 when we defected to Japan and bought a Mazda 323 which had electric sunroof, and velour upholstery 😂. The 5 door hatchback, 5 gears, front wheel drive was revolutionary for BL at the time. I think I can remember Cybil from Fawlty towers hurtling around in a maxi as well... my mum always moaned about gear change though! Thanks again, lovely video.

[@michaeltreadwell777]

Hi Steph - you picked a winner here. What a lovely car, and such a usable car too, being a hatchback. So many parts from other Austins too - I had an Austin 3 Litre - same doors, but much longer body - PLEASE try to find one to trial :-) Also, I love the Organ Society Badges too - another passion of mine ! Thanks for all your effort in doing these videos, they are truly entertaining. Take special care X X

[@jonperkins8696]

I'm in Dallas texas....and I love watching your show

[@TheGalacticEmperorOfLabels]

I like Adrian Flux, he's a really sound bloke so I'm pleased you're working with him. Despite outward appearances, the Maxi was ahead of its time. About time it was put back into production.

[@johngrubb1590]

My dad had the Maxi1 1.5 & the 1750 Maxi2 and he said that the gearbox was a lot better in the 1750, god they were comfortable.👍😁👍

[@colinbarron4]

We had a 1750 bought new in 1971. The gearbox was better in these Mark 2 Maxis because it used rods rather than cables as a linkage bettwen the gearstick and the gearbox.

[@BrillPhil]

I had two maxi 1750s one after the other about 3 years each. I remember saying to a pal when I was last up in North Yorkshire that my Maxis would go up Sutton Bank in 3rd gear! Thank you for the video I loved it.

[@NOWThatsRichy]

Lovely vid, My dad had 3 different 1750 Maxis, all automatics, a 1973 one in bracken brown , a 1973 in Teal blue & a 1980 in Vermillion red, this last one we had until 2010, at last time of checking it is still on the road! Very practical cars, plenty of room inside with the various folding seat combinations, but yes quite noisey, especially at motorway speeds! Thanks for the drive around the Sussex countryside & condolences to James for his sad loss.

[@shepshepherd]

My father passed his driving test in 1974 in a Maxi, which doubled up as his driving instructor's family car.

[@davefrench3608]

I loved my Maxis, a truly great car. We have slept in my 74 1500 many years ago, it just about works. What a stunning example I’d love OGN835V back.

[@mikewysko2268]

I enjoy the reviews of British cars I have never had the opportunity to see up close. Growing up in the USA the only BL cars available were MG and Triumph two seat sports cars. Two summers ago I did see a original condition original, owner MG 1100, white with red interior. BL made some wonderful cars back in the day. Thanks Steph and James.

[@11carbuff19572011]

Hiya Steph. Another real favourite classic car of mine on your cards, the Maxi. My Uncle Bill, who passed away in 2017 age 81, had two Maxis to date, first a white 1500 registered CVP 476K, followed in 1983 by a metallic red 1750 registered RNV 476R. You mentioned being a passenger in one somewhere throughout your dialogue, well I was only once, it was February 1980 and the car was registered JFK 27N. The owner was Mr. H.R. Lunn, who worked at our local Education Offices. The car was originally supplied by our main British Leyland dealer, the Charles Clark Group.

[@danieleregoli812]

All the very best to James. You are a very sweet, very brave man, and I am wishing you all the very best in life. Classic cars are an amazing interest, and I'm sure you'll find lots of kind, supportive friends, in this great big family of enthusiasts worldwide. Steph, an amazing video. As always. Thank You.

[@Transport_Of_Norfolk]

Yes Steph! Your videos took me through every Sunday in the first lockdown, and it looks like they'll be doing so again, so thanks! Stay safe.

[@briforks7681]

They looked really cool in the Peter and Jane books,there dad had one with fog lamps with covers on.Really sporty in the mid 70s.

[@davey1965]

😄You just took me all the way back to childhood 🙂 Thanks for the memory nudge 👍

[@jonholding3880]

This brings back memories, thank you Steph. My dad had 2 1750s in the late 70s early 80s, they were great family cars.

[@grahamekenyon5817]

Hi steph it,s good to see you love old cars, 👍 proper affordable classics, of mass production...and its Great! To see your shows,, all the cars i knew growing up also its Brill that you,re well up on the history and machanics etc for your genuine love for these historic and fab old skool cars etc ...keep it up steph 👍👍👍

[@robbrady4649]

First car I ever drove was a Maxi, Steph. Drove my Dad's J-reg across a field when I was about 9. Later learnt to drive proper in it. It was very slow and changing gear was like stirring porridge, but it was very practical. Served my Dad well. I agree with you when you say it's a very under rated car. Great to see it covered.

[@philiphutchinson4210]

I had a 1971 Maxi 1500 and later a 1975 Maxi 1750 HL. The only grief I had was a replacement gearbox on the 1500. The HL twin carb was comfy a swift.. thank you for showing what a good car they were/are.

[@chrisreynolds8054]

Great car review video!!! I enjoyed hearing the E series 1500 cc engine. Its what my dad's old Allegro had. I never minded at all, how loud the engine was....the louder the better!! for me.I like listening to the engine.( even better when the exhaust started blowing!!!!) My uncle had 2 Maxis , his first was a dark brown 1500cc, then later changed to a light green 1750cc. When my dad scrapped his Allegro, at about 1986( actually Oct 1985), after the inner wings started to split ,at the engine mounts, at both sides, due to bad corrosion , the 1500cc engine power unit ( engine/ transmission 5 speed manual, intergal with oil sump... British Leyland feature...resulting in tall engine/transmission unit), the engine was taken out ,and fitted to my grandad,s friend,s Maxi. The engine was a good one. I'd always watch my dad fix lots of cars as homers, his own Allegro, my uncle's Maxi, my other uncle's cars, other friends cars, and I liked seeing under the bonnets ,seeing the silver E series overhead camshaft cover. So much more room under the bonnets of the earlier cars compared to the modern cars with all the electronics ,sensors, etc. Anyway thanks again for old memories of my uncle's Maxis,from your car review video.

[@zaneclone]

Aah... Maxi's... now we're talking... love them to bits... A v-nice, strong engine, quiet at speed (1750 helps here...), roomy and comfortable- and easy to work on/service... Also- in my opinion, quite handsome...

[@fransam1961]

Great to see you drive with both hands on wheel, and you never take eyes off the road..! Excellent informative and nicely shot video.

[@garyhardwick8489]

That brought back a few memories,my dad had a Maxi! He bought it without MOT so parked it at my Grandad's house (as he had a driveway) whilst he sorted it. Sadly,the worst winter for years and the fact the silly bugger forgot to check the anti-freeze meant he soon needed a new engine! His was a 1750HL with the twin-carb engine and the replacement was a single-carb with a large appetite for oil! Once he had sorted it it was our transport for several years. He used to complain about the choke levers breaking off so he fitted a different sort of knob found in a scrapyard ("Oi Gary,grab that choke knob off that car while the bloke isn't looking!) which worked just fine. Other highlights include topping 95 mph on the 'mad mile' near where we live and pouring oil down the back of the engine whilst topping up on our way to Wales for a family holiday! Sadly mum got the blame for that as she moved about in the car as he was topping up! Nice video Steph,looking forward to the next one. Happy New Year and stay safe.

[@retr0naut823]

So happy to own one, went food shopping in it today. The most practical classic there is. 1750 engine isn't as noisy. Good review Steph!

[@visionsofhere3745]

Now you need to try the French equivalent, the Renault 16, if you can find one that hasn't dissolved. Haven't seen one in the wild for decades, but I remember them being very nice cars.

[@hunchanchoc8418]

R16 was car of the year around 1965 I believe. Maxi had slightly more rear legroom, but the seats were higher off the floor in the 16, so effectively equally as good for passengers. Folding rear seat not quite as flexible on the 16, and a higher lip for the boot. R16 rolled far more, but the seats and the ride were even comfier than the Maxi's. Very refined on the motorway. It's been said that the R16 was second only to a Citroen DS for cruising comfort. I didn't like the idea of the column gearchange, but it worked fine, and once you were used to it, you didn't even think about it.

[@michaelkeen5010]

Leicester registered. I owned HAY454L, a Wolseley 1300Mk2. A work colleague bought a 1750 HL back in the 70’s, he rated it well for comfort but panned the gearbox by saying that “all 5 gears are there, but you cannot necessarily select them all in the right order.”

[@Sean0271]

Lovely as ever Steph, great vid. In 1991 I had a Maroon 1750HL maxi a great car as I recall-the hydrolastic pipe broke in Ireland on holiday but thankfully back then there was an Austin Rover dealer in the next village!

[@botheredparent]

The red 'IGN' light was the warning that the alternator had failed (in my case on holiday in Salzburg). I had a red N registered Maxi 1750 from 1983 (replacing a Morris 1800S land crab) until 1988 when I was allowed a company Montego estate. It served us well on camping holidays with three small hildren. It was a great car, not as noisy as Steph found, but the steeering was heavy (no power assistance) and yes, even with the rod linkage the gear change was like stirring a bucket of bolts with a wooden spoon. Thanks for the video!

[@MG-Rovernut]

I also changed my 1800S for a Maxi 1750. Both were Damask red!

[@Martindyna]

I'd love to go in an 1800S again, the engine & exhaust made a great noise.

[@CaseyJonesNumber1]

While the radio was indeed an extra, the ashtray was standard. My dad had two Maxis between 1973 and 1985 (when he bought a Mk2 Cavalier). First one was Teal Blue, the second one was, er, Brown. Brown! Of its time though... A roomy, practical car, but let down by some poor components and typical BL assembly. Slow speed steering was very heavy, making parking hard work, and the gear change sometimes didn't want to play. Changing a wheel was a dirty job, as the spare, being stored underneath at the rear, was usually filthier than the one you took off. Dad got an aftermarket cover for the spare on the second Maxi. Folding down the rear seats gave loads of room for taking loads of garden rubbish over the tip (new house, builders rubble etc). Seemed like we did hundreds of trips there! Great review, and happy memories of the Maxi!

[@jimhughes2641]

Russet brown I believe was the colour

[@CaseyJonesNumber1]

@@jimhughes2641 yes, that name sounds familiar. In reality, it wasn't that bad - there were many brown cars on the road back then.

[@briforks7681]

Remember a lot of cars and van's had the spare underneath,was supposed to be you could change the wheel without emptying the boot.I agree with you,I would rather do that than fight with the wheel under the car.

[@chaddamp2894]

Fabulous sounding engine and exhaust

[@chaddamp2894]

sorry... I did mean to say "great sounding engine and exhaust note" from my memory ie 40 years ago !!

[@jameswithington3406]

As a Truly Ancient person, when I was 7 years old, my parents were contemplating various cars in 1972, a Marina, a Maxi, and, shockingly, a Renault 16... I was in the back seat of the Marina and the Maxi during test drive (brand new, what a price you would pay for my memories). I thought they were pretty OK though not terribly impressive, however my mother hated them both. They eventually went for the R16, which really like being transported into the Future. Almost completely silent, absurdly comfortable, it was my father's first new car. Having lived through terrible noise, unreliability, discomfort of Cortinas etc., he was transformed into a Renault lover, and never bought a British car again. I have myself come to appreciate (some) of them, lovely favourite of mine was the 1.3 A-series Metro, a jolly good Peppy Pal. Love the videos, keep 'em coming

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

Lovely to see you and your beautiful smile again Steph! I hope you had a good Christmas and New Year! I started my apprenticeship at a Morris/Riley/Triumph dealer in 1972, but being in the middle of rural Suffolk, we also had many other cars to deal with! Maxi's were as ubiquitous as Mini's and Land Rovers in our neck of the woods. I didn't think (at the time) Maxi's were really any different to Viva's, Avengers, Cortina's, or anything else on British roads. Sure Citroens, Renaults, and the few Daf's we had locally were oddities, but they all either had rear engines, or were air-cooled, or both in the case of many VW's! They just seemed run-of-the-mill. Nowadays they all seem to be oddities, in a planet of oddities! Nice video though Steph, and it took me back a few years! Thank you! Stay safe! :-)

[@ykdickybill]

We had two maxis when I was a kid. One of the first, if not the first car with a hatchback and fold down back seats ! Fantastic car.

[@robertlambert8719]

Firstly, congratulations on being Highly Commended in Classic and Sports car magazine! Well deserved! What a lovely example of a Maxi. I've not seen one for ages. The Maxi is responsible for the Allegro and Princess not having hatchbacks. Some bright spark thought it a good idea to give the Maxi a unique selling point. Rather typical of British Leyland thinking at the time. I have to agree it did seem noisy; I think the cooling fan is responsible for most of the noise, but quite a happy sound I think! A 5 door hatchback, good tow car, what's not to like? Another cracking video! 👍

[@whatliesbeneathurbanexplor1631]

I love these in green white orange and ruby red. I love these colours makes the car stand out. Such a underrated beautiful car and very reliable. You don't see many here in Ireland I've seen the odd maxi floating around.

[@Kevinfordsynthesizers]

A 1970 Maxi was one of my first cars in the 1980s. It had the cable gear linkage, making gear selection a slightly random occurrence. A challengingly great fun car to drive. Respect to you for a super video

[@RoyCousins]

My family had several Maxis, including an automatic and a later HL. The rods (that replaced the cable change on early cars) can fail too. I don't remember them being noisy inside so perhaps it's just this particular car. Thanks for another great comprehensive review. 👍

[@Martindyna]

Yes we had a brand new K reg Maxi 1750 with a rod change gearbox which my parents drove me to Switzerland in. Unfortunately it kept on jumping out of 4th gear which wasn't a massive problem since the 1750 could pull 5th at quite low speeds. Gearbox fixed under guarantee upon our return (only a part within the gearbox was changed, I believe something to do with the rod selection, it did not require a new gearbox).

[@alalder1533]

Great video. My first new car was a 1500cc Maxi, it was then followed by another two, both 1750s. In those days I would change my car at around 20,000 miles and on two of the Maxis the water pumps went at about 18,000 miles. When you bought them new you had to pay extra to get them undersealed and get a radio fitted. The Maxi was brilliant car especially for touring and for several holidays we motored around the Scottish Highlands and Islands in the Maxi’s. I hate to tell you this but one of my Maxi’s was brown and the official British Leyland name for the colour was n***r brown!

[@alansmith1770]

Takes me back I had a 1750L R reg bought late 81. Loved it

[@michaeltutty1540]

Very interesting, Steph. You do find some neat cars to tease us with, and this is no exception. Being in Canada, I've never seen a Maxi. Bring from an eccentric family, I have seen and ridden in many English cars. I do have a soft spot for them. Big hugs to James. He has taken a sad time and made something positive out of it.

[@tz6414]

Cutting edge car , we had one in 1970, early hatch idea, fold down seats and five gears. Great review as always. The video makes me think of the smell of cars in that era. It would be a radio , not a stereo!

[@bigmeltie1]

I had a 1750 Maxi similar to this - same color (Black Tulip) and same L reg. Enjoyable space and versatility. Back wheels used to scream on roundabouts (and on others too). Petrol tank rusted and watch the driver's side engine mounting!

[@kh23797]

My organisation's Maxi 1750 company cars were a pleasure to get around in. We had to carry lots of kit and this was made for the job. Sadly, when they aged, they could blow the engine core plugs-happened to my bro'. Still, I have happy memories of navigating Norfolk in that Maxi.

[@bondbug73]

My dad had a 1979 Maxi 1500. And a mate had a 1981 Maxi 2. Great fun to drive. I'd like one. This is a nice example. Nice review Steph.

[@robenglish416]

Lovely car! Had an uncle who owned one in the mid 70’s but he had a lot of mechanical problems with it, don’t know what though! He said it drove nicely when it drove!

[@andrewbattye3888]

It’s a maxi mkII my dad had on in the midnight blue that one is but was the 1750, and was also an L reg. it was lovely. He then bought his first ever brand new car which was a Maxi 2. The other changes included the layout of the dials. I LOVE Maxi’s and wish I could get one.

[@rcfanaticdublin]

Hello there, Even though i am Irish...I have the utmost respect for their car's. My earliest experience of travelling in them was when me and my father were involved in a very bad crash just ten min's from our home in north county Dublin back in 1973 while my dad was driving us home from Drogheda county Louth in my uncle Jake's Maxi. The accident happened on the N1 in the early hrs when a Drunk driver fell asleep at the wheel. Thankfully we both survived and i put it down to the Exellent Build of the Maxi...I was only around 6 at the time and I had been asleep on the passenger seat and slipped down into the footwell and i came out of it with just some cuts and bruises. I have owned many BL and a couple of Triumph car's too...mainly in the late 80's to mid 1990's. Keep up the good work and stay safe. PS, Condolences to James and the Family of his late Partner.

[@Pfirtzer]

This is a car I would love to own especially when going on a date with all those seats down, wow.

[@Paintheshed]

What a brilliant video, sorry for your loss and thank's for sharing the car

[@d2factotum]

Regarding the bed thing--you'd be surprised how small a space you can sleep in if forced to it. When I went home for my 21st birthday party all the rest of my relatives were there as well, which led to a massive shortage of beds--so I ended up sleeping the night on the back seat of my 1979 Honda Accord. Thank god it was July, I dread to think what it would have been like in winter!

[@Controlled_Robots]

I lived in a Maxi for two weeks,very comfortable.If you put the front seats forward and recline the them as the go level with the rear seat and you have a double bed.

[@barryroach1980]

Great nostalgic vlog for me, thanks. My dad (RIP) had a couple of these 5 speed double beds, one in Teal Blue and later another in a shocking Orange colour. Noisy beast but great working class family car!

[@davidhinkson8856]

Interesting to see your take on the Maxi. The first HubNut video I saw, which got me into his channel, was when he drove a Maxi.

[@davidking9707]

I love Austin Maxis, the best British car.

[@petergouldbourn2312]

I love your channel Steph and I love this video in particular. When I was young living in Birmingham these cars were everywhere and it’s a nice little bit of nostalgia for me to see you going over it with a fine tooth comb. Thank you Steph. Loving it. Pete 🇬🇧

[@PaulinesPastimes]

Great test. I have always liked the look of the Maxi, as you say, it needed just a bit more development. I owned a Morris Nomad (sort of the Aus version of the Maxi) and then a Morris 1500 with the E series and 5 speed. I had it hotted up and raced it in Club Motorsport for a few years. It was such fun and the engine was very smooth. It sounded great with it's twin 1 3/4" SU carbies and sports exhaust! Terribly unreliable though. I was forever fixing it but I loved it. Always wanted a Maxi 1750. Cheers ✨👍

[@Mark1405Leeds]

Good memories! Many families I knew in the seventies had these and even if they had a few problems they bought another as they were so practical for families. I had a 1979 1500 and was very happy with it although by 1979 BL build quality was at a low point. My car was 5 years old but when I got it non of the windows would wind down! Another car I wish I'd kept!

[@tinplategeek1058]

Oh Steph, the Maestro was a much better vehicle to live with. I'd been driven in many a Maxi but when I purchased a Maestro in 1985, it was light years ahead for both driver and passengers. Indeed I kept it until 93 when I part ex-ed it for a new Escort. Got rid because at 9 years old (it was a year old when bought), the repairs were building up and my partner didn't like the idea it would break down with her and the kids somewhere. Remember this was a time when mobiles were still very much a luxury. Although I did get good value from the RAC/AA in the last few years of ownership 😁😁😁

[@Toledo-vh6rz]

Great video, I noticed the indicator / sidelights are the opposite way round to the Triumph Dolomite range which had very similar units, both BL Companies. I also wish most mainstream media would also give it credit for being one of the first hatchbacks.

[@Kiwi_Mike]

I really liked the Maxi back in it's day, still see a few getting round here in NZ. The sound of that cooling fan sure does bring back some memories 😊 Really enjoyed this - thanks.

[@graemeparsons110]

Great video Steph 👍 Growing up we had a maxi 1750hl and it must have been the first car I ever took a journey in as we had it before I was born. My dad used to tow our caravan with it and my older brother often reminds me that the memories of those cornwall holidays are associated with the smell of burning oil on the clutch as its E series engine tended to blow its primary seal after 5 hours of pulling a ton of caravan! It was soon fixed as dad used to do all his own servicing and worked at cowley building the things at that time. Always think if Citroen or Renault had built the maxi it would have been much more highly regarded by the motoring press and would have sold better in Europe. It wasn’t perfect and launching the thing with a problematic gear change on the one of its major sell points (the 5 speed gearbox) was crazy but seemed to be the normal thing for BL back then - the first buyers were like long term test drivers that paid list price for the privilege!

[@andrewgage6942]

One of the best cars I've ever owned, I should never have got rid of mine, I missed it ever since, brilliant car

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Super review Steph, lovely example of a maxi and James you are so brave sharing your story on the channel.

[@andyhibbs4757]

My first car WRF300G 1500 maxi 168000 miles on the clock when it went to the scrapyard never let me down was my dads then my brothers then mine. Brilliant Andy

[@gilessmith2679]

Brilliant video Steph. One of your best!

[@rob1134]

I have many childhood memories of the Maxi. Mainly travel sickness in the back seat as a child on our way to Wales or Blackpool. My Dad owned a J registered one. I think it was either a 1971 or 72. I remember the dashboard was black all over and did not have the wood effect that most Maxi's had. I also remember a (non electric) pump action windscreen washer switch on the dash. Around 1982 this vehicle was parked up on the street until it was collected for scrap. Probably hideously failed it's MOT. Not sure whether my Dad went better after the Maxi as he then bought a N registered Vauxhall VX/490.

[@Paclampet63]

Great video. Looking at those vinyl seats. You haven’t lived until you’ve jumped in a car with vinyl seats on a hot summers day in shorts!! 1750 was always the better car with the 5 speed. My mates dad had the HL which was quite a cool car in its time. (Twin carb made quite a difference) Keep up the good work; look forward to your future reviews 😀 Regards Richard

[@mrgonk871]

We had a maxi in 1977. My dad thought it would be a great idea to go camping at Skegness but instead of sleeping in the tent we would all sleep in the maxi since all the seats folded down and made a huge bed. There was me, my mum , my dad and my sister all crammed in the maxi bed and come morning my dad was moaning like hell because all night he had slept with the gear lever sticking in his back. He got up after the first night and said we’re going home today and that was the end of the holiday. We never slept in the car ever again. Makes me laugh to this day when I think of my dad.

[@darrensmith6999]

Ahh bless it ! These are the cars i grew up with. Nice to see one again thanks Steph (:

[@glenjarnold]

I had one off my ex father in law for a while, used it to travel several times from Kent to the midlands. Never missed a beat, the only time I had a problem was when the brake servo decided to kick in for no reason in Sainsbury's car park in Dartford! 😂

[@graemew7001]

My Dad had a 1969 cable change in that very colour in 1977 and the reason he ended up selling it was because of the cable change keeping needing work on. Other than that he has always said it was a hell of a car, roomy, good on juice and a good long distance car. Maybe sound insulation wasn't a big thing then so he never noticed it. Happy New Year Steph

[@peterriggall8409]

Exhaust on this car sounded a bit noisy from the back.

[@graemew7001]

@@peterriggall8409 I'll take your word on that, its a lot of years since I heard a Maxi running, a shame too because I liked the Maxi.

[@sevesellors2831]

Great car ahead of its time so practical. Although my father had a Renault 16TS which was lovely the trim and seat arrangement of the Maxi was superior. Had BL developed this car further things might have been different. My brother in law had one and it just kept going and was a dependable workhorse. I believe it was the most reliable car BL built regarding warranty claims. This car would still work today timeless.

[@koont666]

I had one of the last ones from the 80s in the 90s good motor ,god bless the owner for his loss I'm Shure the motor will keep him busy👍

[@peterriggall8409]

All the best James, thanks for sharing your lovely Maxi.