| Revision as of 23:33, 1 January 2007 editKierant (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users10,503 editsm rm some PoV, other tweaks← Previous edit | Revision as of 23:44, 1 January 2007 edit undoKierant (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users10,503 editsm correct year for maxi 2Next edit → | ||
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| The Maxi (code name ADO14) was the last car designed under the ] (BMC), and was the last production car designed by ]. It was launched in the summer of 1969 shortly after the creation of British Leyland. It followed the five-door hatchback pattern of the French-produced ], which was ] in 1966 following its launch in 1965. | The Maxi (code name ADO14) was the last car designed under the ] (BMC), and was the last production car designed by ]. It was launched in the summer of 1969 shortly after the creation of British Leyland. It followed the five-door hatchback pattern of the French-produced ], which was ] in 1966 following its launch in 1965. | ||
| Underneath the Maxi's practical and spacious bodyshell lay an all-new ] chassis which was interlinked with an innovative five-speed ]. The latter suffered from notorious problems with its control linkage, especially in early models. Power came from a 1485cc, later 1748cc ( |
Underneath the Maxi's practical and spacious bodyshell lay an all-new ] chassis which was interlinked with an innovative five-speed ]. The latter suffered from notorious problems with its control linkage, especially in early models. Power came from a 1485cc, later 1748cc (from 1971) ] petrol engines which would later find their way into other British Leyland products like the ]. | ||
| Despite the new platform, the Maxi's styling suffered from the decision to save tooling costs by carrying over door panels from the ] "Landcrab", which compromised the design. Another styling ambition for the car was a 4-door ] counterpart — a prototype was built, but it never made production. | Despite the new platform, the Maxi's styling suffered from the decision to save tooling costs by carrying over door panels from the ] "Landcrab", which compromised the design. Another styling ambition for the car was a 4-door ] counterpart — a prototype was built, but it never made production. | ||
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| One unusual feature of this car was that the rear seat back, as well as folding forward as in a conventional hatchback, also folded back. In combination with fully reclining front seats this gave satisfactory, if spartan, sleeping accommodation. | One unusual feature of this car was that the rear seat back, as well as folding forward as in a conventional hatchback, also folded back. In combination with fully reclining front seats this gave satisfactory, if spartan, sleeping accommodation. | ||
| Towards the end of the Maxi's life, in 1980, a lightly revised model was marketed as the "Maxi 2". | |||
| At the end of 1981, the Austin Maxi's 12-year production life came to an end. Its replacement, the ], which also replaced the smaller ], was introduced in the spring of 1983. | At the end of 1981, the Austin Maxi's 12-year production life came to an end. Its replacement, the ], which also replaced the smaller ], was introduced in the spring of 1983. | ||
Revision as of 23:44, 1 January 2007
Motor vehicle| Austin Maxi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | British Leyland |
| Production | 1969-1981 |
| Designer | Sir Alec Issigonis |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 5-door Hatchback |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | E-Series 1.5 L and 1.75 L |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Austin 1800 Austin Cambridge |
| Successor | Austin Maestro |
The Austin Maxi was a medium sized 5-door hatchback car from British Leyland for the 1970s.
The Maxi (code name ADO14) was the last car designed under the British Motor Corporation (BMC), and was the last production car designed by Alec Issigonis. It was launched in the summer of 1969 shortly after the creation of British Leyland. It followed the five-door hatchback pattern of the French-produced Renault 16, which was European Car of the Year in 1966 following its launch in 1965.
Underneath the Maxi's practical and spacious bodyshell lay an all-new front wheel drive chassis which was interlinked with an innovative five-speed manual transmission. The latter suffered from notorious problems with its control linkage, especially in early models. Power came from a 1485cc, later 1748cc (from 1971) E-Series petrol engines which would later find their way into other British Leyland products like the Austin Allegro.
Despite the new platform, the Maxi's styling suffered from the decision to save tooling costs by carrying over door panels from the BMC ADO17 "Landcrab", which compromised the design. Another styling ambition for the car was a 4-door saloon counterpart — a prototype was built, but it never made production.
The Maxi featured a spacious interior, comfortable passenger accommodation, competitive prices and reasonable running costs. But it was let down by a dull interior and poor build quality, although it was not quite as notorious as the Austin Allegro and Morris Marina.
One unusual feature of this car was that the rear seat back, as well as folding forward as in a conventional hatchback, also folded back. In combination with fully reclining front seats this gave satisfactory, if spartan, sleeping accommodation.
Towards the end of the Maxi's life, in 1980, a lightly revised model was marketed as the "Maxi 2".
At the end of 1981, the Austin Maxi's 12-year production life came to an end. Its replacement, the Austin Maestro, which also replaced the smaller Allegro, was introduced in the spring of 1983.
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