Description

1988 MG Maestro 2.0 EFi

Much work undertaken since 2018 and ready to enjoy as it is or further improve

Launched by British Leyland in 1983 and remaining in production for another six years after Rover Group took over the ailing firm in 1988, the Maestro was never quite the success it was meant to (or deserved to) be but it did get better as time went on. The Austin versions were initially beset with quality issues but the sporty MG variants were rather better received. The earliest MG Maestro was fitted with a 1.6-litre R-Series engine derived from the Austin Maxi and proved troublesome thanks to a hastily conceived twin-Weber carburettor set-up. The short-lived 1600 S-Series engine of 1984 was replaced by the 115bhp 2.0-litre O-Series fuel-injection engine from the Montego at the end of that year and it never looked back. In one fell swoop, the MG Maestro was transformed. Capable and good to drive, the 2.0 EFi was one of the best hot hatches of its era, giving Austin Rover its first serious rival to the Golf GTi and the Escort XR3i. It could also run on unleaded fuel, unlike the earlier versions This car was restored by the previous owner during 2019. Since the current owner has had custodianship, it has had a new radiator and top hose, passenger side wheel bearings and ignition overhaul. It also benefits from a replacement central console. There are a few bubbles to the paint and the headling sags slightly near the tailgate but it does present very well. It shows some 108,000 miles and has MOT until April 2022. There is no early service history or handbook, but there are more recent invoices and photographs.

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