OV9

Another sure sign - cars that you think of as ordinary old bangers start turning up in classic auctions.

https://www.historics.co.uk/buying/auct ... 3-mk-i-wp/

My wife had one of these when we first met. It was shite, but it ferried me home from the pub on countless occasions so it did serve a purpose

Whaaaaat, my second car was a delightful gold and rust Maestro 1.3HL. Fetching brown interior, complimented by an aftermarket Goodmans Tape player.

It helped mates move house, belted up the A9 for visits to the parental units and seemed to rarely need filling with petrol.

I mostly learned to drive in a 1.3 base spec Maestro (with a 4speed box which was ludicrous even at the time).

Gavin wrote: Fri Mar 19, 2021 8:53 am Whaaaaat, my second car was a delightful gold and rust Maestro 1.3HL. Fetching brown interior, complimented by an aftermarket Goodmans Tape player.

It helped mates move house, belted up the A9 for visits to the parental units and seemed to rarely need filling with petrol.

Edited to add, the facelift version of my older brother's first car is in the museum of transport in Glasgow! How I enjoyed sending him a picture when I took the kids.

That listing seems like it’s actively trying to hide the Union Jack roof

Not gonna lie, I keep getting tempted when I see nice condition Mk1 and 2 Fiestas for sale. Not even XR ones, just like 1.1l spec

jamcg wrote: Fri Mar 19, 2021 9:13 am That listing seems like it’s actively trying to hide the Union Jack roof

Photos all taken from a suspiciously low angle

Yep, my first proper learner drive at 17 was with my dad in my mums 1989 BRG 1.3L Maestro, then I drove it for a year or so when I got my license.

I understeered it off the road onto a pavement the day I passed my test! Awful cars.

GG. wrote: Fri Mar 19, 2021 9:43 am

jamcg wrote: Fri Mar 19, 2021 9:13 am That listing seems like it’s actively trying to hide the Union Jack roof

Photos all taken from a suspiciously low angle

"When he purchased the car in 2013, the centre of the roof had dull paintwork so a Union Jack was applied. This does not detract from the overall appearance"

Oh yes it does, if you're tall enough to see it

Rich B wrote: Fri Mar 19, 2021 9:54 am Yep, my first proper learner drive at 17 was with my dad in my mums 1989 BRG 1.3L Maestro, then I drove it for a year or so when I got my license.

I understeered it off the road onto a pavement the day I passed my test! Awful cars.

I learnt to drive in one - I would say they arent that bad, could loo even on the weird suspension. Maestros were the first talking car I went in - awaiting to be corrected on what was the first mainstream uk car to do that

I'd pay literally FIFTY POUNDS CASH for that shitter.

Jimmy Choo wrote: Fri Mar 19, 2021 9:22 pm I'd pay literally FIFTY POUNDS CASH for that shitter.

I'd pay that just to take it to the scrappie and watch it get crushed. Hateful shitheap!!!!

McSwede wrote: Fri Mar 19, 2021 9:55 pm

Jimmy Choo wrote: Fri Mar 19, 2021 9:22 pm I'd pay literally FIFTY POUNDS CASH for that shitter.

I'd pay that just to take it to the scrappie and watch it get crushed. Hateful shitheap!!!!

Yeah Same. Go halves?

Swervin_Mervin wrote: Fri Mar 19, 2021 11:00 pm

McSwede wrote: Fri Mar 19, 2021 9:55 pm

Jimmy Choo wrote: Fri Mar 19, 2021 9:22 pm I'd pay literally FIFTY POUNDS CASH for that shitter.

I'd pay that just to take it to the scrappie and watch it get crushed. Hateful shitheap!!!!

Yeah Same. Go halves?

'old out yer 'and

My mate had one as his 2nd car when we were 17. It was a total shit heap that everyone would do their best to avoid getting a lift in. Just like his 1st car (Metro).

Swervin_Mervin wrote: Fri Mar 19, 2021 11:00 pm

McSwede wrote: Fri Mar 19, 2021 9:55 pm

Jimmy Choo wrote: Fri Mar 19, 2021 9:22 pm I'd pay literally FIFTY POUNDS CASH for that shitter.

I'd pay that just to take it to the scrappie and watch it get crushed. Hateful shitheap!!!!

Yeah Same. Go halves?

I feel a short but pathetic career in banger racing would be a worthy end.

I've told this story before but I'll say it again.

When a new Y/A reg one arrived for Dad at work as his company car back in the early 80's, before he left the delivery driver noted that 'Dad's' Maestro had been incorrectly fitted with a rear wiper. He commented that was incorrect for that trim level, so he took out an adjustable spanner from his satchel and removed the wiper right there in the office car park. Absolutely incredible.

I’d have told him to get off my fucking car! He’s there to deliver it.

I ran a 1986 Maestro 1.6 Mayfair (posh spec, central locking and electric windows) from 1989 to 1994 and did over 100K in it. I serviced it myself regularly and aside from a vacuum switch that failed (£20 part that just popped on) it was utterly reliable. It handled and rode much better than the Mk3/4 Escort company cars I was driving beforehand.