Austin Maxi (1969-81)

The Austin Maxi, produced from 1969 to 1981, was a pioneering family-sized hatchback with innovative features. However, it had its share of issues:

Gearbox and Gearchange: The Maxi’s gearchange was notoriously bad, even after improvements in 1972. The earlier cable linkage was problematic, while the later rod linkage was less troublesome.

Oil Supply Layout: All models suffered from problems related to the “cogs in the sump” layout, where the gearbox and engine shared a common oil supply. This design caused issues, including clutch oil seal leakage.

Quality and Execution: While the Maxi had a spacious interior and seats that folded down into a makeshift double bed, its looks were somewhat strange due to using passenger doors from the Austin 1800/2200. The finer details, lack of quality, and poor execution let the Maxi down, which unfortunately became characteristic of British Leyland (BL) cars.

Despite these challenges, the Austin Maxi remains an interesting piece of automotive history, appreciated by those who understand its unique concept.

Generations
The Austin Maxi had two main generations. It was a medium-sized, 5-door hatchback family car produced by Austin and later British Leyland between 1969 and 1981. The Maxi was the first British car to feature a hatchback body style.

Body Styles
The Austin Maxi was available in two primary body styles:
1. Saloon cum estate: It featured a hatchback bodystyle, similar to the Renault 16. The rear seats could fold forward for extra luggage space and could also be reclined rearwards, creating a rudimentary double bed.
2. Van: Additionally, there was a van variant of the Maxi.
Despite its innovative features, the Maxi’s styling suffered due to the decision to reuse door panels from the Austin 1800, resulting in an unusually long wheelbase relative to its length.

Spares
If you’re looking for Austin Maxi spare parts in the UK and Ireland, here are some options:
1. Austin Reproduction Parts: They offer a variety of original Maxi spares. You can find items like brake pads, filters, suspension components, engine oil, bulbs, and more.
2. EU-SPARES: Their online shop provides a parts catalogue for the Maxi Hatchback. You can select the motorization of your specific model.
3. Motor-doctor.co.uk: Search for spare auto parts for the Maxi. They cover both the Maxi Hatchback and Maxi II.
4. Autodoc: Choose the suitable Maxi model and order car parts online for your Austin.

Restoring an Austin Maxi can be a rewarding project! Here are some tips for finding rare parts:

1. **Join Enthusiast Clubs**: Clubs like the **Austin Maxi Owners Club** and the **Cambridge-Oxford Owners Club** can be invaluable. Members often have spare parts or know where to find them.
2. **Online Marketplaces**: Websites like eBay, Gumtree, and classic car forums often have listings for rare parts. Keep an eye on these sites regularly.
3. **Specialist Suppliers**: Companies like **Rimmer Bros** and **Anglo Parts** specialize in parts for classic British cars and may have what you need.
4. **Auto Jumbles and Swap Meets**: Events like the **Beaulieu Autojumble** are great places to find rare parts and meet other enthusiasts who might have leads.
5. **Social Media Groups**: Facebook groups and other social media platforms often have communities dedicated to classic cars where members buy, sell, and trade parts.
6. **Restoration Workshops**: Some workshops specialize in classic car restorations and may have parts or know where to source them.

Persistence and networking are key.
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Specialists
Here are some specialists in the UK and Ireland who can help with your Austin Maxi:

1. **The Cambridge-Oxford Owners Club**: This club offers support, parts, and advice for owners of various Austin models, including the Maxi.
2. **Honest John Classics**: They provide reviews and information on classic cars, including the Austin Maxi.
3. **Classic Cars for Sale UK**: A marketplace for buyers and traders of classic cars, where you can find parts and services for the Austin Maxi.

**NORTHERN IRELAND AUSTIN SPECIALIST LIST**

Austin specialist mechanics in County Antrim, Northern Ireland:
1. McMillan Specialist Cars: They offer a wide range of services including maintenance, repairs, and full restorations. They are located at Unit 10, Plasketts Close, Kilbegs Road, Antrim BT41 4NN. You can contact them at 028 9335 49111.
2. Nufinish: With over 18 years of experience, they handle smart cosmetic and light damage repairs. They are located at Unit 24, Antrim Business Park, Randalstown Road, Antrim BT41 4LH. Their contact number is 028 9446 60142.
3. D S Autos: This garage specialises in all makes and models of car repairs, including servicing, diagnostics, and more. They are based at 67 Church St, Antrim BT41 4BE. You can reach them at 028 9446 66623.

Austin Specialists in County Armagh Northern Ireland
Here are a few options for Austin specialist mechanics in County Armagh, Northern Ireland:
1. McMullan Auto Services: They offer a range of services including car servicing, maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs. They are located at 85A Fergort Rd, Armagh BT60 3DN. You can contact them at 028 3753 17661.
2. Elite Motor Performance: This garage provides various auto repair services and is based in Armagh2.
3. Pittstop: Another option in Armagh, offering comprehensive garage services2.
If you need more details or have specific requirements, feel free to let me know!

Austin Specialist in County Down Northern Ireland
John Chatham Cars
• Location: Wellinghouse Farm, Moorhouse Lane, Hallen, Bristol BS10 7RT
• Services: Specializes in restoring, treating, and maintaining Austin Healeys and other classic British sports cars from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. They offer classic car restoration, servicing, and race preparation.
• Contact: You can reach them at 0117 950 1836. More information is available on their website.
Merlin Classic Cars
• Location: The Ropery, Unit 1C Redmoor Lane, Stockport SK22 3JL
• Services: Renowned for their restoration, maintenance, race preparation, and sales of all Austin Healey marques. They have over 30 years of experience in restoring classic and vintage vehicles.
• Contact: You can contact them at 01663 746499. More details can be found on their website.

Austin mechanic specialist in County Fermanagh Northern Ireland
1. Lochside Garages: While they are primarily Vauxhall dealers, they offer comprehensive servicing and repairs for various car brands. They are located at 22 Tempo Road, Enniskillen BT74 6HR. You can contact them at 028 6632 4366.
2. Enniskillen Motor Services: They provide a range of vehicle services, including diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance. They are based in Enniskillen.
3. Austin mechanic specialist in County Londonderry Northern Ireland

Austin specialist mechanics in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland:
1. Lloyd Cooke Motors Ltd: They provide expert vehicle maintenance and car bodywork repairs. Located at 53 Lismacarol Road, Londonderry BT47 3LZ. You can contact them at 028 7130 2100.
2. S M C Motors: Offering a range of garage services throughout County Londonderry.
3. Satnams Garage: Another reliable option for various auto repair services in Londonderry.

Austin specialist mechanics in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland:
1. KG Truck & Plant: Based in Dungannon, they offer mobile mechanics for plant machinery and hydraulic repairs. They provide 24/7 on-site services and have over 20 years of experience. You can contact them at 07771 904 505.
2. NR Trucks Ltd: Located at 70 Armagh Road, Dungannon, they offer a range of services for commercial vehicles. You can reach them at 028 8778 9775.
3. Tyrone Diesel Systems: Specialising in the testing and repair of diesel fuel systems, they are the only fully-authorised Bosch Diesel Centre in Northern Ireland. They are based in Omagh

These specialists should be able to assist you with parts, advice, and support for your Austin Maxi.