Maestro classic car potential

[JollyMG2]

Hi peeps, I was discussing with my other half today about our MG Maestro and what we should do with it next year when the mot runs out again, I have just got it through it's mot which has made me really happy because I know it means another 12 months troublefree motoring just like the last 12 months as the car has proved very reliable :) but next year we want a more economical car such as a diesel but my other half doesn't want to get rid of the Maesty because she likes it so much and it's the first car she's driven (lucky her :eek: ) so I suggested taking it off the road next year and properly restore it to as near mint as I can, would this be worth doing as I know these cars are becoming quite rare and will only get rarer (not as rare as the MG turbo though), even the mot bloke said there weren't many MG Maestros around anymore, so will this become a future classic car one day?, I know the Maestro model is 20 years old now, how long before it's considered classic? and will they're values start to rise in the future?

Cheers

Paul

[Maria]

Well, they've just made it into the Practical Classics buyer's guide lists, journalists are asking about the cars at shows and not scoffing at its credibility as a classic, they're rapidly disappearing from the roads, especially good quality examples, so yes, I'd say it would be very much worth doing. In 5-10 years time there will be precious few Maestros to be seen, so every one that can be preserved now while it's still possible to do without waiting 5 years to find one elusive part at an autojumble is worth saving.

[Beaker]

They are already listed in the classic car magazine :)

As for restoring the car, it depends on how much you would like to spend on it I suppose. Also if you see it has being a fun hobby or increasing the value of the car. I would go for it, as yes you dont see as many MG Maestros around as you used to.

We are planning to restore our ex police white maestro back to its livery with flashing lights and sirens. We are doing this on a budget, but hopefully it will look nice when we have finished.

Lindsey

[G51 NAV]

Originally posted by JollyMG2
I know these cars are becoming quite rare and will only get rarer (not as rare as the MG turbo though)
Not sure about them not getting as rare as Maestro Turbos...Maestro Turbos seem to be the cars that most enthusiasts are saving, which is no bad thing but the other variants shouldn't be forgotten. Maestro Turbos were quite easily proportionately-overrepresented at MG Saloon Day 2003 - Maestro EFis should by rights have outnumbered them at least 60:1, but they didn't. Instead the numbers were about equal.

I'd say that if it's worth saving, save it. It will surely increase in value.

As Practical Classics said in their recent MG Maestro article, "they'll never be cheaper".

[Alan the Vanner]

I showed Simon my "work in progress" photos at the Burford meet last weekend and he told me that 1.6l vans were pretty rare as well.
Should I be making all these mods?(!):eek:

[Maria]

Originally posted by Alan the Vanner

Should I be making all these mods?(!):eek:

Tell me about it - I have definite moments of angst about mine! :(

[JollyMG2]

Well, thanks for all your replies people this has definitely inspired me to hold on to what is surely going to be a classic car, I have always wanted to own a classic car and this will be it, once the mot runs out next year it shall go into storage and the lengthy process of restoration shall begin :)

Paul :D

[G51 NAV]

Well good luck to ya mate :) :) Restoring cars is a thankless task; just take a look at the owners' restorations in such as Practical Classics to see what Hell and high-water they go through.

But when you're finally faced with that pristine motor staring back at you after all your hard work, I'm sure there must be few better feelings to be experienced while still fully-clothed :laugh:

BTW what mileage is on your car?

[JollyMG2]

Cheers mate, i'm sure it will pay off in the long run as an ongoing project, and hopefully the end result will be "pristine", the car has done 73k which is well below average for a 1990 car, it is mainly the bodywork that's going to be the biggest task, the interior is in exc nick and the engine is sweet too but it does all depent on how far I want to go with the restoration, it won't be a "nut and bolt", more a preservation task with insight of being a car that will be somewhat a rarity in many years to come :)

Paul

[Simon]

Do it, it's got to be worth preserving!

Alan The vanner: Yes you showed me the pics, most impressed I was too. Vans are brilliant and they are attracting their own cult following or so it seems. I said that they only made about 4,000 Maestro 1.6 litre vans. I was wrong. Between 1986 and 1988 they made all of...592! Apart from the MG Turbo this is the rarest Maestro variant.

I'd still make the mods though. Most vans were modded for work, signwritten, had flashing beacons on anyway, and I'd say that the rarity should make it even more special and spur you on to complete the job because at least you are keeping it where it belongs...on the road.

The best of luck to you both in your restoration/preservation projects
:) :D

[JollyMG2]

Cheers Simon, it's a while off yet but I may start sourcing some mint condition panels like doors etc as these can't be easy to find. :rolleyes:

Paul :)

[Alan the Vanner]

592? Blimey!!!
The thing is though, my plans for mods are going to be far beyond the basic body kitting and alloy wheels. You see, we vanners like to do things a little bit different(!) How about looking at the picture of the V8 Transit that I posted on the "Souped up Maesties" thread.
Or even take a look at the NSVA website: http://www.nsva.uk.com
;)

[Simon]

No problem! There's some great pictures on that site.:) :cool: The important thing is to enjoy your van.

[Alan the Vanner]

Right then!!! (Rubbing hands together) Does anyone know where I can get a Rover 827 engine and gearbox from?!:eek: :D

[wyevalet]

Originally posted by Skatiechik
They are already listed in the classic car magazine :)

As for restoring the car, it depends on how much you would like to spend on it I suppose. Also if you see it has being a fun hobby or increasing the value of the car. I would go for it, as yes you dont see as many MG Maestros around as you used to.

We are planning to restore our ex police white maestro back to its livery with flashing lights and sirens. We are doing this on a budget, but hopefully it will look nice when we have finished.

Lindsey

It would be great to see a Maestro restored as a police car, if you need any fluorescent or reflective stripes, I could get them at trade prices (my brother runs a signwriting business!) If a police crest is needed, he also does solvent printed vinyl. I've also got a couple of lucas blue beacons, one magnetic and one bolt-on, pic attached.

[E_T_V]

I think you have just become my new best friend. Seriously though I (or my girlfriend skatiechik) may be in touch about the signwriting and stuff when I get some good info on what it lookes like originally. I see you have a camper too, (I've just got one aswell) so hopefully I shall meet you at one of the events in the near future.

Now where can I get the Neee Naw's

[wyevalet]

Originally posted by E_T_V
I think you have just become my new best friend. Seriously though I (or my girlfriend skatiechik) may be in touch about the signwriting and stuff when I get some good info on what it lookes like originally. I see you have a camper too, (I've just got one aswell) so hopefully I shall meet you at one of the events in the near future.

Now where can I get the Neee Naw's
The signwriting website is www.thesignworkshop.net, he can get reflectives in white, blue, green, orange, yellow and red, and fluorescents (not reflective) in pink, green, orange, red and yellow. The high conspicuity reflective vinyls, used on the latest police cars and ambulances, are really expensive, so we don't bother with those. When you find out what you need, email me at wyevalet@yahoo.co.uk and I'll find out how much it will be. For the sirens, try http://www.emergencyequipment.co.uk/ , or on ebay, search for badgerthearmourer at http://pages.ebay.co.uk/search/items/search_seller.html , this chap works for the usaf, and he may have a siren. I bought a nice blue ambulance lightbar from him!
The Maestro looks like a camper, but it's a poyntings wheelchair conversion. I was thinking of converting it to a camper, but with the high roof and lowered floor, it's ideal just for carrying stuff. I'm hoping to get it restored to somewhere near original, then hopefully bring it to the events next year.