Austin Maxi
The pioneering five-door hatchback that defined British Leyland's practical ambitions.
- Power
- 72 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 15.6 s
- Top speed
- 90 mph
- Est. value
- $3k–$12k
About the Austin Maxi
The Austin Maxi was the final design from Sir Alec Issigonis and the first car launched by the newly formed British Leyland in 1969. The 1750 variant, introduced in 1970, addressed the original 1500's lack of power and replaced the troublesome cable-operated gearshift with a superior rod-linkage system. It was a pioneer of the five-door hatchback layout and featured a standard five-speed gearbox, which was revolutionary for a British volume-production car at the time. Despite its clever 'Hydrolastic' suspension and versatile interior where the seats could fold into a bed, it suffered from a reputation for poor build quality and uninspired styling.
Austin Maxi specs
The Austin Maxi produces 72 bhp (54 kW) and 132 Nm (97 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 15.6 seconds and has a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h).
| Make | Austin |
|---|---|
| Model | Maxi |
| Trim | 1750 |
| Years | 1970–1981 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Hatchback |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Engine | 1.7-litre E-Series I4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,748 cc (1.7 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 72 bhp (54 kW) at 4,900 rpm |
| Torque | 132 Nm (97 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 5,400 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 15.6 s |
| Top speed | 90 mph (145 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 978 kg (2,156 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 74 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is an Austin Maxi worth?
A typical Austin Maxi is estimated to be worth $2,500 – $12,000 (about £1,900 – £8,600).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Austin Maxi rarity in CarSpot
The Austin Maxi is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 20 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Austin Maxi fun facts
- The Maxi was the first British volume-production car to be fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard.
- John Lennon famously crashed a Maxi in Scotland in 1969, later mounting the wreckage on a plinth at his Tittenhurst Park estate.
- To save costs, the Maxi used the same door pressings as the larger Austin 1800 'Landcrab', which dictated much of its boxy side profile.