MARKETPLACE REPORT

BL’S best and worst

By Ben Selby

Born in 1968, British Leyland was a bringing together of illustrious British brands to combat the influx of imports, and to save what was once the world’s greatest car industry. Sadly, when most think of British Leyland these days, notions of mismanagement, build quality issues, and a striking workforce tend to spring to mind.

Despite this, BL churned out some radical and clever designs, but a few cars in particular are regarded by many as the most unloved cars ever to leave a British factory — the Austin Allegro, Morris Marina, Austin Maxi, and Austin Princess.

“These cars were produced at a time when the British motor industry was in chaos,” says Morris enthusiast Chris Torr. “The vehicles, while functional and innovative, suffered from poor build quality compared to their European and Japanese counterparts.”

The Allegro was designed as a trendy inner-city run-around to compete with the Alfasud and Citroen GS, while the Morris Marina was BL’S admittedly unconvincing answer to the Ford Cortina. The Austin Maxi on the other hand was a forward-thinking five-door family hatch with a five-speed gearbox.

The Princess was the most radical of all, with wedge styling, hydragas suspension, and it looked like no other family car on the road. “I have never quite understood why it became so fashionable to say that BL cars were rubbish when they were no worse than so many others of the time,” says Austin Maxi enthusiast Andrew Busman.

While many have sadly not survived the ravages of time, according to Chris the examples that remain are starting to become quite collectible. “The few that have survived in good order, or have been restored, are becoming sought after for their rarity and practicality,” he says.

As a result of lack of supply, and a small select band of enthusiasts, prices for these four are still quite moderate by British classic car standards. “A rusty project could be had for as little as $500, while decent roadworthy cars are between $3000 to $5000. Excellent examples should fetch up to $12,000,” says Chris.

These figures are confirmed by Andrew Busman. “It depends so much on condition and so can vary from a few hundred dollars for something needing complete restoration to $10,000 for a concours example,” says Andrew.

However, according to fellow Austin and Morris enthusiast Kevin Kershaw, you could have a Marina or Allegro in good condition for less.

“Price of a poor one and the work on it depends on what needs to be done, and enthusiasm to do that. I would assess a good, sound car may fetch $5000 but it would need to be very much showroom condition body, trim, and mechanicals,” says Kevin.

The Marina, Princess, Maxi, and Allegro each have their own quirks, but have a great deal in common when it comes to a buyer’s checklist. As it happens, all cars are quite robust mechanically. The A Series 1300 engine on Allegro and the B Series 1800 engine on Princess and Marina are reliable, solid, and provide good economy. However, it is best to keep on top of oil changes and replace that cambelt every 100,000 kms. especially in the floors, doors, A-pillars, front and rear bulkheads, and under the vinyl roof lining on applicable models. Keep an eye out for poor paintwork too,” says Chris.

According to Andrew, despite the low remaining numbers in New Zealand, parts are generally not an issue to track down. “The good news is that many BMC and BL cars share common components and so mechanical spares are relatively easy to get, even if as a last resort they have to be sourced from the UK. As with any old car it is probably body panels that are the hardest to find,” he says.

So, are the Marina, Princess, Maxi, and Allegro due for an increase in value? Andrew Busman reckons so. “I think values for these cars are going up and will go up more in the future. Very low values in the past have meant that many have been scrapped as people do not see a restoration as good value for money. As a result, they are becoming much rarer which will make them more collectible,” says Andrew.

So is it time for us classic car buffs to give these British Leyland oddballs another look? Austin enthusiast John Vevers thinks so. “There seems to be a myth that these cars were not very good. I drove a late model New Zealand-assembled Marina 1800 in the mid-80s for work and it went well — very comfortable seats, and the ride was fine. I push cars hard and had no bad experiences that I remember. The Princess I remember as a spacious, comfortable, and good handling car. Detractors often are armchair experts and have not actually owned these cars,” he says.

Kevin Kershaw agrees. “The fact is that the cars were surprisingly good in their time, but the negative press, and sales volume to the public resulted in them never selling in solid volumes as the Japanese took over. If you find a good example, the Princess and Allegro are fantastic. The engines can perform, and they drive better than the stories you have heard.” So don’t believe everything you hear.