Maestro timeline

1978

BL chairman Michael Edwardes secures funding from the government to develop project LC10, a family hatchback that would sit above the Metro in the model line-up.

1982

The Maestro is launched to acclaim from the press, though even those among BL have reservations about the car’s styling, a David Bache effort.

1984

A revised MG Maestro is fitted with the fuelinjected 2.0-litre O-series engine, becoming the Maestro EFi.

1985

Austin Rover launches the MG Montego Turbo, featuring the same turbocharged O-series engine that would power the Maestro Turbo.

1988

March saw British Aerospace purchase Rover Group, which quickly dropped the name Austin from the passenger car division, mirroring the decision to ditch Austin badging from the Maestro a year earlier. In October, the Maestro Turbo was revealed at the British Motor Show at the NEC. A limited run of 505 cars are made.

1991

With the 200 and 400 GTI released, the MG Maestro – and all but the most basic versions of the Montego – are discontinued.

1994

New Rover Group owners BMW are reportedly surprised to discover the Maestro is still in production and quickly discontinue it in December marking 12 years in production.