We (Mom, Dad and I) went on many holidays in it. Mainly
walking holidays in remote places. We camped in the car. We
had no curtains but this didn't seem to bother us much. In
those days walking was not so popular as it is now and we
were quite often the only people for miles around. Mom and
Dad slept in the Maxi and I in a little army pup tent to one
side of the car.
We had one terrific crash in the Maxi proving just how robust
a car it was. My father failed to notice two cars stopped
in the road (who were attempting to turn right). We hit the
rear-most car which shot into the white MGB GT in front..........
that in turn shot across the road, down an embankment and
into a telegraph pole. The car following rammed us............
after exchanging details ............we drove off leaving
the others by the side of the road.
Eventually the Maxi succumbed to rust. Dad came home without
the car one day and when I asked him where it was he replied
“The engine’s fell out.” He’d been
going round a corner when it happened and had to get a lift
home. Soon after my father part exchanged her for a tiny,
white Fiat Camper Van (KCX 489N). I remember us pulling out
of the garage and looking at SOM 501H from out of the Fiat’s
window as we passed by. I felt we were betraying her. It just
didn't seem right. We had good times in the Fiat but it just
wasn't the Maxi. |
| In May 2001 my wife and I decided to buy
a second car. We nearly bought a modern Rover for £2.5K
but we couldn't bring ourselves to part with the money. In
the back of my mind I had this hankering for a Maxi. I’d
had it for years. Not that this impressed anyone. One night
I went to the local pub and met my mates. We sat down and
after ordering the drinks I dropped into the conversation
the fact that I intended to buy a car. When I said that I
was thinking of buying a Maxi I was met with a wall of silence.
I’m sure I would have been met with the same reaction
if I had said “I’ve a grenade in my pocket”
or “I’ve won the lottery”. Then they all
talked at once. “Too slow!” “Tanks!”
“Rust buckets!” “Ugly!” But I stuck
to my guns and thanks to Phil Marrison we eventually came
to purchase a lovely damask red 1500 (YVC 468K) with 43K on
the clock.
After a thorough service and an extra polish she (Yvonne)
looked and ran beautifully. My staunchest “rust
bucket” critic was amazed. “It’s ticking
over better than my new Rover!” he said. On the 7th
July 2001 we went on an epic journey to Larkhill near Amesbury
for Army Day 2002. (a journey of just over 200 miles.) I say
epic, it was for the car because I think it had only gone
to the local shops and back over the last thirty years! We
took Mr “Rust Bucket” with us. His first reaction
was “Blimey, I’ve my own settee in the back here!”
We made the show, enjoyed a picnic and sat back feeling rather
pleased with ourselves! Some friends were parked near by and
whilst we were away they were amazed at the attention given
to the car. Comments like “Most comfortable car I ever
owned.” “So much space! You don’t get that
in modern cars do you!” We had a great drive back and
believe it or not, arrived home at the same time as our friends
in a modern Subaru (and probably managed the same mpg as well!).
The more people who come into contact with "Yvonne"
the more they realize just what a good car the Maxi is.
Pip Taylor. |
