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Was the Meastro built under licence in Bulgaria
Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2021 7:14 pm
by MGZRreplica
Hi
Just had a quick look
On eBay.
eBay item number 313803043818
There is a maestro that was built in 2001.
The seller said it was built under licence in Bulgaria and known as Rodacars Bulgarian maestro?
Is that true how many other Austin/River cars were built by 3rd parties?
Thanks.
Re: Was the Meastro built under licence in Bulgaria
Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2021 7:31 pm
by Montegoman
It certainly was. It was built in Varna. Unfortunately, the combination of increased import tariffs applied to the parts imported from the UK and Skoda's launch of the Favorit/Fabia shortly after production started meant that sales never met expectations and the venture failed. Some of the kits were returned to the uk and hand built in Ledbury in 1997-9. The Rover SD1 was built in India for a while as a "Standard 2000". That also failed because it was too expensive and used a locally (Indian) built Standard 2 litre engine. The Montego was built in India for a short time. The Maestro was developed further in China in various guises. Aronline is a great source for information on these ventures.
Re: Was the Meastro built under licence in Bulgaria
Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 1:24 pm
by RoverTD
I had a Ledbury built one for a while. Had an interesting specification, very much a pick & mix job!
Re: Was the Meastro built under licence in Bulgaria
Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 4:01 pm
by carfixmobile
Probably what was left over in the parts bins?
I have 3 Maestro's (Austin Rover built) in various stages of restoration. You get very good at welding with these cars (rust)..........