The Maestro van came onto the scene offering the improved A+ engine minus its electronic carburettor and transmission came via a Volkswagen sourced four- speed gearbox.

After the mid-1980’s facelift, the Maestro also came with the 1.6-litre S-Series engine with optional five- speed box and the 700 became a higher capacity vehicle offering a 700kg payload from the original 500kg.

The L also had more standard kit included in the price with features such as better sound insulation, a five-speed box, cloth trim, a cigar lighter, floor carpet and head restraints.

There was a decent floor pan underneath which had a robust chassis under the load bay area that seemed more resistant to rusting than the cars’ but, unlike the Ital and Marina van before it, the 500 and 700 vans were never offered as a utility pick up.

Most of the public services used the Maestro van – British Telecom, British Rail, the Royal Mail and the Gas Board were all loyal users of the Maestro van.

XVL has DVLA MOT hist...