Project ADO 14 was intended to sell below the Austin 1800 and take over the sales of the Austin Cambridge/Morris Oxford up against the Ford Cortina. But economies dictated the use of the Austin 1800 doors and thus resulted in a car that was too big. Roy Haynes came from Ford and gave the Maxi a new nose towards improvings its looks. A new E-series aluminium engine was developed by Issigonis in 1485cc and later 1748cc versions. Launched in Portugal in 1969 as the Austin Maxi the car was troubled with technical problems. The car was hastily revised in 1970 and the 1750 version offered. A twin carb Maxi 1750 HL was offered from 1972 and a better trimmed Maxi 1750 HLS announced in 1979. Series 2 Maxis were available from 1980, but after 12months the Maxi ceased production in 1981.