The Maestro was the second 'recovery' model produced by BL (the first being the Metro in 1980). Launched in March 1983, it replaced Allegro, Maxi and Ital. Its rivals included VW's Golf and the Ford Escort.

Initially codenamed LC10, this is an early engineering development car. Styled in Solihull's design office, it has some similarities with the final version of the Maestro designed by David Bache.

With plenty of glass and a spacious interior for a car of its size, the LC10 prototype feels light and airy. There are one or two interior features that made it to Maestro, such as the square fascia and the almost vertical dashboard slot for the radio.