Maxton Motors, Inc

cardude · 8 May 2018 16:09

1966 Maxton Menace 320

The Maxton Menace was launched in 1966, in the midst of the muscle car craze. Engines ranged from a 145 gross hp 214 cu. in 6-cylinder, through a 230 gross hp 320 cu. in. Winchester V8, and topping off the range was a 340 gross hp, 426 cu. in. Asteroid engine.

Year: 1966
Make: Maxton
Model: Menace
Trim: 320
Transmission: 3-SPD manual
Fuel Type: Super Leaded Gasoline 93AKI
Engine: 320 CID V8 16V 2 BBL OHV
Displacement: 5.2L / 320 CID
Horsepower: 230 hp Gross (180 Net) @ 4500 rpm
Torque: 290 lbs.-ft. Gross (225 Net) @ 3500 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 4.00 in. x 3.185 in.
Compression: 8.8:1
0-60 MPH: 9.9 sec
1/4 mile: 17.7 sec, 81mph
Fuel economy: 8.5 MPG

1966 Maxton Menace 426

Year: 1966
Make: Maxton
Model: Menace
Trim: 426
Transmission: 4-SPD manual
Fuel Type: Super Leaded Gasoline 93AKI
Engine: 426 CID V8 16V 4 BBL OHV
Displacement: 7.0L / 426 CID
Horsepower: 340 hp Gross (300 Net) @ 4500 rpm
Torque: 425 lbs.-ft. Gross (385 Net) @ 3500 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 4.12 in. x 4 in.
Compression: 9.4:1
0-60 MPH: 8.5 sec
1/4 mile: 16.3 sec, 93mph
Fuel economy: 7.9 MPG

1969 Maxton Menace 474 SR

Starting in January 1968, Maxton made a limited number of the awesome SR version of the Menace. It featured an all-aluminum version of the Asteroid engine, with displacement enlarged to 474 CID. This race car for the street was also equipped with four-wheel disc brakes, a rear wing and front splitter. The SR was discontinued after the end of the 1970 model year.

Year: 1969
Make: Maxton
Model: Menace
Trim: 474 SR
Transmission: 4-SPD manual
Fuel Type: Super Leaded Gasoline 93AKI
Engine: 474 CID All-aluminum V8 16V 4 BBL OHV
Displacement: 7.8L / 474 CID
Horsepower: 455 hp Gross (400 Net) @ 5000 rpm
Torque: 520 lbs.-ft. Gross (480 Net) @ 3200 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 4.34 in. x 4 in.
Compression: 10.4:1
0-60 MPH: 5.8 sec
1/4 mile: 13.7 sec, 108mph
Fuel economy: N/A

1971 Maxton Menace 525

The Menace was facelifted for 1971. The engine range was also revamped, all engines now ran on unleaded gasoline. New was a 525 CID version of the Asteroid, producing 370 hp (gross) / 285 hp (net)

Year: 1971
Make: Maxton
Model: Menace
Trim: 525
Transmission: 3-SPD Auto
Fuel Type: Gasoline 86AKI
Engine: 525 CID 16V 4 BBL OHV
Displacement: 8.6L / 525 CID
Horsepower: 370 hp Gross (285 Net) @ 4200 rpm
Torque: 495 lbs.-ft. Gross (440 Net) @ 2200 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 4.25 in. x 4.625 in.
Compression: 8.0:1
0-60 MPH: 8.1 sec
1/4 mile: 16.3 sec, 90mph
Fuel economy: 8 MPG

Maxton Menace 1966-1973: Summary

Model	Engine	Config./ Cu. in.	Material Block/Head	Fuel System	Power @ RPM (net)	Torque @ RPM (net)	0-60	1/4	MPG	Model Years
214	LCV-6	I6/214	Cast/Cast	2x 1 BBL	145 @ 4600	205 @ 2200	12 s		13.4	1966-1970
241	M6-241	I6/241	Cast/Cast	2x 1 BBL	105 @ 4400	185 @ 1700	13 s		16.2	1972-1973
320	M8-320	V8/320	Cast/Cast	2x 1 BBL	180 @ 4500	225 @ 3500	10 s	17.7 @ 82	8.4	1966-1970
320	M8-320	V8/320	Cast/Cast	2x 1 BBL	175 @ 4800	225 @ 2800	11 s	17.8 @ 81	9.5	1971-1973
377	M8-377	V8/377	Cast/Cast	2x 2 BBL	250 @ 4600	310 @ 3700	8 s	16.4 @ 92	7.3	1968-1971
377	M8-377	V8/377	Cast/Cast	1x 2 BBL	190 @ 4700	250 @ 2700	10 s	17.7 @ 85	8.4	1971-1973
426	A-426	V8/426	Cast/Cast	1x 4 BBL	300 @ 4300	385 @ 3400	8.5s	16.3 @ 93	8	1966-1970
426	A-426	V8/426	Cast/Cast	1x 2 BBL	220 @ 4300	340 @ 2200	9.1s	17.4 @ 86	9.2	1971-1973
474	A-474	V8/474	Cast/Cast	1x 2 BBL	240 @ 4300	380 @ 2200	8 s	16.3 @ 93	8.7	1971-1973
525	A-525	V8/525	Cast/Cast	2x 2 BBL	285 @ 4200	440 @ 2200	8 s		8	1971
525	A-525	V8/525	Cast/Cast	4x 1 BBL	260 @ 4200	445 @ 1900	9 s		8	1972-1973
474 SR	SR-474	V8/474	Al / Al	4x 2 BBL	400 @ 5000	480 @ 3200	5.8s	13.7 @108		1969-1970

1974 Maxton Menace 525

In September 1973, a new generation of the Menace was released for the 1974 model year.
The model was larger than the previous generation and had moved slightly towards the personal luxury segment that was becoming popular at the time, but still retained the fastback shape.

The model came with four engine options, a 241 cu. in. straight-6, a 320 cu. in. Winchester V8, and two versions of the Asteroid V8-engine: One at 426 cu. in. (210 HP), the other being the range-topping 525 cu. in. engine producing 260 HP (net).

The timing was not great, as the large muscle car was not well prepared for the Oil Crisis that set in just a month later in October. Sales were dissapointing for the first model year.

1975 saw mandated catalytic converters causing the power output for the 525 engine drop to 200 HP (net).

Specifications:

Year: 1974
Make: Maxton
Model: Menace
Trim: 525
Transmission: 3-SPD Auto
Fuel Type: Gasoline 86AKI
Engine: 525 CID V8 16V 4 BBL OHV
Displacement: 8.6L / 525 CID
Horsepower: 260 hp @ 4200 rpm
Torque: 445 lbs.-ft. @ 2000 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 4.25 in. x 4.625 in.
Compression: 7.3:1
0-60 MPH: 8.2 sec
1/4 mile: 16.7 sec, 89mph
Fuel economy: 11.7 MPG

cardude · 8 May 2018 16:14

The Menace was facelifted for the 1978 model year.

The LX model was introduced to cater more to the personal luxury market, and featured a quiet, soft ride and luxurious interior.

The 525 engine remained at 200HP but featured new aluminum heads, and NVH was greatly reduced over the previous year. A new smooth shifting 4-speed automatic was also introduced.

Year: 1978
Make: Maxton
Model: Menace
Trim: 525 LX
Transmission: 4-SPD Auto
Fuel Type: Gasoline 86AKI
Engine: 525 CID V8 16V 2 BBL OHV
Displacement: 8.6L / 525 CID
Horsepower: 200 hp @ 3800 rpm
Torque: 405 lbs.-ft. @ 1300 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 4.25 in. x 4.625 in.
Compression: 7.0:1
0-60 MPH: 10.5 sec
1/4 mile: N/A
Fuel economy: 12.7 MPG

cardude · 8 May 2018 16:22

1978 Maxton Menace 525 Turbo

A group of Maxton engineers were unhappy about the direction the Menace was going, away from it’s muscle car roots. They put together a concept for a new performance version of the Menace, using a turbocharged version of the 525 engine. Together with a radical new aero package, the concept impressed the management so much they decided to put it in production.

The turbocharged engine produced 250hp and 520 ft-lbs., and combined with a 4-speed manual provided some sorely needed performance to the Menace range.

Year: 1978
Make: Maxton
Model: Menace
Trim: 525 Turbo
Transmission: 4-SPD Manual
Fuel Type: Gasoline 86AKI
Engine: 8.6L V8 16V 2 BBL OHV TURBO
Displacement: 8.6L / 525 CID
Horsepower: 250 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque: 520 lbs.-ft. @ 1700 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 4.25 in. x 4.625 in.
Compression: 7.2:1
0-60 MPH: 7.4 sec
1/4 mile: 15.6 sec, 95mph
Fuel economy: 13.6 MPG

cardude · 8 May 2018 16:49

1981 Maxton Menace 7.1L

For 1981 the Menace was given a new facelift, this time with an aerodynamic front treatment. The rear taillight treatment was lifted from the existing Turbo model.
The workhorse V8 engine was now a 432 cu. in. version of the Asteroid, fitted with mechanical fuel injection and dubbed the 7.1L, providing 205 hp.

Also available was an economy-oriented model with a 3.5L six-cylinder engine providing an impressive 23.7 MPG.

Year: 1981
Make: Maxton
Model: Menace
Trim: 7.1L
Transmission: 4-SPD Manual
Fuel Type: Gasoline 86AKI
Engine: 7.1L V8 16V FI OHV
Displacement: 7.1L / 432 CID
Horsepower: 205 hp @ 4200 rpm
Torque: 355 lbs.-ft. @ 2000 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 3.85 in. x 4.625 in.
Compression: 7.6:1
0-60 MPH: 8.2 sec
1/4 mile: 16.4 sec, 89mph
Fuel economy: 17.5 MPG

cardude · 8 May 2018 16:54

1981 Maxton Menace 8.6L Turbo

The Turbo was also upgraded for 1981, the engine was redubbed the 8.6L Turbo and was fitted with mechanical injection. Power increased slightly to 255 hp. A new 5-speed manual transmission was also fitted.
The 1981 Turbo Menace featured an even more radical aero package than before, capitalizing on the flamboyant styling trend that was popular at the time.

Year: 1981
Make: Maxton
Model: Menace
Trim: 8.6L TURBO
Transmission: 5-SPD Manual
Fuel Type: Gasoline 86AKI
Engine: 8.6L V8 16V FI OHV TURBO
Displacement: 8.6L / 525 CID
Horsepower: 255 hp @ 4200 rpm
Torque: 520 lbs.-ft. @ 1700 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 4.25 in. x 4.625 in.
Compression: 7.5:1
0-60 MPH: 6.8 sec
1/4 mile: 15.3 sec, 95mph
Fuel economy: 16.2 MPG

Maxton Menace 1974-1984: Summary

Model	Engine	Config./ Cu. in.	Material Block/Head	Fuel System	Power @ RPM (net)	Torque @ RPM (net)	0-60	1/4	MPG	Model Years
241	M6-241	I6/241	Cast/Cast	2x 1 BBL	105 @ 4600	185 @ 1700	13 s		16	1974
241	M8-241	I6/241	Cast/Cast	2x 1 BBL	100 @ 4600	180 @ 1800	14 s		17.7	1975-1980
3.8L	B6-38	V6/231	Cast/Cast	Mech.FI	125 @ 4600	200 @ 1800	11 s		24.1	1981-1984
320	M8-320	V8/320	Cast/Cast	2x 1 BBL	155 @ 4800	230 @ 2300	12 s		12.8	1974
320	M8-320	V8/320	Cast/Cast	2x 1 BBL	130 @ 4500	230 @ 3500	13 s		13.5	1975-1978
320LX	M8-320	V8/320	Cast/Cast	2x 1 BBL	130 @ 4700	225 @ 1800	13 s		13.5	1978-1980
5.2L	AOC8-52	V8/315	Cast / Al	Mech.FI OHC-2V	175 @ 4700	280 @ 2300	8.8s		19.7	1981-1984
426	A-426	V8/426	Cast/Cast	1x 2 BBL	210 @ 4300	330 @ 2200	9.5s		10	1974
432LX	A-432A	V8/432	Cast / Al	2x 1 BBL	180 @ 4400	340 @ 1900	10s		14	1978-1980
7.1L	A-432A	V8/432	Cast / Al	Mech.FI	205 @ 4200	360 @ 2000	8.4s	16.5 @90	17.7	1981-1984
525	A-525	V8/525	Cast/Cast	4x 1 BBL	260 @ 4200	445 @ 1900	8.5s	16.5 @90	10	1974
525	A-525	V8/525	Cast/Cast	2x 1 BBL	200 @ 4300	380 @ 1600	10 s	17.3 @85	11	1975-1977
525LX	A-525A	V8/525	Cast / Al	4x 1 BBL	200 @ 3800	410 @ 1300			12.8	1978-1980
525 TURBO	A-525AT	V8/525	Cast / Al	2x 1 BBL	250 @ 4500	520 @ 1700	7.6s	15.8 @94		1978-1980
8.6L TURBO	A-525AT	V8/525	Cast / Al	Mech.FI	255 @ 4200	520 @ 1700	6.8s	15.3 @95	16.2	1981-1984

cardude · 8 May 2018 19:29

1985 Maxton Menace 8.6L EFI

The third generation Maxton Menace was ready for the 1985 model year.
Built on an all-new platform, the Menace was smaller, leaner, and more aerodynamic. The styling was inspired by European styling cues, a trend at the time.

The chassis was much stiffer and safer compared to the previous generation.

New technology and available 90 AKI gasoline enabled the engineers to breath new life into the venerable Asteroid engine. The 8.6L engine was fitted with electronic multi-point fuel injection, providing impressive power, response and fuel economy.

Year: 1985
Make: Maxton
Model: Menace
Trim: 8.6L EFI
Transmission: 5-SPD Manual
Fuel Type: Gasoline 90AKI
Engine: 8.6L V8 16V EFI OHV
Displacement: 8.6L / 525 CID
Horsepower: 285 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque: 485 lbs.-ft. @ 1900 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 4.25 in. x 4.625 in.
Compression: 9.1:1
0-60 MPH: 6.8 sec
1/4 mile: 15.1 sec, 100mph
Fuel economy: 20.0 MPG

cardude · 8 May 2018 19:41

1985 Maxton Menace 8.6L Turbo EFI

The third generation Menace range would not be complete without a fire-breathing Turbo model.
New for '85 was electronic multi-point fuel injection which helped the 8.6L engine generate an impressive 375 hp and 710 ft-lbs. Performance was equally impressive: A mind-boggling 175mph top speed and quick high-13 second quarter mile times were attainable.

Year: 1985
Make: Maxton
Model: Menace
Trim: 8.6L Turbo EFI
Transmission: 5-SPD Manual
Fuel Type: Gasoline 93AKI
Engine: 8.6L V8 16V EFI OHV
Displacement: 8.6L / 525 CID
Horsepower: 375 hp @ 4200 rpm
Torque: 635 lbs.-ft. @ 2800 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 4.25 in. x 4.625 in.
Compression: 7.7:1
0-60 MPH: 5.6 sec
1/4 mile: 13.8 sec, 107mph
Fuel economy: 14.7 MPG

wassy4 · 9 May 2018 04:30

Holy torque lol. How much does it spin from a dig?

abg7 · 9 May 2018 06:56

The 3rd-gen Menace looks appropriately futuristic for its time, with styling reminiscent of an Alpine GTA/A610. In Turbo trim, it would have made supercar performance available to the common man!

cardude · 9 May 2018 16:11

The styling is supposed to be typically mid-to late 80s “performance” look, combined with 80s aero styling.
I think the performance is maybe a bit too good for the era, a smaller V8 engine and no turbo would be more realistic, or a turbo four/six-cylinder. But that’s just too boring
The 1987 Buick GNX was a lot quicker!

cardude · 9 May 2018 16:14

A 2.60:1 final drive and close-ratio gearbox takes care of much of the wheelspin, and sports compound tires (zero quality) also helps. The wheel spin is rated at 19.7% and the drivability is rated at 32.2.

cardude · 8 August 2018 19:50

1978 Maxton Percheron 525 LX

In 1978, the new downsized Percheron was launched.
It featured a super-soft quality interior for the personal luxury car market.

For 1980 the top of of the line engine was a fuel injected 432 with 180hp.

Year: 1978
Make: Maxton
Model: Percheron
Trim: 525 LX
Transmission: 4-SPD Auto
Fuel Type: Gasoline 86AKI
Engine: 525 CID V8 16V 2 BBL OHV
Displacement: 8.6L / 525 CID
Horsepower: 200 hp @ 3800 rpm
Torque: 405 lbs.-ft. @ 1300 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 4.25 in. x 4.625 in.
Compression: 7.0:1
0-60 MPH: N/A
1/4 mile: N/A
Fuel economy: 14.9 MPG

Year: 1980
Make: Maxton
Model: Percheron
Trim: LX Injection
Transmission: 4-SPD Auto
Fuel Type: Gasoline 86AKI
Engine: 432 CID V8 16V FI OHV
Displacement: 7.1L / 432 CID
Horsepower: 180 hp @ 4000 rpm
Torque: 335 lbs.-ft. @ 1800 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 3.85 in. x 4.625 in.
Compression: 7.6:1
0-60 MPH: N/A
1/4 mile: N/A
Fuel economy: 16.1 MPG

cardude · 8 August 2018 20:41

1981 Maxton Carretera

Maxton made a splash in 1981 when the super-sleek Carretera sports coupe was launched.
The Carretera was focused on good road holding and precise handling over outright straight-line performance. The Asteroid engine was considered too heavy, so the Carretera featured a new 5.4L SOHC V8 producing 200HP. To balance the weight distribution, the transmission was a rear mounted 5-speed transaxle type transmission.

Year: 1981
Make: Maxton
Model: Carretera
Trim: (Base)
Transmission: 5-SPD Manual
Fuel Type: Gasoline 90AKI
Engine: 5.4L V8 16V FI SOHC
Displacement: 5383cc
Horsepower: 200 hp @ 4600 rpm
Torque: 300 lbs.-ft. @ 2400 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 96.5mm x 92mm
Compression: 8.9:1
0-60 MPH: 7.0 sec
1/4 mile: 15.2 sec, 94mph
Fuel economy: 21.4 MPG

A turbocharged version was introduced in 1982. It featured a 4.3 litre turbocharged version of the SOHC V8.

Year: 1982
Make: Maxton
Model: Carretera
Trim: Turbo
Transmission: 5-SPD Manual
Fuel Type: Gasoline 90AKI
Engine: 4.3L V8 16V FI SOHC
Displacement: 4326cc
Horsepower: 245 hp @ 5100 rpm
Torque: 350 lbs.-ft. @ 2900 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 90mm x 85mm
Compression: 7.8:1
0-60 MPH: 5.9 sec
1/4 mile: 14.5 sec, 99mph
Fuel economy: 20.6 MPG

cardude · 15 September 2018 16:37

1992 Maxton Percheron

A new generation of the Percheron was introduced for 1992. It was one of the last full-size, body on frame cars on the market. The base model came standard with a 3.8 litre pushrod V6 engine producing 160 hp. The mid-range L model featured a 195 hp version of the SOHC V8 engine.

Year: 1992
Make: Maxton
Model: Percheron
Trim: (Base)
Transmission: 4-SPD Auto
Fuel Type: Gasoline 86AKI
Engine: 3.8L V6 12V FI OHV
Displacement: 3774cc
Horsepower: 160 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque: 210 lbs.-ft. @ 2100 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 96.5mm x 86mm
Compression: 8.3:1
0-60 MPH: 11.1 sec
1/4 mile: N/A
Fuel economy: 21.6 MPG

cardude · 17 September 2018 17:48

1992 Maxton Percheron LS

The LS trim was at the top of the Percheron line.
With a premium interior, air suspension and an advanced 4-speed automatic transmission, this was a true luxury cruiser.

Year: 1992
Make: Maxton
Model: Percheron
Trim: LS
Transmission: 4-SPD Auto
Fuel Type: Gasoline 90AKI
Engine: 5.4L V8 16V FI SOHC
Displacement: 5383cc
Horsepower: 220 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque: 325 lbs.-ft. @ 1800 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 96.5mm x 92mm
Compression: 9.7:1
0-60 MPH: 8.6 sec
1/4 mile: 16.6 sec, 84mph
Fuel economy: 19.2 MPG

cardude · 23 September 2018 20:32

1992 Maxton Percheron Police Car

The Percheron police car was updated along the rest of the Percheron line in 1992. The police departments had still not accepted the SOHC engine, so the Asteroid was still the engine of choice. It was exclusively available in the Patrol/Pursuit Package. Power and torque was boosted slightly over the previous year.

Year: 1992
Make: Maxton
Model: Percheron
Trim: Patrol/Pursuit Package
Transmission: 4-SPD Auto
Fuel Type: Gasoline 86AKI
Engine: 525 CID V8 16V FI OHV
Displacement: 525 cu. in.
Horsepower: 275 hp @ 4600 rpm
Torque: 470 lbs.-ft. @ 1800 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 4.25 in. x 4.625 in.
Compression: 8.4:1
0-60 MPH: 8.5 sec
1/4 mile: 16.4 sec, 93mph
Fuel economy: 15.2 MPG

abg7 · 24 September 2018 02:00

It may be an old-school full-size car underneath, but the Percheron exhibits typical 90s exterior styling cues: a bottom-breather nose, a curvy shape reminiscent of a waterworn pebble, and lots of glass.

Also, the base V8 seems rather anemic for a car of its size…

cardude · 24 September 2018 15:40

Thanks!

I kinda like this era of automotive design! IMO a better era than much of late 90s “blobject” stuff, eg. 3rd gen Taurus.

The base engine is a pushrod V6 and the real-life counterpart would be the Buick 3800. Although I couldn’t make as much power and torque as real life without making it a gas hog.

abg7 · 24 September 2018 16:19

Me too - having spent my early childhood years during that era, and being exposed to motoring magazines at such a young age, I can easily remember most of the various cars which were on sale back then, especially high-performance cars such as the NSX, first-gen Viper and 993-series 911, among others.

As for the Pursuit Package version of the Percheron… It should have been offered to the general public just to give them a chance to kick some serious asteroid at stoplight drags!

cardude · 24 September 2018 17:51

Me too, love all those cars. They were so simple and uncluttered compared to today’s cars. I can watch Motorweek Retro vids all day long!

The Percheron P/P Pkg. was not sold to the general public, due to its utilitarian nature, high cost and poor gas mileage, it was destined to be a niche product. But many found their way to private owners after years of police duty.