Founded 1938 in Battle Creek, MI.
Produces mainstream cars mainly for the US market.
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
5 Likes
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
3 Likes
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
9 Likes
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
2 Likes
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 |
2 Likes
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
2 Likes
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
9 Likes
Holy torque lol. How much does it spin from a dig?
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!
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!
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.
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
1 Like
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
1 Like
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
3 Likes
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
1 Like
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
4 Likes
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…
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.
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!