A fully restored example of the sought after 1.3L Fiesta Supersport
Restored to a very good standard with every aspect of the car attended to
Complete with extensive paperwork relating to the restoration
The Appeal
The Fiesta may not have been Ford’s first front wheel drive car (that title went to the Taunus 12M) but it was their first globally available and successful example. Small, economical cars were becoming increasingly popular in the fuel-conscious early 70’s and Ford wanted a slice of that cake. Project Bobcat was launched at the behest of Henry Ford II and a total of $55M was spent on development. The resulting Fiesta went on to sell over a million units before it was replaced by the MKII model.
This Supersport model was offered from 1980 fitted with the Ford “Kent” 1.3L engine. This was essentially a market tester for the 1.6L XR2 that launched the following year. Our example is a gem in a fully restored condition and remaining largely faithful to the original specification. MKI Fiestas are already sought after but this very rare Supersport example must be the pick of the crop.
The History and Paperwork
This Fiesta was first registered in November 1981
Not much is known about its early life
It passed through a number of owners before being acquired by the current owner
The current keeper has owned the car since 2015
During its current tenure it has undergone a thorough restoration
The car comes with a current V5 in the name of the owner
No early paperwork is present, but plenty is included from the restoration
This consists of a multitude of invoices for work done or parts supplied
The Fiesta was last MOTd in September 2021 with no advisories
The Supersport is not currently MOTd but is now over 40 years old
The Supersport has enjoyed an extensive interior retrim and refurbishment
A good level of originality has been maintained with the odd exception
Many new but period correct items have been sourced from Aldridge Trimming
Seats front and back are trimmed in the correct Savannah/Carla Supersport red and black fabric
These are reported to be new covers and hence, immaculate
Black carpets and light, perforated headlining appear to be original
They are both in a very good, used condition
Front door cards are new items trimmed in black vinyl
The rear panel cards are original and exhibit potential for improvement
The black, vinyl trimmed dash is a seemingly original item
The binnacle contains the white on black instrument set with tachometer
A small crack is noted at the junction of the binnacle and the dash-top tray
A Solarsport glass tilting sunroof is fitted
Some non-standard fitments are noted
These include the black painted, tubular full roll cage with fire extinguisher
The alloy handbrake handle is also an after-market item
The surprisingly spacious boot is finished with black hardwearing carpet
Even a compartmentalised Fiesta removable parcel shelf is present
The Exterior
Our example is presented in one of the three originally available Supersport liveries
In this case it is the bright Sunburst Red with contrasting black, grey and silver decals
The paintwork has been recently, professionally applied and looks impressive
The decal set also appears new and is, hence, in great shape
Standard Supersport touches include the wheel arch extensions in black
Likewise, the deeper chin spoiler and rear hatch spoiler are in evidence
Non-standard fitments include the rally-style quad driving lamps
The exhaust tailpipe calibre suggests this is a non-standard item fitted at restoration
The car features the iconic four spoke RS style light alloy wheels
These are 13-inch items and are original Ford wheels
They appear to have been recently painted so present in a good overall condition
This are shod with a matching set of new Nexen tyres in the correct 185/60 configuration
The correct matt black bumpers appear to be in a fine, unmarked condition
Cabin glass and light lenses all appear to be in fine, original condition
The owner mentions minor blemishes to the paint of the bonnet and tail gate
The Mechanics
The Supersport was fitted with the 1.3L “Kent” engine
This is a crossflow unit with a twin choke Webber carburettor fitted
In original specification this produced around 65bhp
Power is fed to the front wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox
Lowered and uprated suspension was also original specified with rear anti-roll bar
Much work has been expended on this car’s mechanical systems
This includes a fully rebuilt engine with new “fast road” camshaft
The head has been converted for lead free fuel
A new manifold and exhaust system has been fitted
The underside has benefitted from new shocks, brakes, bushings and tyres
The presentation is fantastic under here, too
The car has been fully undersealed, and components have been powder-coated
The under-bonnet presentation is equally good and surely a potential prize winner
The owner reports that it drives very well with no issues
He does state that it may benefit form a carburettor replacement or service
Summary
The MKI Fiesta represents a pre-eminent example of small cars of a type that don’t exist anymore. Simple, stylish, light and uncomplicated with peppy engines and go-kart like handling. The Supersport example may have been a market tester for the MKI XR2 but is very much rarer with only around 3,000 reportedly built as compared to well over 20,000 MKI XR2s finding UK homes.
This example has clearly been very well restored by an owner with passion and knowledge. What a gem in, mostly, very original condition. For the absolute purists the non-standard items could be easily reversed if required leaving you with a stunningly original specification example. Either way this is bound to be a popular and sought after example so avoid disappointment and place your bid.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport (MKI)
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