Description
Ford cleverly exploited the mini-hot-hatch market in 1981 with the Mk1 XR2, but it became a serious contender from 1984 with the fitment of the 1. 6 CVH engine and five-speed gearbox in a slightly larger, more practical bodyshell.
Simple (it was still on a Weber carburettor) but effective, the new XR2 would reach 60mph in 9. 5 seconds and top 110mph, and also transport five people in relatively relaxed comfort when required.
Rust and boy racers have decimated survival rates and now it is extremely rare to see a Mk2 XR2 in original, unspoiled condition. This example survived thanks to its five caring owners. Its first two owners were ladies, covering just 40, 000 miles in 10 years. Enthusiast owners followed, the car even being fitted with a brand new exchange engine by a Ford main dealer in 2001, when the source of a persistent oil leak could not be found. Later the same year, the car received its only (and easily reversible) departures from originality with the fitment of a Toad alarm system and a Clarion sound system with boot-mounted CD auto-changer, Jensen amplifier and large woofer box.
Even with such caring owners and mostly being garaged from new, rust took a hold, hidden from view under the black body kit. If you're buying an XR2 look UNDERNEATH, not on top!
In my ownership since 2005, this car has had extensive repairs to the underside (photos available) to bring it up to the same high standard as the top surface. This work was done by one of Oxfordshire's finest welders who does many classic cars and whose standards are exceptionally high - the work was done to last, not as a cheap bodge-up.
The replacement engine has now covered c30, 000 miles and is nicely run in.
The trouble is, I don't have time to use the car and it is sitting in the barn getting bored, when it should be out on the roads having fun!
This represents a rare opportunity to acquire a modern classic that is very easy to maintain, cheap to insure on a classic policy and in remarkably unspoiled condition.
