Car & Classic Dealer

Absolute Classic Cars

Silvertrees Farm Westmoor Lane Kettlethorpe Lincoln

LN1 2JW

1981 Ford Escort XR3 - early production - SOLD SOLD

Registered on the 6th Nov 1981, we're delighted to offer this exceptional, early production Ford Escort XR3, with the car being built with the following specification:

- Matching numbers 1597cc CVH engine
- Sunburst Red paintwork
- Black / Red 'Laser' trim, with removable headrest bolsters
- XR3 body moldings / spoilers / decals
- 14" 'Clover leaf' alloy wheels, fully refurbished with matched Uni-Royal tyres
- Philips 'P' series radio / cassette
- 'Fisher' cassette holder
- Heated rear screen
- Adjustable driver / passenger mirrors
- Digital clock
- Optional 'Tilt / Slide' sunroof
- Optional 'Driving' lights
- Colour coded bumpers
- Colour coded mirrors
- Overmats

Previously displayed, 2005 - '12, in a Welsh transport museum and then owned by Ford technician the car was purchased by the last keeper in 2020, an avid classic car enthusiast and restorer who has over the last 18 months restored this this early carburettor model XR3 with an approach to producing what we feel is one the finest examples of the marquee available, with works including:

- Complete 'photographic' body strip down, any body work has be professionally attended too using genuine Ford panels, with a real focus on originality ensuring wonderful panel gaps throughout, followed by a professional bare shell respray in the correct factory Sunburst Red, with black detail to window surrounds and the rear hatch. The paint finish is mirror glass smooth, with a reflection to match with the underside having the additional benefit of correct underbody anti-corrosion protection, body colour too!
- All mechanical components stripped, checked for wear and either restored or replaced. The drive-train alone looks sensational, detailed correctly in every respect, even down to new decals. The original engine has been completely rebuilt by marque specialist Norris Motorsport, the engine now being 'Fast Road' spec, with Stage 3 cylinder head, Newman Cam all fueled by a NOS 34 DMTR Carb, jetted to suit the engine characteristic. Mated to the rebuilt engine the car now features a rebuilt RS1600i gearbox offering perfect gear ratios
- Suspension fully stripped and rebuilt with new Bilstein shock absorbers, Spax springs, all new Powerflex bushes front / rear, all joints / bearings etc checked for play and replaced as necessary. All components powder-coated, all new fixings
- Rebuilt braking system including new disc / pads, calipers, brake master cylinder, servo etc.
- New OEM clutch
- Fuel tank full stripped, sealed and powder coated
- Alunox 4 branch manifold
- Stainless exhaust system
- All fuel lines, brake lines, hoses replaced.
- All new window rubbers and seals.
- 14" 5. 5J 'Clover leaf' alloys, date matched, fully refurbished in correct 'Stardust' silver
- New Uni-Royal Rainsport tyres
- New alloy radiator
- Interior stripped and cleaned - originality maintained as the car shows circa 32k miles
- New roof-lining in correct black perforated material
- New decals as per factory specification.

With an exceptional level of detail, this car will not disappoint any way! Walking around the car, it's as if she has been stored away in secret, hidden out of sight since 1981. The doors open with a reassuring 'click' on the handle and stepping inside its great to see the all original interior, the red-black 'Laser' trim remains in excellent condition and its great that the original 'removable' headrest cushions come with the car too and the aficionados will spot the original Philips radio remains in place too.

Pull the 'choke' slightly and twist of the ignition key and the 1. 6 CVH bursts into life, the exhaust 'barking' at any blip of the throttle. Depressing the clutch and engaging first gear and with a few revs applied the car pulls away smoothly. As the car warms up, the choke back in, the driver is able to explore a few more revs, opening the 34 DMTR Carb fully presses the occupants firmly into the seats, the drive is just fantastic, suspension frim but compliant, brakes reassuring and steering direct we must admit that we're completely bowled over by this 40 year old classic ..... the truth be told, this car is just so good and she's more likely to enjoy being cossetted in a collection, only venturing out on the nicest of days.

Beautifully restored, this early Ford Escort XR3 is just as you would hope it be and with a real attention to detail she looks stunning, drives wonderfully and is now ready to finds its rightful place in any classic car / Ford enthusiasts collection, we don't think you'll find a finer Ford!

This advert has now been removed through sale or otherwise.
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