Description
A little cracker. With just 28, 380 miles from new and owned by one family (mother and daughter) up until just 12 years ago, this stunning Fiesta in Moondust Silver metallic has most recently formed part of a large private collection of low mileage modern classics. Recently recommissioned after it`s period of lengthy hibernation, the car presents in almost time-warp condition and unsurprisingly drives superbly. Almost too good to be used as a daily, the Fiesta is definitely show worthy and in the right hands would be a winner. A perfect introduction to classic motoring for the discerning enthusiast.
Introduced in 1976 and with a production run spanning 47 years through seven different generations, the Fiesta was Ford`s supermini with over 22 million built worldwide. Early cars were boxy by design and the first two generations only offered 3-door variants (either saloon or panel van). The big change came in February 1989 with the launch of the Mk. 3 and an all-new platform allowing for a 5-door option. The engine range was broadly the same as the previous generation with a high compression version of the Valencia engine, the CVH unit now in larger capacities and a beefier diesel. Sportier models soon appeared with the mildly tuned Fiesta 1. 6S appearing mid-1989 and within a few months, the first fuel-injected Fiesta, the hugely popular XR2i. RS models followed (1800 and Turbo) with further changes coming in October 1995 with the introduction of the more rounded Mk. 4 and the discontinuation of all performance variants.
Our car dates from April 1991 and was supplied through Gilbert Rice Ltd, Ford Main Dealers of East Dereham, Norfolk to a local lady in nearby Swaffham. Over the following 22 years, the Fiesta was used sparingly albeit returning each year to Gilbert Rice for servicing whilst ownership over this period moved from mother to daughter and subsequently back to mother again. In the few years leading up to 2013, miles covered were minimal (documented by annual MoT inspections undertaken at the local Vauxhall specialist) with some 12-month periods reflecting just 200 miles recorded. In 2013, the car was sold to the WPL Group Ltd, a large and established ground works and building company in Leigh on Sea. The company directors had built-up a collection of low mileage modern classics and deemed the Fiesta a suitable addition. We understand that it subsequently remained in dry, covered storage until June 2025 when it was sold to a Ford enthusiast and collector in Faversham, Kent. Over the next 4 weeks, the car was to benefit from a full service including timing belt replacement and cvt transmission fluid change as well as it`s first MoT inspection in 13 years. It passed with no Advisory Notes. Our collector enjoyed the car for very local runs but soon realised that he yearned after another Escort and made contact with ourselves to discuss an immaculate Mk. 4 that we had for sale. A deal was agreed and the little Fiesta has been welcomed into our stable. Since acquisition, we have undertaken a deep clean and have just returned from a short road trip across the Downs of West Dorset.
The car presents just as can be seen in the photographs. Both panel-work and paintwork would seem to be in excellent original condition and totally corrosion-free. Just a touched-in scratch on the nearside rear door and several touched-in stone chips on the nearside front wing are evidence of the car`s many years in storage. Otherwise, the coachwork is genuinely blemish-free with plastic trim, bumpers and factory glass all very good and once again, seemingly original. The cabin tells the same story with light wear apparent (typical slight bagginess to the Ghia-specification velour seat covers) but all very clean, stain and tear free. Pull the choke and with a flick of the key, the eager 1. 4 litre CVH engine fires immediately into life settling down quickly off-choke to a low burble. With Drive selected, the Fiesta pulls away smartly changing almost seamlessly through the gears with highway cruising at 50MPH reached in no time. Indeed, the car performs not unlike a modern automatic with balanced handling, positive steering (unassisted in this instance) and excellent brakes. On a sunny December morning, I took the Fiesta out for a decent run across West Dorset and it brought back fond memories from 35 years ago when we all seemed to be driving small Fords. It is very comfortable and easy to drive benefitting from superb all-round visibility and being a Ghia model comes with a glass sunroof, electric front windows, rev counter, heated rear window and remote tailgate release.
The Fiesta comes with a paper copy of MoT history back to 2006 recording less than 2500 miles in almost 20 years, a current MoT Certificate to July 2026 with no Advisory Notes, a current V5C and set of keys.
A fabulous low owner and super-low mileage example of a sure-fire modern classic with good provenance.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
