Highlights

• 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

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
• As such it qualifies for Historic Vehicle status
• This means MOT and VED exemption in the UK
  
  

The Interior

• 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