The Ford Escort was the best-selling car of the 1980s – and not without good reason. Affordable, neatly styled and pleasant to drive, it was the perfect choice of no-nonsense transport for British families.
But that didn’t preclude it from being aspirational. Quite the opposite, in fact. First came the XR3 – the sporty model with its distinctive teledial alloys and rear spoiler, soon followed by the fuel-injected XR3i, when anything with fuel injection was considered quite special in the strata of car badge one-upmanship.
And then there was this – not just an XR3i, but an XR3i with wind-in-the-hair appeal. The soft-top Escort in the sportiest spec was the epitome of yuppie desirability and it sold in droves.
Like all Escorts, though, most have succumbed to the ravages of time. Which makes this car extremely special. A true survivor, and also one that wears its era on its sleeve, with a plethora of subtle styling modifications that are so in-keeping with its time that they are classic additions in their own right – a snapshot of car culture from its era. tFCMrjbELVEKnxVJ7N1ADhJ2C2FVAAZntDflCIVM.jpg1010.46 KB
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
MOT to May 2024
Some old tax discs and SORN declarations
Stored off-road since 2006 and recommissioned recently by the vendor
Invoice for new roof
Radio manual
New and old-style V5s
HPI clear
Comes with a box of spares including original lights and mirrors, plus a sports three-spoke steering wheel and various rare bits of trim
Once a common sight, an Eighties XR3i Cabriolet is a rare thing these days and you’ll have to look long and hard to find one as nice as this. It’s in really good condition inside and out with only a few minor signs of wear, and gently modified in an easily reversible way in a manner that totally evokes its era. A fun and unusual modern classic that’s guaranteed to turn heads.
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.
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