***Images supplied by vendor***

Highlights

Kept garaged and used sparingly
Mostly original, in and out
Comprehensive history file
Current owner since 2011

The Appeal

Hot hatches have long been the go-to choice for fans of affordable performance, and Ford are masters of the craft.

The “hot” Mk2 Fiesta was the XR2, and proved to be a very popular and highly regarded pocket rocket.

This example has been lovingly kept by its current owner, who has a small collection of hot hatches, for the past 11 years. Dry stored and little used in that time, a lack of space now forces them to reluctantly pass the baton to a new owner.

Presented in largely factory-specification, with no bodywork or interior modifications, this is a fine opportunity to acquire an increasingly rare and desirable daily classic.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in August 1987
Current owner since March 2011
Garaged and rarely used in current ownership
Mileage confirmed by MOT history
Fewer than 170 miles covered since 2016
Recently recommissioned to return it to the road
Recent minor service and brake work
Current MOT to September 2023
Part independent service history
Owner’s handbook included
Previous MOT certificates and maintenance invoices included
Period road test magazine
V5C present and correct

The Interior

Original grey cloth upholstery
Original radio

Much of the charm of hot hatches from this period is the dedication to simplicity.

With manual windows, door mirrors and little in the way of fripperies, it leaves the driver to focus on the task at hand: driving. It also means there’s very little to go wrong.

The cabin of this lovely little car appears to be very original, with grey cloth upholstery, replete with sporty red pinstripes, swathing the seats and door cards.

Complemented with light grey headlining and darker grey carpets, it’s very much of its time. All of the fabrics present well, with no damage or tears we could see.

There’s a small amount of creasing to the driver’s side bolsters and there appears to be a slightly bleached patch on the passenger seat squab, but otherwise it’s in remarkably good condition for a 35 year old Fiesta. We’re told that even the headliner is secure and in good order, which is a rare thing in cars of this vintage.

Looking at the dash and switchgear, the fact that it’s been kept garaged for many years has clearly helped to preserve the plastics. We saw no evidence of UV damage or cracking to the upper dash, and all of the instruments and controls look in fine fettle, with only light wear from use.

The vendor tells us that everything functions just as it should with the exception of the radio which is currently not working. The vendor believes this to be a connection issue. The vendor has also noted that the rev counter can be intermittent. However, this should not detract from the original condition of the interior.

At the back, the surprisingly practical boot space is trimmed in dark grey carpet. This similarly looks to be in good order, with no notable damage or staining, meanwhile the parcel shelf is present and undamaged.

The Exterior

Factory specification red paintwork
Smart black plastic body kit
Front mounted spotlights
Original ‘Pepperpot’ wheels
Glass pop-up sunroof

The red paintwork looks to be in good order, with some minor blemishes and marks as you’d expect, but the owner tells us that it polishes up well.

Likewise, the bodywork itself looks to be in reasonable condition, with straight panels and no signs of accident damage.

There is some corrosion and bubbling beginning to appear in a number of areas, including the bonnet, doors, bootlid, A-pillars and sills.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the XR2 is the black plastic body kit that adorns the arches, sills, bumpers and tailgate. All of the moulded plastic looks in fine condition, with a lovely sheen and no signs of cracking or damage we could discern.

It’s quite unusual to find these elements in such good order on an unrestored car.

The other external trim elements, lights and badges are all present and correct. It all looks quite well, with some signs of wear and some blemishes, but no significant issues we could see.

Underneath, the vendor tells us that the car is in fair condition. It has recently passed an MOT, with no advisories for underside corrosion. During the current owner’s possession, the underside has been cleaned and undersealed for added protection.

As befits an XR2, the car rides on the original ‘Pepperpot’ 13” alloy wheels. They look to be in good overall condition, with some minor blemishes and scuffs.

They’re shod in Nexen tyres that appear to have good tread levels and look to be in very good order.

The Mechanics

1,597cc 4-cylinder CVH engine
Recent minor service and brake work
5-speed manual transmission

That revvy little 1.6-litre engine pushes the XR2 along very nicely. With a low kerb weight and 96bhp on tap, it makes for an engaging driving experience.

The owner assures us that the car drives very well, with no mechanical issues.

Under the bonnet, the engine and bay looks in nice condition, with no evidence of leaks or overheating. There’s a little surface corrosion to the manifold, but otherwise it all appears very tidy.

A performance K&N air cleaner has been fitted, along with a polished ‘RS Turbo’ cam cover, polished rocker cover and stainless strut tops.

In 2017 a new fuel tank was fitted. Also, as the car has been in storage for some time, it has undergone a light recommissioning, with a minor service being carried out in September of this year.

At the same time the fuel pump was changed, new rear brake shoes and cylinders were fitted, as well as new rear brake hoses and a new near-side brake line.

Summary

The XR2 has all the hallmarks of a great performance hatchback – low weight, a buzzy naturally aspirated engine, pumped up bodywork and a deliciously simple drivetrain.

With so many having been modified, crashed or lost to the ravages of time, it’s lovely to see a survivor presented in near factory specification.

Benefitting from a recent recommissioning and service, this beguiling little fast Ford is perfect for anyone after a usable daily classic, or as the basis for a more comprehensive restoration.

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