Highlights

Largely original and unmodified
42,515 miles on the clock
One lady driver from new (first registered in partners name)
Desirable and collectible modern classic

The Appeal

Back in the 1980’s when the filofax and a mobile phone the size of a house brick were all the rage, so was the Ford Escort XR3i. The hot hatch market had become established thanks primarily to VW’s success with their Golf GTi. Ford, already a blue collar performance go-to at this point, added flared wheel arches, spoilers, stylised alloy wheels, rally spot lights, stiffened suspension and beefed up brakes to the Mk3 Escort and an icon was born.

Built by Karmann in Germany, who had a legendary reputation for quality, the cabriolet versions added a further dash of style to what was already a sought after machine.

While earlier XR3i's made do with carburettors, by the time Ford launched the cabriolet in 1983 it was powered by the later fuel-injected engines. This means better responses and better economy from that revvy 1.6-litre engine. Having been in the same household from new, and presented in clean, original and unmodified condition, we think this cabroliet is going to make its next owner very happy indeed.

History and Paperwork

Supplied new by Crimble Ford of Staines in August 1984
Gifted to the current registered keeper by her partner
The V5c was originally in the name of the current registered keeper's partner
In 1994 the car was transferred into the lady driver's name, so although there are two documented owners, the car has always been part of the same household and driven by the current registered keeper from new.
Current MOT to September 2023
42,515 miles on the clock, verified by the MOT history
Complete with a number of original handbooks
Previous and current V5c present and correct
Recent move into a retirement home prompted a reluctant sale
The registered keeper has provided a 2-page hand-written note relating to the cars upkeep
Vehicle comes with 3 keys

Interior

Smart two-tone grey velour upholstery, with red piping to the seats
All of the upholstery shows well, with no notable damage, sagging ot staining we could see, although a good valet would undoubtedly lift them some more
The instruments and switchgear present well and appears orginal
The carpets present nicely, with no major staining or threading to be seen
The lining of the convertible hood is in good order
We note that the upper dash and instrument binnacle show a number of cracks
We’re informed by the vendor that everything works as it should, other than the period radio/cassette, which has been disconnected as it was causing a power drain
The boot space is carpeted and looks to all be in good order, complete with a full-size spare alloy wheel, with just a few spots of surface corrosion to the spare wheel well

Exterior

Black paintwork presents well throughout
All of the external trim and badging appears to be present and correct, and in fine fettle
A black fabric roof is fitted, and may be a replacement unit as it presents in very good order considering the vehicle’s age – with some shallow edge splits
The two plastic trims that cover the roof hinges at the rear are missing
It’s good to see that the original grey vinyl roof cover is also present, although appears not to have been used very much
Correct period ‘cloverleaf’ style alloys, finished in silver with some evidence of kerbing to the lips

Mechanics

1,597cc naturally aspirated, four-cylinder engine with fuel injection
Five-speed manual transmission
Front-wheel drive layout
It looks as if the flitch panel inside the engine bay may previously have been welded on both sides
Overall the engine bay shows very well, with no modifications to see
We’re told that the peppy engine fires into life at the first turn of the key and runs well with no issues to report
The current MOT was conducted on 27th September 2022 at 42,504 miles, resulting in a clean first-time pass

Summary

An absolute hero of the 80s performance car scene, the XR3i is now a very desirable and collectible modern classic. Smart period styling, a responsive chassis and that perky 1.6i engine combine to offer a great driving experience. Add to that the fact that this example has been in the hands of a single driver from new, comes with very low mileage and hasn’t been modified, and you have something very rare and very special.

Notice to bidders

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