Highlights
- Very original and low mileage example
- Desirable ‘EFI’ model with Ford engine enhancements
- Rolling road tested at 117bhp
- Recently recommissioned with service and cambelt
- Long MOT to February 2024 with no advisories
The Appeal
There had been fast Escorts before, but with its spoilers and practical hatchback the XR3i seemed to be taken to the nation’s heart. It was wildly successful.
When the new version based on the Mk4 Escort arrived in 1986 it didn’t mess with the formula. Yes, it was a bit more grown up and certainly more luxurious, but the same simple fuel injected verve remained.
Over the years the car’s popularity means that many have been driven into the ground or modified. Which makes this low mileage survivor particularly desirable. Highly original, it is also one of the first ‘EFI’ cars with the desirable engine upgrades applied to the final year Mk4 cars.
Whether you’re driven by nostalgia to rediscover the XR3i, or drawn to these superb cars for the first time, this very usable example deserves your serious consideration.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 31st October 1989
- Built at Ford’s Saarlouis plant in Germany in September 1989
- This makes it one of the first to receive the EFI enhancements
- Dry stored for most of the period from 1996 to 2023 hence the low mileage
- Mileage verified by service records and MOT history
- Original service book
- 12 service stamps, most recently approximately 4,500 miles ago on 14th February 2023 when the cambelt was also changed
- Previously serviced at 59,808 miles in 1996 and stored in between
- Rolling road tested to 117bhp and 121lbft torque
- Current owner since 2nd February 2023
- Previous owner a garage mechanic who owned the car since 1996
- Large history file with the car
The Interior
- Well preserved interior that is highly original with no modifications from factory standard except the radio
- Period Sony radio cassette with boot-mounted CD multi changer
- Factory cassette storage system in centre console
- Cloth seats in very good condition, displaying only very light loosening of the fabric
- These seats can be prone to that so this car is very well kept
- Minimal bolster wear and rear seats in very good condition
- Carpets well kept, showing only light staining and would likely respond to cleaning
- Dashboard is uncracked and unscuffed and presents very well
- Switchgear is clear, clean and complete with no visible scuffs
- Sunroof model with electric windows
- Period-evoking features like the heads up digital clock delight
- Good headlining that appears to be original
- Door cards and rear cabin trim well presented with no vinyl pull from backing cards
- Front door grab handles show some lights signs of wear but not unsightly
- Fitted with a transmission locking system and immobiliser
- Vendor tells us that the speedometer can be a little lazy so may benefit from attention in time
The Exterior
- Classic ‘hot hatch’ black paintwork that we are told is original
- The only deviations from originality are a front wing which was repainted due to a supermarket incident
- There are some signs of age around the bodywork but certainly not significant or unsightly
- This is a car that you could easily enjoy as is whilst usefully investing in its condition
- Some light stone chips on the front and shallow dent in the bonnet
- Poor paint finish on the nearside front wing, likely repaired in the incident mentioned above
- Some corrosion on the nearside rear arch but has not broken through the paint
- Original lattice alloy wheels with matching spare showing some light kerbing on the rims
- Original Ford mud flaps
- Underside and boot floor in good condition and no structural advisories on the MOT
The Mechanics
- Recommissioned in February 2023 after long term storage
- Work included full service, cambelt, filters, plugs and leads
- Brakes also overhauled including new pads and shoes
- Classic 1,597cc CVH fuel injected engine developing 108bhp at factory
- Later XR3i cars like this one were developed by Ford’s AVO department to improve handling and performance
- EFI models were produced from September 1989 so this is an early example
- These cars got Ford’s EEC-IV fuel injection, revised engine management and reworked cylinder head
- They can be identified by the ‘EFI’ decals on the engine, which this car displays
- Less than 100 miles covered since last service and MOT
Summary
Few cars sum up the exciting hot hatch era quite like the XR3i. With just enough power and just enough verve, it had the power and presence to excite without having to be driven on the limit to enjoy it.
Standard, original XR3is are becoming hard to find. We feel very lucky to offer this one, a much-historied, low mileage example that has been freshly recommissioned. It is ready to use and we certainly envy the lucky buyer.
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.*
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