Garaged at the vendor's holiday villa in Saint Paul de Vence, France
Original paintwork in very good condition
Hardly used - only three weeks per year
The Appeal
Picture the scene. It's 1985, you live in the UK but have a beautiful holiday villa in the Côte d'Azur. That's a long way to drive back and forth, so you decide to fly out and leave a car in the villa's garage for the three weeks of the year you're abroad. Might as well by something sporty - you think to yourself. Why not a convertible too? Well, the trendiest convertible hot hatch at the time was undoubtedly the Ford Escort XR3i, so that's naturally the car you choose to buy.
We're pleased to report that above isn't merely us daydreaming of halcyon days, it's a true story. The owner of this XR3i really did buy the car new in 1985, and it's accrued just 24,251 miles having been garaged at their French villa since new. The vendor informs us that it has never been damaged and so remains entirely original throughout.
This Escort has been meticulously maintained by a local Ford agent and has only been used for around three weeks each year, ensuring minimal wear and tear. With its original paintwork, superb factory interior and unbelievably low mileage, this vehicle presents a rare opportunity that's surely irresistible for fast Ford fans.
History and Paperwork
Registered in 1985
One registered keeper from new - the vendor
Maintained by local Ford agent throughout its life
24,251 miles indicated and confirmed accurate by the vendor
Used for only three weeks per year
Garaged since new at the owner's holiday villa in Saint Paul de Vence, France
The vendor assures us that the car has never been involved in an accident
UK road registered but left-hand drive and located in France
The Condition
Original paintwork in very good condition for its age
The folding roof presents superbly and fits well
the vendor demonstrates that the roof stows away correctly
Period "pepperpot" wheel covers in very smart order
Straight and solid-looking original bodywork
There is no obvious corrosion to report
Supremely original cloth interior
No heavy wear to the seats and controls in line with the low mileage
Retains a period Pioneer cassette deck
The plastics do not appear to be UV damaged or notably scuffed
We understand the cabin electrics to be in good working order
The Mechanics
1,600 cc CVH four-cylinder engine
Five-speed manual gearbox
All looks original and in good shape under the bonnet
The vendor states that the car has been maintained by a local Ford agent throughout their ownership
Used very sparingly since new
Reportedly in good running and driving order
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
