Highlights
- Over 60 thousand pounds spent on restoration and upgrades
- Revered show winner accompanied by extensive trophy collection
- Truly extensive history file
The Appeal
The Escort XR3i, a car that epitomises the fast ford.
The car really does need no introduction and has already cemented itself as one of the all time greats among Ford enthusiasts.
Well styled and lavishly equipped with a punchy and responsive driveline, the epic hatch certainly makes a good case for being considered the ultimate 1980s/90s pocket rocket.
The car really does need no introduction and has already cemented itself as one of the all time greats among Ford enthusiasts.
Well styled and lavishly equipped with a punchy and responsive driveline, the epic hatch certainly makes a good case for being considered the ultimate 1980s/90s pocket rocket.
As with any fast Ford of the era, demand for good quality examples is soaring, but for those in the market for an XR3i with a little bit more going on, this may just be the perfect car.
A3 XRO may very well be one of the finest examples of an XR3i on the roads today. In what can only be described as concours condition, this well known show winner has been subject to a rigorous restoration and custom build at a cost of over 60 thousand pounds to create a true masterpiece.
If you're looking for a standout classic Ford with bags of character, and chrome, look no further.
The History and Paperwork
- Accompanied by a truly extensive and impressive history file
- Several photo albums documenting the build of the car, right from initial purchase
- Original sales invoice for the purchase of the car in 1989
- Large collection of original/factory Ford owners literature
- Several performance car and specialist Ford magazines in which the car has featured
- Wealth of invoices for parts purchased for the custom build
- Newspaper articles and clippings about the vehicle
- V5 registration document present
- MOT valid until February 2023 with no advisories
The Interior
- Incredible well presented interior interior
- Recaro half leather seats
- Four spoke leather RS steering wheel
Being an uprated custom model, this XR3 couldn’t have just the standard escort interior.
Instead we find impeccable half leather Recaro seating front and rear, detailed off nicely with Ford Zola inner trim, alongside a set of matching Zola trim and leather door panels, all of which is of an outstanding quality and presents in a like new state.
Instead we find impeccable half leather Recaro seating front and rear, detailed off nicely with Ford Zola inner trim, alongside a set of matching Zola trim and leather door panels, all of which is of an outstanding quality and presents in a like new state.
Front and centre we find an excellent dash panel, distinctly lacking in cracks, fading or sun damage, with the panel flowing into the new extended “90s spec” centre console.
The centre console holds the original cassette storage system which sits just below the factory radio cassette player which is still proudly sat within the original radio hole.
The centre console holds the original cassette storage system which sits just below the factory radio cassette player which is still proudly sat within the original radio hole.
A marvellous addition to the interior comes just above the radio and climate controls. Nestled within the top of the dash panel one is presented with three extra gauges which really fit well within the cabin, blending effortlessly with the pre existing speedometer and tacho.
The car’s lighter grey roof lining has borne the test of time incredibly well, and unlike so many lighter coloured roof panels, hasn't fallen victim to staining or excessive dirt ingress. Installed within the roof panel is the car’s factory fitted sunroof.
To finish off the interior space, and to continue the car’s exterior chrome motif, a neat selection of chrome trim pieces have been fitted around the cabin, all of which, like the rest of the car, present in outstanding condition.
Ground level highlights a great quality set of plush carpets which present as if they have seen very little wear or usage in their time.
Ground level highlights a great quality set of plush carpets which present as if they have seen very little wear or usage in their time.
At the rear of the car sits a lovely carpeted boot space, upholstered using genuine Ford grey carpet right down to the spare wheel well. Stowed in the boot are the original factory jack and wheel brace, both of which have been chrome plated.
Here we also find a recovered parcel shelf embossed with XR3 lettering.
Here we also find a recovered parcel shelf embossed with XR3 lettering.
The Exterior
- Presents beautifully in a concours standard
- Upgraded TSW pace alloy wheels
- 90” spec genuine Ford front and rear bumpers
This gleaming white show star really does look the part, and unquestionably has brilliant road presence, although judging by the low miles and impeccable nature of the paintwork and trim it has seen very little road time since its restoration.
The Diamond White paint has been applied to an incredibly high standard and as such presents excellently.
The Diamond White paint has been applied to an incredibly high standard and as such presents excellently.
To give the car a more aggressive look, a set of genuine Ford front and rear “90 spec front and rear bumpers have been colour coded and fitted to the car along with contrasting black trim.
At the same time, genuine RS side skirts, a bonnet and rear spoiler were all fitted to tie the car together. In the quest for sleek body lines, the Escort has also been “delocked” which consisted of removing the door locks and smoothing over the external key holes.
At the same time, genuine RS side skirts, a bonnet and rear spoiler were all fitted to tie the car together. In the quest for sleek body lines, the Escort has also been “delocked” which consisted of removing the door locks and smoothing over the external key holes.
There isn’t much in the way of trim to find on the car’s exterior, with much of it having been removed prior to paint, but at the rear we do find chrome Escort and XR3 bading which is of a great quality. Alongside this sits a set of quality tinted tail lights.
At ground level sits a set of 4 immaculate 16” TSW pace alloy wheels. Finished in beautiful grey these are of a brilliant standard and have been neatly detailed off with chrome dust caps and wheel nuts. A fifth full size TSW spare resides in the carpeted wheel well in the boot.
Make no mistake, this is a car that has no expense spared, and the quality of the exterior goes a long way to proving that.
The Mechanics
- Immaculate engine bay with extensive chrome detailing
- Clean colour matched underside
- Uprated and refurbished brakes and suspension components
If you're looking to inspect under the bonnet of the Escort, be prepared to have a set of sunglasses on standby.
Atop the immaculate refurbished and repainted legendary 1600 4 pot sit lashings of chrome trim, fixtures and fitting to really turn this XR3 into a show winner.
Nearly every ancillary right down to the core plugs have been given the chrome treatment and look all the better for it. The chrome is of a simply flawless standard, exhibiting an extraordinary mirror shine from nearly all angles. Alongside the chrome fittings, a set of a black samco hoses have been installed.
Atop the immaculate refurbished and repainted legendary 1600 4 pot sit lashings of chrome trim, fixtures and fitting to really turn this XR3 into a show winner.
Nearly every ancillary right down to the core plugs have been given the chrome treatment and look all the better for it. The chrome is of a simply flawless standard, exhibiting an extraordinary mirror shine from nearly all angles. Alongside the chrome fittings, a set of a black samco hoses have been installed.
The underneath of the Escort is, quite impressively, in as good order as the exterior and interior. Having also been finished in diamond white with contrasting black chassis and suspension components.
The vendor informs us that drilled discs with factory Ford braking components have been installed alongside refurbished suspension components. A Magnex stainless steel exhaust system, with the manifold having been treated to a camcoat to avoid discolouration.
The escort still fires into life comfortably and with ease, before settling into a comfortable idle. Though the engine's performance has not been upgraded or altered, the car is reported to provide a brilliant, dynamic and rewarding drive, as all good fast Fords should.
There really are what seem to be endless custom touches which bring this engine bay up to what could arguably be considered perfection.
Looking under the bonnet it really is clear to see why the car is accompanied by an adjoining table full of concours trophies.
Looking under the bonnet it really is clear to see why the car is accompanied by an adjoining table full of concours trophies.
Summary
They really don’t come much better than this.
The term concours isn’t one thrown around in the automotive world lightly, but it's the perfect term to describe this, what must surely be one of, if not, the best XR3is in the world, with the build spend having soared well into the tens of thousands.
In impeccable mechanical and aesthetic order, and accompanied by a wealth of history and service documentation, this absolute marvel is one that wants for nothing and is ready to continue its life on the show circuit, picking up a few more additions for the trophy table.
Notice to bidders
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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