Highlights
- Extremely rare unmodified RS1600i
- Strato Silver metallic with correct decals
- Head converted to take unleaded fuel
- Massive documentation folder from day one
- Original Ford books and radio included
- Sold with a fresh voluntary MOT
The Appeal
We love the XR3, but the RS1600i is the real deal, a proper Ford Motorsport car purely built for Group A homologation. These cars looked a lot like their XR cousin, but under the skin were very different. The front suspension was unique to the RS, enabling the castor angle to be adjusted and reducing the torque steer notorious to early FWD performance cars. The highly tunable fuel-injected 1.6L CVH engine delivered 119bhp, a healthy uplift on the XR3’s 96bhp, and was good for 160bhp in the Group A racer.
No wonder that despite a 5,000 production target to meet homologation requirements, 8,659 were produced of which 2,600 went to UK customers. Of these, a mere handful remain roadworthy. This late example, registered in May 1983, must be one of the best available. Finished in Strato Silver it is a really good example that is pleasingly factory standard save for a couple of minor modifications for modern driving, including an unleaded conversion.
The bulging history file attests to the care of its six keepers, the current one since 2022. He tells us that the car has received extensive work using parts from Ford Parts Are Us in Bristol. It will be sold with a fresh MOT, although this is now not a legal requirement due to the car’s age and Historic Vehicle status.
The RS1600i is that most desirable of fast Fords - a proper homologated car rather than a marketing man’s dream. Now exceptionally rare, here’s a chance to discover the magic.
History and Paperwork
- First registered 18th May 1983
- Six registered keepers
- Current keeper since September 2022
- Comprehensive folder of documentation and paperwork available from day one
- Original Ford books included
- Work completed by Ford Parts Are Us (Bristol)
- Will come with new MOT once sold
- Last MOT ran to August 2023 and had no advisories
- 85,987 miles showing on last test
- Now showing 86,475 miles in photos
- Registered as a Historic Vehicle so MOT and tax exempt
- Various old MOTs and tax discs as shown
- V5C
- Factory brochure
- Workshop manual
- Outside fleece-lined car cover included
- Original Ford radio included
The Condition
- Very well presented Strator Silver car with correct RS1600i decals
- Bodywork presents at a high standard in photos as shown
- Quartet of driving lights fitted
- Factory standard car including RS seven spoke alloys with matching spare
- Vendor says that car appears free from notable scratches, scrapes, rust or dents
- Solid and clean undercarriage as shown
- No structural advisories on last MOT and car will be sold with new test
- Glass sunroof fitted
- Black fabric interior with correct Ford RS sports seats
- Seats show some very light loosening of fabric but not unsightly or significant
- All components in working order we are told
- Retro DAB radio fitted
- Original working Ford radio included
The Mechanics
- 1,597cc CVH 4cyl 119bhp engine
- Fitted with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Head converted to take unleaded fuel
- Electric fan fitted
- Twin coils still fitted
- Starts and drives well for a 43-year-old vehicle we are told
- Large history file of maintenance as shown
- Car will be sold with new 12 months MOT
- Few miles covered since last advisory-free MOT
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