Highlights

• A rare example of the “All Blue,” SE500 or 1.6i XR Super Cab MKIV Escort Cabriolet
• In a highly original looking condition and exhibiting all the special edition hallmarks
• Currently located in Sweden but lending itself to a number of left-hand drive territories

The Appeal

The History and Paperwork

• This Escort special edition model was supplied new into the Swedish domestic market
• It appears the car was supplied via the Ford Dealer Network in Sweden
• Being an SE500 or 1.6i XR Super Cab model the car boasts a number of upgrades
• This includes the body-coloured sports body kit and RS Turbo alloy wheels
•  The mechanicals are shared with the XR3i of the period
• This car is reported to have had eight owners to date
• The mileage is believed to amount to 189,037 kms
• A number of original documents are included with the Escort
• This includes the original book pack and Ford vinyl folder
• The service book is included detailing a part service history
• The last service is documented at 168,179 kms
• The Escort is currently registered in Sweden
• The last inspection was carried out in July 2023
• The certificate documenting this is included with the car

The Interior

• A key part of the special edition specification is the unique Shadow leather trim
• This consists of grey leather seat facings with blue and red piping 
• The piping sits between the folds of the padded sections of the seats
• The condition looks good and clearly original throughout
• There is just the right amount of age-related patina evident
• A small area of wear is noted on the driver’s outer bolster
• The rear seats are identically trimmed and in a fine, original condition
• Audio speakers are mounted high in the rear side panels
• The rear occupants have the use of pockets located in the backs of the front seats
• The front door cards exhibit a little use related wear commensurate with the car’s age
• The cabin carpets are finished in black and appear to be in good order
• The dashboard is familiar MKIV Escort fare and highly original
• The white on black gauges sit behind the twin spoke Ford steering wheel
• This is a well-equipped car for its time, too
• Refinements include electric hood, heated front screen and electric front windows
• A more modern Kenwood head unit is currently fitted  
• This is mated to a power amplifier and large woofer unit currently located in the boot

The Exterior

• These run out cabriolet models came only in this special Pacifica Blue Metallic paintwork
• Other model attributes include the deeper chin spoiler, side skirts and wheel arch extensions
• A rear boot lip spoiler completes the set, and all are finished in Pacifica Blue Metallic
• The bumper covers are also finished in the body colour
• The paintwork seems to exhibit a deep and lustrous shine overall
• On close inspection the condition of the paintwork looks a little variable
• A long scratch appears to be present on the passenger side flank
• There appear some other areas of minor paintwork imperfection, too
• The body work looks good with just the odd minor indentation noted
• The blue vinyl hood appears to be in an excellent condition both inside and out
• Part of the special specification includes the RS Turbo alloy wheels
• These are 15-inch items and appear to be original to the car
• The condition is reasonable with only some paint loss noted
• No major dings or kerb rash were noted 

The Mechanics

• This run out model was based on the XR3i mechanicals
• As such the car is fitted with the EFI (Electronically Fuel Injected) 1.6 CVH engine
• In original form this was good for 108bhp
• Power is fed to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox
• With the car weighing in at around 1,000 kgs this makes for a dynamic driving experience
• The engine bay of the Escort has been thoroughly prepared and detailed
• As such, it makes for an impressive sight
• It also appears highly original with all the parts and data plates seemingly present
• The underside of the car looks very straight and original too
• A good level of protective underseal is noted
• The vendor notes a recent full service at 168,179 kms
• This included an all-important cam belt replacement at this time
• The vendor confirms that the Escort starts, runs and stops without issue

Summary