Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet

Launched way back in 1968 and remaining in production until 2000, the Ford Escort became the UK’s best-selling car of all time with over 4m sold during its 32-year run. 

Over this period it went through six generations of development with engines ranging in size from 1.1-litre to 2-litre. All were blessed with excellent handling and responded well to tuning with the result that many versions went on to enjoy considerable success in competition.

The MkIV model was in production from 1986 to 1990, the most sporting variants being the 132bhp RS Turbo and the 105bhp XR3i, as here, which had a 1.6-litre CVH engine equipped with the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system. The MkIV was available as a 3- or 5-door hatchback, an estate or a cabriolet.

This particular XR3i Cabriolet was first registered in June 1987 and is believed to have spent the early part of its life in Jersey. It has had just five owners from new and has covered only 37,000 miles to date, backed up by virtually all the old MOT certificates apart from the period 2006 – 2011 when the car was laid up in storage.

In the spring of 2011 it was recommissioned for use with a new cam belt, new front brake discs and pads, new rear brake cylinders and shoes, new braided brake hoses and an oil and filter change. The car is said to drive superbly and is certainly in fine cosmetic condition with excellent original bodywork and a very clean and tidy velour interior. The underside has been waxoil protected and is also said to be in excellent condition. An alarm/immobiliser is fitted to keep thieves at bay and there is a hood bag in the boot.

With 6 months’ tax and a current MOT, this is surely as good an example as you could hope to find and will provide someone with a lot of fun over the coming summer months. This model was highly rated in its day and it is surprising to discover that only 270 examples are currently UK road registered according to DVLA figures.