Ford Orion Mk2 1.6 LX

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Effectively a four-door version of the hatchback Mk3 Escort, the Orion was launched in 1983 to plug the gap left by the demise of the much-loved Cortina.

While not the most exciting saloon on the market, it was good to drive in typically Ford fashion, with plenty of rear legroom and a capacious boot. Available with four engine options from a 1.3-litre CVH petrol to a 1.8-litre diesel, it went through three generations of development. Simple to maintain and eminently practical, it sold well to conservative buyers and remained in production for a decade.

This 1989 Orion 1.6 LX is the Mk2 version which ran from 1986 to 1990 and had many improvements over the Mk1 including a more efficient 90bhp ‘lean burn’ CVH engine, improved steering and suspension, better door locks, an updated interior and superior soundproofing. It was supplied new by the Harbour Garage in Bridport (their sticker being still in the rear window) and has had just three owners since, spending most of its life in heated garage.

Clearly a much-cherished example, it has covered a mere 39,000 miles with no fewer than 23 service stamps to date (including a cam belt change at 15,290 miles) giving an average service interval of just 1,700 miles – pretty obsessive maintenance by any standards! In superb and highly original condition throughout, it has gleaming grey metallic paintwork, a smoked glass sunroof, a good set of tyres and a virtually unmarked blue/grey velour interior. Still fitted with its original Ford radio cassette, it even comes with a selection of 80s disco tracks to keep you amused on your travels.

Due to have a fresh MOT in time for the sale, it is supplied with all its original handbooks in the original Ford wallet plus a Haynes workshop manual. Surely as good an example as you could ever wish to find, it is being offered here at no reserve so if you ever had an Orion poster on your bedroom wall as a teenager, now's your chance! And if you do win it, at least you'll be able to get out more...