Ford Escort XR3i

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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- to 2-litres. 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 most radical change came with the MkIII in 1980. Featuring such novelties as front-wheel drive and a new hatchback body, the sportiest version on offer was the XR3, a hot-hatch which was designed to compete head on with the VW Golf GTi.

Featuring a tuned version of the 1.6-litre CVH engine fitted with a twin-choke Weber carburettor, uprated suspension and numerous cosmetic alterations, it instantly caught the public’s imagination and became a cult car with boy-racers of the Eighties.

The Mk IV carried on the model’s success, arriving in 1986 and sporting a more aerodynamic nose and an updated dashboard. The XR3 model became the XR3i, the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection pushing power to a healthy 105bhp giving 116mph performance and a 0-60mph time of just 9.1 seconds.

This smart black 1987 XR3i has had three previous owners according to the V5, its most recent purchasing the car in September 2012 with just 47,700 miles on the clock, a total which has now only risen to just under 49,000 miles. Indeed, four old MOTs on file show that the car has only covered 5,000 miles in the last 17 years.

In smart condition throughout, it comes with the original handbook and the aforementioned MOTs, and while there is insufficient documentary evidence to warrant the low mileage for certain, the overall condition of the car would tend to support it.

Rare to find in such unmodified condition, this iconic ‘fast Ford’ looks excellent value and is due to carry a fresh MOT by the time of the sale. There is little doubt that the profile of these ‘80s hot-hatches is going to benefit from Ford’s recent announcement confirming a renewed commitment to making exciting cars aimed at the performance car market.