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| Lot number | 101 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | £5,500 |
| Description | Ford Fiesta XR2 |
| Registration | E808 LEU |
| Year | 1987 |
| Colour | Nimbus Grey |
| Engine size | 1,600 cc |
| Chassis No. | SFABXXBAFHM42002 |
| Engine No. | HM 42002 |
| Documents | V5C; MOT April 2016; 24 old MOTs; 19 stamps service book; bill of sale; Bristol Echo advert; letter of provenance |
Ford’s rorty XR2 had been a big success. Capitalising on the neat and compact Fiesta bodyshell, the installation of the Weber carb-equipped pushrod Kent four-cylinder provided a dollop of cheap power in a lightweight stiff bodyshell. With lowered suspension, wide alloy wheels and lurid side stripes, the 'hot hatch for the masses' was born.
The new Mk2 Fiesta arrived in 1984, an updated XR2 version soon appearing in the range. The new model used the CVH overhead camshaft engine. Pumping out 96bhp, it could launch the pocket rocket from 0 – 60mph in 8.7seconds and had a top speed of 112 mph.
Alright, it wasn’t quite as fast as the Golf GTi, but it was considerably cheaper and it still felt special as you glanced at the roof mounted digital clock, gripped the thick-rimmed steering wheel and watched the rev counter buzz into the red. Affordable options such as electric windows, a pop-out glass sunroof and sexy Pepper Pot alloy wheels made up for its slightly harsh ride.
First registered in November 1987, E808 LEU was specified in Nimbus Grey with factory-fitted glass sunroof and the aforementioned Pepper Pot wheels. It has travelled a mere 41,200 miles from new, supported by an extensive service history which includes 19 stamps in the Ford service book (most of which are Ford main dealer) and a total of 24 old MOT certificates, its current test expiring in April 2016.
A letter from the original owner (now aged 92) confirms the low mileage, adding that the rear seat had never been sat on. A thick wad of service invoices, the original bill of sale and a copy of the original advert for the car in the Bristol Echo remain on file. The number plates still carry the supplying dealer’s logo (Humphry Motor Company), as does the rear window sticker. Of interest to any avid Ford collector, a sporting Ford with history such as this does not come along very often.
This entry comes from a small collection of classic cars entered by Pete Tomlinson whose aim was to amass all the cars he dreamed of owning as a young man. The collection is being sold to make way for a building project.
