Ford Fiesta XR2i

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The third generation of Fiesta made its debut in 1989, remaining in production until 1995, several years after its replacement had gone on sale.

Fitted with much improved rear suspension, the new car was based on an entirely new platform and was an immediate hit, over one million being sold within the first two years of production. The body shell received sharper styling and had grown in volume to keep up with the competition.

Right from the start Ford offered a ‘hot hatch’ version that offered value for money and appealed to the working man in a hurry to impress. The XR2i’s fuel injected CVH engine punched out 106bhp, sufficient for Ford’s ‘pocket rocket’ to hit 60mph in 10 seconds from a standing start, maxing out at 116mph. Alloy wheels gave a suitably sporting look while ABS brakes brought the whole plot safely to a halt if the pilot got over-exuberant.

This fine metallic black XR2i was acquired to join a collection of top-quality fast Fords, the vendor unsurprisingly becoming attracted to this sporting Fiesta because of its stunning original condition. Well looked after all its life, it has avoided the usual boy-racer ownership remaining almost completely unmolested. The only deviation from standard appears to be some under-bonnet dressing with a couple of chrome-plated parts.

As always, a good history is advisable when buying any car and this XR2i has been known to the XR Owners Club for some time. It is nigh-on spotless inside, and according to the vendor starts and drives really well. Service invoices are included on file which substantiate its 88,600 miles, as well as original ‘Ford dealer only’ photographs, a brochure and a price list. It has 9 old MOTs certificates, its current ticket expiring in August 2016. Bought by the vendor as a ‘future classic’ it is only on sale because of a change of plan.

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.