Ford Escort XR3i

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The original Ford Escort was launched way back in 1968 and remained in production until 2002, going through six generations along the way. Over 4.1 million examples were sold in Britain making it the most popular car ever made for the domestic market.

The MkV cars were made from 1990 to 1995 and, as usual, quickly became the best selling models in the country despite a somewhat lukewarm reception from the motoring press. Engines ranged from a 59bhp 1.3-litre to the 224bhp 2-litre turbocharged unit found in the Cosworth with its signature whale-tail spoiler.

At the sportier end of the range was the XR3i which benefited from Ford’s new 1.8-litre Zetec engine in two states of tune, 110bhp or 130bhp, also gaining a mild facelift and four-wheel disc brakes from 1992.

This January 1993 XR3i comes with the more pokey 130bhp unit and had just one lady owner from new until late 2005 when the current vendor acquired it. With just 68,500 miles under its wheels, the car is said to be in excellent condition throughout and to drive beautifully with MOT until June 2015.

Most unusually for a car of this class from this era, it is also fitted with period Nokia hands-free phones both front and rear, while other extras include a sun roof, a heated windscreen and, rather more prosaically but important nonetheless, a set of mud flaps (whatever happened to those we wonder? Sacrificed in the name of more efficient aerodynamics perhaps? Answers on a postcard please).

An unusually well-specced and well-preserved fast Ford, this low-mileage cracker now only needs a proud third owner to look after it for future generations to enjoy.