1983 Ford Fiesta XR2 Mk1

Highlights

Nicely modified XR2 that tastefully retains much of the original’s aesthetics
Classic Fast Ford in very good condition
Well known in Ford circles and Classic Ford magazine cover star
Running 1.8-litre Zetec 130bhp engine with uprated transmission
Distinctive interior the result of significant expenditure
A clever blend of Ford-derived upgrades and original features
Long MOT and has just been serviced

The Appeal

The original XR2 brought the hot hatchback game to Ford enthusiasts, delivering sub-10 second 0-60mph performance in a be-spoilered and wheel arched package that made the Golf GTI look distinctly tame.

As great and chuckable as the XR2 was it always lent itself to modification, in particular extracting more power. The clever decals on this arresting 1983 car are a strong hint that the owner has done just that. Where there was 2 there is Z – for Zetec.

This car has been progressively improved by its long-term owner so that it is now running a 1.8-litre 130bhp Ford Zetec engine along with suitable upgrades to the transmission. The bodywork has been similarly improved, including a respray in Kawasaki Green.

A former Classic Ford cover star and well known in Ford circles, this distinctive XR2 is proof of what can be achieved with some careful thought and a sympathetic approach. It neatly blends improvements with originality and looks ready to shine and show. Or perhaps surprise a few modern hot hatches through the twisties….

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The History And Paperwork

First registered on 8th April 1983
Current owner since 2003
Thick history file covering servicing, maintenance restoration work and old MOTs
Speedometer replaced at around 97,000 miles in 2012
New speedometer fitted during 2012 at around 80,000 miles
MOT to 18th April 2024 with one advisory for play in offside front steering rack inner joint
Featured on cover of Classic Ford magazine in 2017
VIN confirms that this is a Fiesta built by Ford Spain in Valencia in March 1983

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The Interior

Replacement dashboard retrimmed with flocking and additional gauges for battery, water and oil temperature fitted
Mk4 Escort clocks fitted with red trim
Sony CD player with amplifier in boot and speakers cut discreetly into rear parcel shelf
Cobra alarm and immobiliser
Fiesta Turbo Recaro seats retrimmed in original XR2 cloth with leather bolsters
Original XR2 door trims
RS four-spoke steering wheel
Central locking
Ford rubber mats
Carpets and headlining original and in good condition

The original ‘Bobcat’ Fiesta was a paragon of clarity and simplicity and, in true 1980s Ford style, was little changed for the sporty XR2. Not so with this modified example – the clarity and simplicity remain but there are numerous detailed touches that give this customised car a proper bespoke feel.

Most obvious there is the flocked dashboard, apparently applied because the replacement dashboard sourced by the seller when he was restoring and improving the car had a crack in it. It is a nice touch and one that is enhanced by extra gauges in the centre console for water, oil and battery condition.

The original XR2 seats have been replaced with Fiesta Turbo Recaros, but neatly trimmed in the original XR2 fabric – to match the original door cards – and finished in leather on the bolsters. Stitched ‘XR2’ insignia complete the effect. They and the door cards are all in very good condition.

There is also a nice RS four-spoke steering wheel and Mk4 Escort dials trimmed in race red. The speedometer was replaced between the 2012 and 2013 MOTs – the old one showing around 97,000 miles and the new one approximately 80,000.

Other alterations from standard include a Cobra alarm and immobiliser, push start button and central locking. There is a quality Sony stereo with boot mounted CD player, amplifier and extra speakers discreetly cut into the rear parcel shelf.

The headlining, carpets and side trims all appear to be original and are in very good condition. Ford rubber over mats are fitted.

The boot area is in good condition. There is a full size spare with original ‘pepperpot’ XR2 spare alloy wheel.

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The Exterior

Kawasaki Green bodywork restored and resprayed in 2016
Car has been off the road and covered very few miles since the restoration
Fiesta SuperSport 13-inch alloy wheels in generally good condition
40mm lowered gas adjustable dampers
Bespoke ‘XRZ’ decals that echo the original XR2 stripes and badging
Golf headlight conversion with LED
Pop-up glass sunroof
Underside in very good condition

Ford’s design department excelled itself with the original Mk1 XR2, cleverly enhancing the simple, boxy hatchback shape with wider arches, spoilers and shouty graphics. For original buyers the XR2 was as much about how it looked as how it went.

This customised XR2 wisely sticks close to the aesthetics of the original but adds its own spin. Its calling card is that stand-out Kawasaki Green bodywork overlaid with XR2-style graphics. These have been neatly updated to ‘XRZ’ reflecting the Zetec motor at the heart of this project.

The paintwork is in excellent condition and has clearly been cared for. Although it is an older restoration from 2016 the MOT records indicate that the car was off the road between then and 2023, which likely explains the car’s overall condition.

The seller states that there are a few small marks and stone chips on the car but we struggled to see these in the photographs. The only paintwork marks we could find were a scuff on the sill below the driver’s door and a paint blemish on the nearside front wing top. There is also poor paint finish on the offside corner of the bulkhead under the bonnet.

The other marks on the car are equally minor and concern the front and rear bumpers, which both show light marks and localised deterioration including stone chips on the front. The offside rear wheel arch extension has two marks on it and the passenger door mirror shows very light corrosion.

The lovely Fiesta SuperSport alloy wheels are generally in very good condition, albeit with light discolouration visible in small areas on each one. The nearside front is also lightly kerbed. They are fitted with Nexen tyres showing good tread.

The underside matches the bodywork with only very light surface corrosion in a few places. It may benefit from WaxOyl undersealing. There were no structural advisories on the last or indeed any of the MOTs since 2006.

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The Mechanics

1.8-litre 130bhp Ford Zetec engine with Superchip upgrade
Later 1995 onwards IB5 gearbox with Puma quick shift linkage
Brakes serviced and battery replaced in April 2023
Custom rear discs with Sierra 4x4 calipers
Stainless steel custom exhaust
MOT to April 2024 with one advisory for steering rack inner joint play

Brilliant as the original Fiesta was, being both light and nimble, one of the main criticisms aimed at the first cars was a lack of power. Ford belatedly addressed this, culminating in the RS Turbo, but in the meantime owners took it upon themselves to do the job. This nicely modified XR2 feats neatly into that tradition, its 130bhp representing a significant but not inappropriate hike over the standard car.

That has been achieved by replacing the original 1600cc motor with a later 1.8-litre Zetec engine. It runs a Superchip upgrade that enables the higher output over standard. It is mated to a later IB5 gearbox – as fitted to 1995 onwards Fiestas – with a Puma quickshift linkage. To reign in the extra power the car is fitted with custom rear brake discs and Sierra 4x4 calipers.

The thick history file details these upgrades as well as ongoing servicing and maintenance work by the enthusiast seller. Most recently the brakes were serviced and a new battery fitted in April 2023 when the car was also MOT’d.

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Summary

Ford was late to the hot hatch game but when it finally caught up the XR2 brought fast Ford style to the supermini market. Distinctive and engaging, the original launched a long line of quick Fiestas.

There is a fine tradition of modifying and improving fast Fords and this ‘XRZ’ fits nicely within it. Carefully restored and customised by its long-term owner, it cleverly combines original features with upgrades from the Ford parts bin – it's no surprise that it is also a magazine cover star. This is a rare opportunity to buy a much-improved XR, which also provides access to an enthusiastic and welcoming owners scene...

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