Highlights

Fully restored car including engine and gearbox
Magnificent condition in Sunburst Red
Factory standard car with lightly modified exhaust
Rolling road tested at 101bhp
Suspension, brakes, radiator and alternator recently renewed
MOT to December 2025 with no advisories
Eligible for Historic Vehicle status

The Appeal

When did you last see a XR2, particularly one as good as this? These little road rockets used to be everywhere, and with good reason: it was simple and fun in the way only a proper 80s Fast Ford could be.

This car, finished in classic Sunburst Red, is a little gem. It was comprehensively restored in 2018 to a very high standard. That work covered bodywork, paintwork and a full engine and gearbox overhaul. Its subsequent sparing use means that it arrives on the market in quite a superb condition - we’d go so far as to suggest it could be developed into a Concours contender.

Recent work has included replacing the radiator, alternator, road springs, shock absorbers, fuel tank and the brake discs and pads. The car is said to run very well and to need nothing.

It comes to market with its original set of ‘pepperpots’. The MOT runs to December 2025 with no advisories, so this lightweight little hot hatch is ready to jump in and enjoy.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 26th August 1983
12 registered keepers
Current keeper since January 2025
Fully restored in 2018 across structure, paint and mechanicals
V5C in current keeper’s name
Eligible for Historic Vehicle status based on age
Factory handbooks
Various invoices for restoration and more recent work
2 keys with new door locks
Invoices for repairs detailed below in 2023 totalling £1,100
Old MOTs to verify mileage
MOT to 15th December 2025 with no advisories
55,381 miles showing on test and now showing 55,400 miles in photos

The Condition

Restored in 2018 in classic Sunburst Red which remains in very good condition
Factory standard exterior with correct decals which are also well kept
Bodywork presents as very straight with no reported deterioration or accident damage
Fitted in photos with correct ‘pepperpot’ wheels with recent new tyres
Well detailed car including original dealer sticker to rear window
Smart exterior fittings with bumpers, grille, lights and fittings all well presented
Optional pair of auxiliary lights fitted to front
Very smart unmodified grey fabric interior with original features like factory radio
Well kept interior with only light wear visible to usual high traffic areas
This includes slight wear and creasing to driver’s seat bolster as shown
Carpets, headlining, door cards and switchgear all in very good, original condition
Boot area is very clean with no obvious damage or staining to carpet trim
Boot floor, strut tops, A and B pillars all in very good condition with no issues to note
Fitted with what we are told is a factory ‘pop up’ sunroof in good order

The Mechanics

1,598cc Ford ‘Kent’ crossflow 4cyl engine
4spd manual gearbox
Rolling road tested in 2022 at 101bhp
Engine and gearbox overhauled in 2018
List of work detailed below undertaken in 2023
Stainless steel exhaust with four branch manifold
Polybushed suspension
Described as ‘running and driving beautifully’
No advisories on current MOT
No running or driving issues notified

Recent 2023 work:

New alternator
Recently replaced radiator
Replacement springs
New shock absorbers
New brake discs and pads
New fuel tank

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

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✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..