Highlights

Usable and very presentable example of the classic hot hatch
Entirely standard car with desirable ‘pepperpot’ alloy wheel and sunroof options
Appears to be a very low mileage car
Ready to enjoy or scope to lightly improve for show use
Will be serviced before sale

The Appeal

Volkswagen may have led the way in the hot hatch arena but it took Ford to popularise it. The XR2 was built to directly compete with the Golf while its smaller sibling introduced the small, second-car market to hot hatchery.

Light, nimble and in Mk2 guise equipped with the 1.6litre fuel injected engine from its big brother, the XR2i was in some ways even more chuckable and entertaining than the Escort. As a result survivors are rare, particularly in standard form with low mileage.

This lovely 1988 XR2i ticks both of those boxes. Equipped with desirable options like pepperpot alloys and a sunroof, it is pleasingly standard and in very usable condition. Enjoy it as it is - and we think you really will - or there is scope to improve and show it. Whatever you choose, this car will surely deliver smiles.

The History and Paperwork

First registered on 29th January 1988
VIN records show that this car was built in November 1987 at Ford’s Valencia plant
Current owner since 6th September 2020
There is some history with the car as shown in photographs
Unfortunately the service book has been damaged so some of the service history has been lost
Regrettably there is no service history to cover the later life of this car
We understand that it has come from a collection and spent most of its recent life in dry storage
MOT records support this assessment with very limited recent use covering just 2,000 miles since 2016
The current MOT expires on 24th August 2023 and there were two minor advisories
Post November 1986 cars got the lean-burn version of the 1.6litre CVH engine

The Interior

Very original interior with evidence of careful ownership
There is scope to lightly improve or enjoy as it is
Fittings including dashboard, trim and switchgear are well
No cracks visible to dash top
Very light scuffs visible to lower sections of the grey plastic dashboard around glovebox and passenger area
Dials are clear and with clean, unscratched plastic shroud
Some wear visible to both outside bolsters of the front seats but cloth otherwise very presentable and not obviously stained
Rear seats appear virtually unused
Headlining follows a similar theme with no obvious damage or scuffs
Some stains to the boot carpet but it is complete and undamaged
Cabin is fitted with protective black over mats
Sony DAB/bluetooth stereo fitted
Door cards are complete, undamaged and with full set of functioning controls
Original plastic two-spoke XR wheel shows only light sheen of use and supports displayed mileage

The Exterior

Classic white bodywork with full complement of XR2i decals
Stylish bodykit is complete including distinctive wraparound rear spoiler
Glasswork is good condition with clear lenses and no visible cracks
Optional Ford auxiliary driving lights fitted
Front and rear bumpers complete including red insert trim and with no significant scuffs
Front spoiler appears to be attached using pop rivets that may benefit from attention to improve the aesthetics
Nearside side skirt appears to be poorly fitted and may require attention
Remaining side skirts and trim in good condition
No visible body corrosion shown in photographs
Pop up sunroof was an option on cars up to January 1988
There are some small chips and marks visible around the car but they are not in immediately visible areas
Optional ‘pepperpot’ 13in alloy wheels in good condition showing only very minor deterioration on small areas of a couple of the rims
Nexen tyres with good tread
Matching spare alloy wheel

The Mechanics

1,597cc CVH fuel injected engine developing 96bhp
Engine borrowed from the XR2 and reconfigured to ‘lean burn’ for these later cars
5spd manual gearbox
Some service history
Last serviced in 2020 and will be serviced before sale

Summary

The original XR2 stuck true to Ford’s recipe for its quicker models: keep it light and keep it simple. The result was a nimble, agile and thoroughly entertaining hot hatch that became a key part of many new drivers’ rite of motoring passage.

This 1988 car shows just how right Ford got the XR2i. Drizzled with go-faster addenda but with a peppy 1.6litre motor to deliver the goods, it looks fun even when it is standing still. Solid and usable it is a great opportunity to rediscover these superb little cars.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.