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1989 Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet
Highlights
- Very tidy, factory standard XR3i convertible
- Thick history file
- Recent bodywork restoration
- Well kept and very original car
- Mot till May 2025
The Appeal
The Golf GTI wrong-footed Ford, but not for long. After all, it was familiar territory: the firm had been building fast versions of its family saloons for years. The XR3 gave buyers a blue collar alternative to the Volkswagen, one that was simpler but more exciting. Later fuel injection would match the Golf’s power hikes.
The Mk4 lightly evolved the looks but introduced more luxury and better build quality. The cleverly engineered convertible gave buyers more XR3-based versatility.
As any 80s enthusiast will know, XR3i convertibles had to be white. Here is a timely reminder of those times, a beautifully factory-standard car whose low mileage means it is in splendidly preserved condition.
With 74,500 believed genuine miles on the clock, it was restored a few years ago by a Ford enthusiast and comes with lots of history.
The XR3i convertible is the best of both worlds: evocative hot hatch and practical four seater convertible. This one looks very tempting.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 1st January 1990
- 10 registered keepers
- Current keeper since October 2021
- Original RHD car supplied to the Channel Islands and imported in 1990
- Fully restored in late 2010s
- Lots of historic bills and service invoices
- Original owner’s manual
- Service book stamped to 73,734 miles
- UK V5C
- Lots of old MOTs
- Restoration photos
- Original sales brochure
- Historic V5s
The Condition
- Well kept and factory standard car in popular white
- Smart grey velour Recaro seats
- Some minor wear to driver’s side seat piping
- Light razing to rear soft top rear trim mounts
- Central locking require some attention along with the electric roof
- Aftermarket Kenwood stereo
- White dials
- Electric door mirrors
- Excellent, clean and smart overall condition
- Restored and repainted in the 2010s
- Superb Diamond White paint finish
- Refurbished RS alloys
- Very good soft top with no notable damage
- Solid underside and recently rustproofed
- Original-spec XR3i decals and badges
- Ford mud flaps
- Very good tonneau cover
- Great overall condition – a really, really smart car
The Mechanics
- 1597cc fuel-injected CVH engine
- Five-speed manual
- MOT March 2025
- Few miles since last service
- Reported to be in great running order
- Starts eagerly and runs well according to seller
- Strut brace and slightly lowered but otherwise standard
- All suspension and brakes overhauled during restoration
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 deposit. 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.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ 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.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
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