Highlights
- Outstanding condition throughout
- Enthusiast owned, previously in a private collection
- New cam belt and recent (mileage) service
- Garaged and detailed in current ownership
The Appeal
Launched in 1989 and officially removed from sale in 1994 due to rising insurance costs, the Fiesta XR2i was based upon the third-generation Fiesta, with a sporting body kit, eight-valve CVH engine and 102bhp. Not a show-stopping figure, but in a lightweight car such as this, more than enough for some license-losing fun.
This particular 1991-registered example has spent a large portion of its life in private collections, both in the current and previous ownership, during which time it has covered less than 47,000 miles from new and remains in outstanding condition throughout, with the vendor stating it is “original, and one of the best examples in the UK.”
History/Paperwork
- V5 registered keepers document, showing 4 former owners
- Extensive documentation, MoT certificates, etc
- Featured in Classic Ford magazine - copy included
- Less than 400 miles in current ownership
First registered in February 1991, this wonderful ‘time capsule’ Radiant Red example of the XR2i was purchased as an investment by the current owner in May 2016, having been featured in Classic Ford Magazine’s August 2015 edition whilst in the care of the previous keeper.
Since August 2015, the car has covered less than 3,000 miles, with the vendor having added only around 400 of those miles to the odometer, bringing the total to just over 46,500 miles.
Waxoyled and preserved in its condition by the former keeper, our vendor has done nothing other than servicing, a cam-belt change and some minor bodywork attention to the offside rear pillar (the vendor is a bodyshop owner, making him the perfect person for the task).
Other than that, the car has been driven only a handful of times, and has spent the rest of its time as part of the vendor’s collection, being sold only to make way for his long-term owned Cortina.
Other than that, the car has been driven only a handful of times, and has spent the rest of its time as part of the vendor’s collection, being sold only to make way for his long-term owned Cortina.
Included with the vehicle is a copy of the Classic Ford magazine which it was featured in, numerous old and modern MoT certificates, a part service history (main dealer) the original jack and tool kit, and other miscellaneous documentation.
The Interior
- Original condition throughout
- OE tool kit and jack included
- All systems working
Open the door of this XR2i, and the instantly recognisable smell of a 90s Ford envelopes you. Smell is a massive part of Nostalgia, and this Fiesta is no exception..
Olfactory overload aside, the cabin of this Fiesta is in very, very good condition throughout, having been carefully preserved by its successive owners.
Both front seats show some signs of material ‘bunching’ and sagging - typical from Ford products of this era - and the driver’s seat also sports a small hole in the base cushion cover.
Up ahead, the dashboard is in great shape and free of any cracks or sun damage, whilst the gauges and stereo are all in full working order according to the vendor.
Above, the headliner is taut throughout, with only some very light wear visible around the door apertures. The pop-up sunroof is in full working order.
Above, the headliner is taut throughout, with only some very light wear visible around the door apertures. The pop-up sunroof is in full working order.
In the rear, the bench seats are in great shape, whilst the boot also presents fantastically, with no holes cut into the parcel shelf and the boot floor itself in excellent condition underneath the carpets.
The Exterior
- Radiant Red paintwork in excellent shape
- No bodywork damage
- Presents fantastically throughout
Resplendent in Radiant Red (arguably one of, if not THE best shade to ever grace Ford’s range in the 1990s) this XR2i is nothing short of simply jaw-dropping in its condition, and it is a credit to its current and previous custodians.
The bodywork is undisturbed throughout, with no signs of any impact damage, dents, dings or heavy wear to be noted. The panel gaps are nice and even, and all doors, bonnet and boot hatches open and close with ease.
The paintwork is of a similarly excellent nature, though there is the odd stone chip to the front end, minor mark to the lower front bumper area and a few very light scuffs around the door apertures to be noted. Though, it should be said, we are being very picky here, given the rest of the car’s condition.
All four wheels are in fantastic shape, though the offside front wheel does display some light kerb rash around the edge. The front wheels are wrapped in Nexen rubber, with the rears in Marshal Matrac tyres.
The Mechanicals
1.6-litre CVH engine
On-the-button, runs fantastically
No known mechanical issues
Recent cam-belt change (mileage based)
As you probably expect by now, under the bonnet is wonderfully clean and tidy, with the engine bay as a whole presenting very well indeed.
Starting happily and idling smoothly, the CVH engine at the heart of this 90s hot hatch appears to be in rude health, behaving perfectly throughout our photo shoot. Perhaps a new battery would be advisable as it can be a little slow to turn-over, but there were no other noted concerns.
Underneath, the chassis is in very good order with no known reason for concern, and the most recent MoT exam took place on 20 April 2022 at 46,505 miles, resulting in a first-time pass with no advisory items.
Summary
Opportunities like this don’t come along often, meaning when they do, you need to snap them up.
This cherished, pampered and simply jaw-dropping XR2i is one of those opportunities, offering one lucky bidder the chance to obtain perhaps the closest thing to an as-new XR2i available outside of a museum or Ford’s own collection.
This cherished, pampered and simply jaw-dropping XR2i is one of those opportunities, offering one lucky bidder the chance to obtain perhaps the closest thing to an as-new XR2i available outside of a museum or Ford’s own collection.
Magazine featured, used sparingly and a sure-fire crowd pleaser at any enthusiast show or gathering, we expect this auction will prove popular, so bid soon and bid well. Good luck!
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.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
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.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
