Description
FOR SALE
A 1980s icon the Ford Escort Mk4 XR3i with only 24, 323 miles from new.
EQUIPMENT
Body-coloured bumpers with integral overriders, grey body side mouldings with red inserts, front and rear spoilers, tinted glass, driving lights, central door locking, torch key, quartz digital clock, cigar lighter, Ford ESRT 32PS radio/ cassette, ‘joystick’ speaker balance control, cassette and coin stowage, integrated window aerial, tachometer, glove box light illumination, boot light, dual tone horn, sports two-spoke soft feel steering wheel. Factory Options; Black paintwork, 6x14in alloy wheels, Electronic Sound System ECU2 with power amplifier. Dealer options; Ford rubber floor mats.
EXTERIOR
This beautifully presented 88 Spec XR3i is finished in factory cost optional Black, (Code A9), and represents a standard example of this iconic hot hatchback. Having covered just 24, 323 miles from new in the hands of XR Owners Club enthusiasts, the appearance is superb with a uniform, blemish free sheen. Bumpers, decals and number plate etched tinted glass remain undamaged and supplying dealer branded number plates and rear screen sticker remain fitted. The underside is very clean with a pleasing absence of excess applied underseal and even original factory stickers to rear suspension components remain intact! A fantastic example and hard to find in this condition.
INTERIOR
Having covered such low mileage the Daytona patterned seat fabric, (Code SF), is exceptional. Ford perfections will marvel in the factory fresh ambience of this interior which still retains a characteristic and distinctive Ford aroma! The colour-keyed cut pile carpet is unmarked thanks to genuine rubber Ford waffle mats having been fitted from new. The unique Cool Black XR3i headlining is clean and tight. Unusual for a Mk4 Escort, the door cards show virtually no shrinkage and the internal door pulls have not become scratched and faded. All interior instrumentation, switch gear and equipment operate correctly including the optional extra ECU2 stereo with power amplifier. The boot area is spotlessly clean with the floor revealing the original factory stickers. 1980’s Ford appreciation at its best!
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Standard in every respect and so a purist’s dream, this 1. 6 litre CVH engine with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection develops a crisp and responsive 104bhp and a delicious rasp through the standard exhaust system. A top speed of 115mph and 0-60mph in 9. 6 seconds feels spirited thanks to a kerb weight of just 945kg. The engine bay is wonderfully clean and all plates and stickers remain intact. The 5-speed transmission is light, precise and a joy to use.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The factory optional alloy wheels are shod in matching premium Goodyear 185/ 60 R14 tyres fitted brand new in June 2024. The spare wheel retains the original Goodyear tyre unused and still wearing tyre nobbles. The diagonally-split dual-line servo assisted brakes with front discs and self-adjusting rear drums stop the car quickly and safely.
HISTORY FILE
Supplied new by Ford Main Dealers, Currie Motors of Twickenham, on the 5th August 1988, this 88 Spec XR3i has covered just 24, 323miles from new. The comprehensive history file includes the handbooks and guides in the A5 Ford folder and a separate neatly organised file of invoices dating back to the first service at the supplying dealer and many further Ford dealer receipts. A detailed maintenance log is also included and the most recent major service was carried out in June 2024 including cambelt and water pump. Correspondence between owners has been kept and three of the four former keepers all knew each other, two being husband and wife. The vehicle was inspected by Brian Rowe, the XR3/ XR3i Valuations Officer from the XR Owners Club on behalf of the previous owner in 2018 whereby a valuation of £17, 250 was placed on the car. The car was assessed to be in Concours or Excellent in all categories and his summary concludes, ‘The Mk4 Ford Escort XR3i is an increasingly rare and sought-after 80’s hot hatch, consequently good examples are continuing to rise in value. Mr Hosker’s car benefits from a rare combination of very low mileage, high originality as well as being in excellent all-round condition.’
MOT June 2025, HPI Clear.
Please Google 'KGF Classic Cars YouTube' and 'KGF Classic Cars Flickr' for a HD video and multiple detailed HR photos of this vehicle.
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