Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The October Online Timed Auction on Thursday the 31st of October, Online. Background:
Launched in the long, hot summer of 1976, Ford’s entry into the Supermini small hatchback market became a global success, with more than 22 million units sold before the final Fiesta rolled off a production line late in 2023, nearly half a century later.
Early Fiestas were basic, small-engined, economy models but more features, comfort and power followed as sure as night follows day and the Fiesta quickly grabbed its fair share of the market, establishing a dynasty that saw it remain as Britain’s best-selling car for almost its entire life.
Ford buyers expected performance versions of the company’s products and the Fiesta was not left out, the 1. 3-litre Supersport testing out the market in 1980, before the arrival of the 1. 6-litre Kent Crossflow-powered XR2 the following year, to sit alongside the larger Escort XR3.
The second generation Fiestas appeared in August 1983, featuring a revised front end treatment and upgraded interiors. The XR2 was thoroughly upgraded, with a distinctive new bodykit to really make it stand out from humbler models and it also gained the more modern 1. 6-litre CVH power unit, previously seen in the XR3, mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
The car:
The Fiesta’s best-ever sales year was 1987, when over 150, 000 examples found owners in the UK and this outstanding XR2 is one of those. It is finished in Silver with a grey cloth interior and is in remarkable condition, with no signs of the corrosion that has seen off so many of its peers in the ensuing 37 years. With its matt-black bodykit, sundym tinted glasshouse, spotlights and excellent pepper-pot alloys, this diminutive hot hatch is a real time machine and it appears that it has been cherished by most, if not all, of its half-dozen owners.
This little gem is rust-free underneath and has either been preserved superbly or has had a good respray and been subject to restoration work at some stage, as the coachwork is also in superb condition for a near-40-year old. With just 69, 000 recorded miles - which would appear to be genuine, according to old MOT certificates – there’s still plenty of life left in this charming performer.
The vehicle has been treated to a host of new parts over the past few years, including an exhaust system, fuel tank, brakes and hoses front and rear with reconditioned master cylinder, plus a cambelt kit. The cylinder head was also removed, decoked and fitted with new gaskets and seals, while the carburettor was thoroughly cleaned and overhauled. The underside of the car has been completely undersealed.
Offered for sale with a collection of old MOT certificates and invoices for the parts and work done in the last decade or so, this gem of an XR2 comes with a fresh MOT.
Summary:
Relive your youth with this charming XR2. Whether you owned one back in 1987 or always lusted after one, this superb example will help scratch that itch and transport you back to the ‘80s.
Location: West Midlands
Seller: Trade
Photography: Professional
