Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 2025 - Collectors' Cars on Saturday the 22nd of February, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh Rd, Coventry, CV8 2LG. Put into storage around 1995, this time warp example of an early production, second generation XR2 is now fully recommissioned and ready to be enjoyed as its original owner once did. Dating from May 1984, we understand that this is one of the very first cars off the line and its VIN confirms that it was built within the first few weeks of production, very close to those of the early press cars.
As is common with most manufacturers, there are features often found on pre-production and press cars that, for one reason or another, do not make it to full production and in this case they include an electric boot release, rear map pockets on the front seats, additional spark amplifier under the bonnet, twin-pipe water pump, metal radiator fan shroud, rainbow interior and the Weber 32/ 34 carburettor.
It was purchased by its one and only keeper in early summer, having been destined originally to be a dealer demonstrator for Holker Ford of Barrow, hence the optional Gloss Black paint finish. It was instead sold to him when his newly ordered car was delayed, on the proviso that they could keep it on display in their showroom to help promote the new model. Giving the new keeper the benefit of it being a B-plate in August no doubt softened the pill of the delay, but possibly also meant that he could touch and feel his new car at least and not risk joining the queue of customers waiting for an unknown period for their cars, bearing in mind at the time XR2s were selling like 'hot cakes'. We understand that the original owner was a chap employed in the services and had treated the car underneath with a rubberised treatment of some sort that has helped this wonderful example stand the test of time incredibly well.
Acquired by our vendor just over one year ago, it has been fully recommissioned since its slumber and he attests that this must be one of the most original XR2s in existence. There is little evidence of any fresh paintwork, the panels all seem to be original too and save for the four spotlights currently displayed but which will be removed by the time of the sale, the car presents as if it was only a few months old. It runs and drives well and is MOT-ready although it doesn’t have a current MOT as it’s exempt.
A matching numbers, unrestored XR2 from 40 years ownership in this condition is simply remarkable. Iconic Auctioneers are synonymous with offering the rarest and the very best examples of the Blue Oval and we would be very surprised if this example doesn't create quite a stir in the bidding room on sale day, particularly as it's being offered without Reserve.
