Highlights
• Just 35,397 genuine miles
• Remarkable, near time-warp vehicle
• Automatic transmission
• Huge paperwork file and history
• Part Ford service history
• Huge paperwork file and history
• Part Ford service history
The Appeal
The Fiesta was Ford's answer to the VW Polo, and proved to be incredibly popular right from its launch. Here we have an extremely tidy, very original car with incredibly low, verified mileage and a good history file to back it up.
So few of these charming little cars have survived, mostly due to the corrosive effects of British winters, that to see one in this kind of condition really does warm our hearts. This great condition is largely down to the fact that one of the first owners had the car comprehensively WaxOyl treated, and it really does show. It's a charmingly basic but beautifully preserved example of a car that used to fill the UK's roads.
So few of these charming little cars have survived, mostly due to the corrosive effects of British winters, that to see one in this kind of condition really does warm our hearts. This great condition is largely down to the fact that one of the first owners had the car comprehensively WaxOyl treated, and it really does show. It's a charmingly basic but beautifully preserved example of a car that used to fill the UK's roads.
The History and Paperwork
• First registered in Kent on 28th August 1987
• Supplied by the Swale Motor Company main dealer
• Fresh MOT
• Comprehensive Ford service history up to 2002 / 26,145 miles
• Supplied by the Swale Motor Company main dealer
• Fresh MOT
• Comprehensive Ford service history up to 2002 / 26,145 miles
• Vast file with supporting paperwork
• 22 MOT certificates, from 1996 to 2017
• Dry stored from 2017 for a few years
• Detailed servicing invoices up to June 2006 / 28,029 miles
• 22 MOT certificates, from 1996 to 2017
• Dry stored from 2017 for a few years
• Detailed servicing invoices up to June 2006 / 28,029 miles
• Original Ford handbooks
• Recent service, including new brake discs, pads and battery
• Recent service, including new brake discs, pads and battery
The Interior
• Very tidy Taupe colour original interior
• Original radio/cassette system
• Time warp condition
• Low mileage means the interior has very little wear
• Original tool kit and jack in boot with spare wheel
Overall, the interior of the vehicle is in excellent shape. The dashboard, switchgear and instruments all present very well. For a car of this age, it really is in incredibly good condition internally.
Where you would expect to see wear and tear on a vehicle of this age – the headlining, door cards and seats – there is hardly any. The dashboard top is free from UV damage and cracking too. In fact, all of the interior fitments are in exceptional condition, with the owner telling us that everything works exactly as it should.
The only sign of wear on the interior is the near-side door pocket, where one edge has been glued back on. But this is a relatively minor issue and one easily addressed.
Where you would expect to see wear and tear on a vehicle of this age – the headlining, door cards and seats – there is hardly any. The dashboard top is free from UV damage and cracking too. In fact, all of the interior fitments are in exceptional condition, with the owner telling us that everything works exactly as it should.
The only sign of wear on the interior is the near-side door pocket, where one edge has been glued back on. But this is a relatively minor issue and one easily addressed.
The Exterior
• Original black steel wheels with hubcaps
• Good tyres all round
• Beige paintwork
• All external trim present and correct
• All external trim present and correct
When you think of Fords from the 1980s, you immediately think of corrosion. And that's what is so remarkable about this car – we simply couldn't find any. It's almost spotless. The wheel-arches, underside, sills and door posts, all common problem areas, are in superb condition. We're reassured by the owner that, as far as they know, the car has never been welded or painted too, so everything you see here is completely original. To say that's rare would be an understatement.
All of the badges, lights, rubber seals and glass look to be in fine condition, with no cracking, chips or damage we could see. The panels and trim all look straight and true, with no signs of damage or repair. Of course, as an unrestored vehicle of this vintage, there are a handful of minor blemishes externally, but nothing that would concern us at all. Even the underside is in good original condition, with no evidence we could see of welds or repairs underneath.
Still sitting on the original 13" steel wheels, with silver centre caps and shod in 135/80 R13 tyres (which have good tread on them), this is an amazingly original and unmolested vehicle.
All of the badges, lights, rubber seals and glass look to be in fine condition, with no cracking, chips or damage we could see. The panels and trim all look straight and true, with no signs of damage or repair. Of course, as an unrestored vehicle of this vintage, there are a handful of minor blemishes externally, but nothing that would concern us at all. Even the underside is in good original condition, with no evidence we could see of welds or repairs underneath.
Still sitting on the original 13" steel wheels, with silver centre caps and shod in 135/80 R13 tyres (which have good tread on them), this is an amazingly original and unmolested vehicle.
The Mechanics
• 1,117cc 4-cylinder engine
• CTX automatic transmission
• Excellent history and fresh MOT
With a recent service, new brake discs/pads and a battery, this plucky little survivor presents in good mechanical condition. The drivetrain is simple, proven and very reliable when properly cared for. Carb-fed, with a burbly engine note from the little 1.1-litre engine, it's an eager and willing unit. Mated to the automatic gearbox, itself quite a rare thing to find on a 1.1 Fiesta, it offers smooth, unhurried and relaxed classic driving.
We're assured by the owner that the car drives very well, with no known issues or faults.
We're assured by the owner that the car drives very well, with no known issues or faults.
Summary
Car lovers often talk about something being in "time warp" condition, but in reality it's rarely the case. Over the years, all vehicles need repairs and replacement parts. The chances of a car reaching 36 years of age with no crash damage and in significantly original condition are slim. That's what makes this delightful little car such a miraculous find.
It's not only a rare model in its own right – when was the last time you saw a 1.1 Fiesta with an automatic transmission – but it has been preserved incredibly well. Whether you want a practical, usable daily classic, or something to keep for weekend drives and car shows, this is perfect. Simple, clean, rare and presented in remarkable condition, this cracking little survivor deserves to find a new home where it can continue to be cherished.
It's not only a rare model in its own right – when was the last time you saw a 1.1 Fiesta with an automatic transmission – but it has been preserved incredibly well. Whether you want a practical, usable daily classic, or something to keep for weekend drives and car shows, this is perfect. Simple, clean, rare and presented in remarkable condition, this cracking little survivor deserves to find a new home where it can continue to be cherished.
