Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A collectable very early Ford Escort XR3 in prime condition.
EQUIPMENT
Aerodynamic spoilers front and rear, wheel arch air deflectors, colour keyed bumpers, colour keyed remote door mirrors, front and rear overriders, black finish window surrounds, tailgate wash wipe, side window demisters, perforated headlining, coat hooks, vanity mirror on passenger sun visor, cigar lighter, rear ashtrays, front door stowage bins, 3-speed heater fan, coin box, Ford P21 push button radio, trip recorder, tachometer, roof mounted digital clock, two spoke soft feel steering wheel. Factory options; Opening rear quarters, central locking, sunroof, tinted glass.
EXTERIOR
Finished in the original colour of Strato Silver Metallic, (Code V6), the paintwork is superb with a bright uniform finish and the factory panels remain fitted with stampings visible. Unique features denote a very early XR3 such as the single washer jet, washer bottle bracket design and satin black painted sill, and whilst debate rages as to exactly how many cars had these features, what is certain is that only very early cars did. Furthermore, the correct higher ride height prior to the introduction of the XR3i has been maintained. The trim sections, glass, lights and badges are in excellent order and supplying original dealer number plates remain fitted. A tiny paint blemish around the wing mounted aerial, a small split to the driver’s door top rubber and slight discolouration to the sunroof glass are visible upon close inspection. A superb example of this legendary contender in the 1980’s hot hatch war, unmolested and just as Ford intended.
INTERIOR
The original Special Laser fabric trim in Red/Grey, (Code TF), along with the small two spoke steering wheel again relate to the early XR3 cars and have remained in fantastic preserved condition. The bright colours to the seat fabric are free from fading and damage and the inner foam structures are firm and shapely. The anthracite headlining is unmarked, as are the door cards, and the carpeting is clean with only minimal wear. Incredibly the dash has only a few minuscule cracks around the vents, barely visible and is free from the common distortion. All the controls work correctly including the electronic warning system which monitors brake pad wear, coolant levels, low fuel, oil and windscreen washer level. Even the Ford P21 push button radio operates! A really well preserved, unspoilt 1980’s icon.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Fitted with Fords 1.6 Compound Value angle Hemispherical chamber (CVH) engine mated to a twin venture weber carburettor, this car sprints along with 96bhp at 6000rpm giving a 0-60 of 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 113mph. The unmolested engine bay is very clean and displays clearly prominent factory plates and original stickers. Ford aficionados will be pleased to see a Motorcraft battery and correct service items such as Motorcraft oil filter, starter motor and hoses. The correct 4-speed manual transmission fitted to pre February 1982 cars is light and precise.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Five cloverleaf deep sculptured light cast alloy wheels are in fantastic order and fitted with Pirelli P6000 185/60 R14 tyres showing masses of tread. The boot area houses the spare wheel alongside the factory supplied jack and brace, and the original parcel shelf is straight and uncut with correct rubber hangers. The servo assisted brakes with 9.4” ventilated discs up front stop the car well.
HISTORY FILE
Built at the Ford Saarlouis Plant, Germany in February 1981 and registered new on the 3rd March 1981 on a ‘W’ plate suffix, this very early XR3 was supplied new by Ford Main Dealers Doe Motors Limited of Essex. Just three keepers from new have cherished this example the last being the owner of the very first Escort Cosworth to roll of the production line and also in possession of the Escort Cosworth owned by the designer himself, Stephen Harper. The original dealer branded document wallet houses all the handbooks, guides, sales leaflet, guarantee cards and accessories brochure. Furthermore, a neatly presented history folder contains receipts and invoices for service and repair work dating back to the 1980’s to present and includes a recent documented cambelt change. There are previous MOT certificates and two sets of original keys that work the ignition both door and tailgate. This outstanding XR3 will appeal to a serious collector or enthusiast wanting an incredibly well preserved, unmolested example of an iconic and fast appreciating classic car that has played a huge part in the history of sporting Fords.
HPI Clear.