FOR SALE
An iconic hot hatch Ford Escort XR3i Mk4 with only 27,252 miles.

EQUIPMENT
Body-coloured bumpers with integral overriders, grey body side mouldings with black inserts, front and rear spoilers, tinted glass, quartz digital clock, cigar lighter, Ford ESRT 32PS radio/cassette, ‘joystick’ speaker balance control, cassette and coin stowage, tachometer, glove box light illumination, boot light, dual tone horn, sports two-spoke soft feel steering wheel. Factory Options: Tilt-or-slide glass sunroof, alloy wheels.

EXTERIOR
This incredible very early Mk4 XR3i has been preserved in stunning original condition and is a true delight for any Blue Oval connoisseur. Finished in the factory Rosso Red, (Code R5), a colour used only for a handful of early Mk4’s prior to the release of Radiant Red, this example certainly represents a rare survivor. The finish to the paintwork is superb with a deep glossy uniform shine throughout and no evidence of common fading or loss of red pigment. Various small imperfections can be seen which include a small ding on the bonnet and paint blemishes. The vehicle has always been garaged and boot spoiler has been colour coded. The underside is incredibly clean and original and free from underbody seal with no weld repairs. Still fitted with the supplying Ford Dealer number plates this retro hot hatch remains true to the 1980’s manufacturer design!

INTERIOR
Having covered such low mileage, the Daytona patterned seat fabric, (Code SF), is unworn and the snug sculptured structure remains. Ford aficionados 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 and the unique Cool Black XR3i headlining is clean and tight with no tears. The moulded door trim panels including the soft-feel armrests and stowage bins are in excellent order but the material on the armrest has lifted slightly. The door pulls prone to usage related markings are almost wear free. The small two spoke sports steering wheel is commensurate with the low miles covered with all manufacturer veins still prominent. All interior gauges operate correctly along with the original Ford ESRT 32PS radio/cassette with ‘joystick’ speaker balance control. Often misused, the phrase ‘time warp’ feels truly appropriate.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Standard in every respect and a purists dream, this 1.6 litre engine with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. The engine bay is spotlessly clean with manufacturer stickers and plates visible along with clear stampings to the inner wings. A crisp, responsive 104bhp offers hugely entertaining driving manners and swift performance. A top speed of 115mph and 0-60mph in 9.6 seconds feels spirited thanks to a kerb weight of just 945kg. The 5-speed transmission is light, precise and a joy to use.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The optional alloy wheels with Ford emblem are unmarked and shod is Firestone 185/60 R14 tyres all with excellent tread remaining and the spare wheel retains the original Dunlop Sport D3. 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, Crystal Ford of Hull Ltd on the 12th August 1986, this example had two keepers within its first year of life. The third keeper, Mr John Hallam a retired Professor, purchased the car in October 1987 and remained the owner until 2015. Mr Hallam enjoyed the car as his pride and joy for five years before stopping driving for health reasons. Garage stored for 23 years until KGF Classic Cars discovered it nearly a decade ago and were delighted to offer it to market whereby it was promptly snapped up. Honoured to have been offered it again the car has recently had a major service and cambelt change in November 2024.

The original service booklet contains annual stamped entries for the cars early years prior to storage as well as the most recent entries commencing in 2015 with the last in 2024. A Crystal dealer sticker was applied to the front cover of the service book and remains attached. The vehicle handbook and radio guide also form part of the history file all contained withing the blue A5 Ford wallet. Two original keys to operate all locks and a sales brochure are included.

MOT December 2025, HPI Clear.

Genre

Original