Lot details Registration No: E296NHY Chassis No: WF0BXXGCABJG37203
- Only 68,000 miles with 4 former keepers, MOT'd till Nov 2019, iconic 80s hot hatch
- Original specification interior with radio cassette and undrilled parcel shelf, sunroof
- Previously recorded as 'Damaged on Condition Alert Register' in 1990
Launched alongside the rest of the Escort MKIII range in September 1980, the XR3 was an instant success (accounting for a reported 11,000 sales during the following year). Intended as a rival to the Volkswagen Golf GTi, its monocoque bodyshell (complete with 'aerodeck' hatchback) boasted all round independent suspension (Macpherson strut front / trailing-arm rear) and disc / drum brakes. Powered by a 1597cc OHC four-cylinder engine mated to four-speed manual transmission (five-speed from February 1982 onwards), it proved quick but unruly. Conscious that the planned introduction of fuel injection would bring yet more speed, Ford charged its SVE (Special Vehicle Engineering) department with taming the hot hatch's wayward handling. Begun in October 1981 and overseen by Ron Mansfield, the XR3i project bore fruit in just fifteen months. Unveiled in January 1983, the revised model featured - as its name implied - Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. Credited with developing 105bhp and 101lbft of torque, the Fast Ford was reputedly capable of 120mph and 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds. Built in Saarlouis (Germany), it boasted a more comfortable ride as well as better road manners courtesy of its lowered / recalibrated suspension. Distinguished like its forebear by 'cloverleaf' alloys and a prominent tailgate lip spoiler, the XR3i captured the imagination of a generation. A cult car among 'boy racers' of all ages, it is still prized to this day.
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