1990 Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet

Registration No: G633 ULG
Chassis No: GKALKE42019
MOT: April 2025

• Offered with the original document pack with lots of receipts
• c.65,700 miles and 5-speed manual gearbox
• Good roof, but with a rare new spare Red soft-top in case
• Two-tone special edition XR3i Cabriolet

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.

One of the two-tone special edition XR3i Cabriolets offered towards the end of the MkIV model range, these special editions were produced in body colours of Gold, Blue or Red. This attractive example is Flambeau Red over Moonstone Grey with a Paprika Red hood. This example displays some 65,700 miles and has often been exhibited at classic car shows and events. Described by the vendor as being in ‘absolutely superb condition with an exceptional interior’, we are advised it has been regularly serviced and maintained, indeed, it was fully serviced with a new cambelt fitted within the last 200 miles and has just been fitted with a new battery plus an MOT certificate into April 2025 with no-advisories.

Back in the day, the mouth-watering top specification included: Central locking; half Leather Recaro seats; electric roof with glass rear window; heated windscreen and rear window; half tonneau; electric front windows; tinted glass; a rear spoiler; electric aerial; body-coloured electric and heated mirrors; driving lights; alloy wheels; mudflaps and an immobiliser.

It is offered with the original document pack, lots of receipts and a new replacement Red roof, described by the vendor as being ‘an inspired purchase given the challenge and cost of finding another when it is eventually needed’.

For more information, please contact:
John Markey
john.markey@handh.co.uk
01428 607899