Lot details Registration No: K131SKH Chassis No: WFOLXXGKALND92497 Mot Expiry: June 2012
The MKIII Escort launched in 1983 was a very different proposition from its predecessors, whose DNA lay in the Anglia of yesteryear. The newcomer was intended to be a hi-tech, high-efficiency design capable of competing head on with Volkswagen's ever improving Golf. The most radical departure from previous models was the switch from rear- to front-wheel drive. However everything else was new too - power came from a fresh range of CVH (Compound Value angle, Hemispherical chamber) engines, and independent rear suspension replaced the previous semi-elliptic cart style layout. Clothing the new mechanicals was a stylish hatchback body with sawn-off aero back end. This new Escort was voted European Car of the Year in 1981. From the outset a 'hot hatch' version was created to target the Golf GTi - the XR3 was born. Two years later fuel injection turned the model into the XR3i and a Cabriolet version was introduced for the first time. Made by German coachbuilder Karmann, it was Ford's first drop-top car since the Corsair of the '60s and was initially available in Ghia or XR3i guise. However, the Ghia version was dropped from the line up after a couple of years. The MKIV Escort of 1986 was more gentle evolution than revolution, but the MKV model of 1990 brought another new bodyshell and the facelift version of 1991 saw the introduction of the 16-valve Zetec engines. For the XR3i this meant a unit of 1796cc producing either 105 or 130bhp - the latter could sprint the Escort to 60mph in around 8.5 seconds. This generation of XR3is was available in Hatchback Coupe or Cabriolet guise.
The car on offer is a right-hand drive Escort XR3i Cabriolet manufactured in 1993. It has White paintwork complemented by a Grey cloth interior and Red hood. Hoods have to be good in the UK and this one has just been reskinned, while the bodywork has received a comprehensive makeover. The indicated mileage of 26,413 is not warranted, but the car is considered by the vendor to have "excellent" bodywork and paintwork, "very good" engine and five-speed manual transmission and "good" interior trim.
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:
If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035