Description

FOR SALE
A retro icon Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet 90-Spec with humongous history.

EQUIPMENT
90-Spec body-coloured bumpers with protective red inserts, front spoiler, body-coloured door mirrors, driving lamps, white fast folding fully insulated vinyl roof with heated glass window, white hood cover, integral black roll bar, Quickclear heated front screen, electrically controlled and heated door mirrors, folding rear seats, lockable glovebox, wind-down rear quarter windows, cigar lighter, quartz digital clock, tachometer, Ford Model 2005 radio/cassette with anti-theft coding, four speakers and electric aerial. Factory Options: Alloy wheels size 6 x 14in. Dealer Options: Genuine RS Bodykit with side skirts and rear spoiler. Accessories: Toad CAT 1 alarm with microwave sensor, carpet mats, driving lamp covers.

EXTERIOR
This deliciously retro XR3i Cabriolet represents an original and unspoilt example of Fords iconic soft-top. Finished in striking Diamond White, (Code BK3), the paintwork boasts a fabulous uniform finish that clearly shows just how much the car has been cherished. All body panels are factory fitment with clearly defined inner wings stamps and the bodywork and shut lines are beautifully straight. Light touched in marks are visible upon close inspection but are entirely forgiven on such an original example as are the slightly faded XR3i decals. The Ford RS bodykit was fitted from new with RS logos clearly visible and the underside is remarkably well preserved. The white soft-top roof is beautifully clean, remains perfect in condition, fit and operation. The matching colour keyed hood cover for use when the hood is lowered is present and spotless. Factory Sigla glass and Ford light clusters remain fitted. A very well cared for example ready to enjoy as Ford intended.

INTERIOR
A fun and practical option of retro soft-top motoring with space for five and a generous boot! The supportive sports seats trimmed with Zolda fabric in Shadow colour scheme, (Code LU), are in good condition with some very small holes to each front seat, barely noticeable. Door card shrinkage and scratched inner door handles are very common for the model, yet thankfully, there is only minor evidence on this example. The soft top headlining is very clean with no stains, rips or loose material and the heated rear glass screen free from scratches. The dashboard and switchgear are in superb order and all functions and controls operate including the standard Ford 2005 radio/cassette with electric aerial and the roof mounted digital clock. A clean and unspoilt interior.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
A delightfully crisp, responsive and free-revving 1.6 OHC (CVH) engine features electronic fuel injection with Ford’s own EEC IV engine management system (as fitted to later cars replacing the Bosch system). This increased power by 3bhp to give 108bhp to achieve an improved top speed of 116mph and 0-60mph in 9.7 seconds. The engine bay presentation is excellent with original factory stickers, labels and plates intact even on the slam panel! The car performs brilliantly and an expensive stainless steel exhaust replicating the original to give the characteristic rasp! The five-speed gearbox is light and precise and aids the enthusiastic driving XR owners are known for!

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Optional extra alloy wheels size 6 x 14in are in pristine condition and are shod in matching branded Goodyear Efficient Grip tyres covering little over 1,000 miles since being fitted in 2022. Stored inside the spare wheel is the original jack. The diagonally split dual-line servo assisted brakes stop the car straight and steady.

HISTORY FILE
Date of registration of this late 90 Spec example was the 4th July 1991 by Ford Main Dealer, Central Motor Company (Leicester) Ltd. Ownership of the car has been traced right back and the previous owner bought the car in 2016, the lady keeper prior to him having owned the car for around 20 years. The history file is humongous and dates back to when the car was new with masses of paperwork including MOT records dating back to the first in 1994. There are also service book records since the first service carried out in late 1991. Part of the impressive vehicle history is that the car was featured with the previous owner in the April 2018 issue of ClassicFord magazine whereby a prime example was required for a four-page ‘Buying Tips’ article. This very car was used in the feature and several copies of the magazine are in the folder. All handbooks are included as well as both seats of keys with alarm fobs and a Ford range brochure from 1990.

In November 2025, the car was serviced and the cambelt and water pump were replaced. Now offered for sale due to the fastidious owner downsizing his collection of classic 1980’s cars, motorbikes and iconic memorabilia such as an unused Sinclair C5! Look no further for a beautifully cherished unspoilt example ready to use and impress at classic car shows and retro outings!

MOT December 2026, HPI clear.

To see a video of this car please copy the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xpo9nN13D4

To see a complete set of photographs of this car please copy the link below:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/kgfclassiccars/albums/72177720330618539/

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