1990 FORD ESCORT XR3i CABRIOLET

This Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet is a highly original example of a spritely modern classic, with just one private owner from new, and is presented in good mechanical and cosmetic order throughout. It is powered by a fuel-injected 1.6-litre CVH engine producing 105bhp, coupled with a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 109,530 miles from new.

First registered in May 1990, this Escort XR3i has had just one registered keeper from new, who has cherished the car for 30 years and kept up a meticulous maintenance history. It is now offered for sale by the trade.

The bodywork of this XR3i presents in very good order, with flush shut lines and no evidence of any panel damage. The car’s Radiant Red finish is in excellent condition for an unrestored car of this age, with the vendor noting just one small blemish to one of the window trims. The plastic trims and soft top roof present with minimal evidence of age-related fading, while the headlight and spotlight lenses remain clear and free of clouding. The vehicle rides on the optional 14-inch cross-spoke alloy wheels, which present in superb order on all four corners.

Moving inside, the car features its original grey fabric interior, with red and blue checks. The vendor has reported the padding within the lower driver’s seat bolster is beginning to sag, though the condition of the cloth is described as being very good, with no apparent rips or tears. The factory-fitted steering wheel and manual gear knob are still present and correct, and an aftermarket Blaupunkt stereo system has been installed. The vendor also reports that the ashtray and cigarette lighter have evidently never been used. As with the exterior, the cabin is in superb order for its age.

The last service was undertaken at 109,451 miles, where technicians at Trelavour Road Garage in Saint Austell changed the engine oil and filter. The last three services have been carried out by the same workshop at 109,205 miles, 108,832 miles and 107,747 miles respectively, where on top of the usual routine maintenance, the car has also been fitted with a new gearbox seal, sump and exhaust. The vendor reports the cambelt was last replaced at 105,138 miles.

The most recent MOT test was on 3 June 2019, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. The vehicle rides on Michelin CrossClimate tyres at the front and Pirelli P6000 tyres at the rear, in correct fitment 185/60/R14 all round. The vendor has reported at least 4mm of tread remaining on all four corners, and all four tyres appear in good visual condition. While the current MOT cover is valid until 2 December 2020, the vendor will hand it over to the next owner with a fresh 12-month certificate.

Accompanying the vehicle are every MOT certificate and maintenance bill from the car’s 30-year history, as well as the sales quote and invoice from the original purchase, and a full set of keys including the key number.

This Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet is a remarkably clean example of a popular and period-perfect open-top performance car, presented with a meticulous maintenance history, as well as bodywork and interior trim that has been very well cared-for over the years. This XR3i represents a rare opportunity to own an unmodified one-owner example of this fun modern classic and would make a great addition to any garage.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.