1989 Ford Escort MK3 XR3i Cabriolet Special Edition
(Featured on 4th December 2013)
Make: Ford
Model: Escort Mk3 XR3i
Year: 1989
Sellers original description:
A collectors Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet Special Edition with two owners, 36,388 miles and Ford History.
EQUIPMENT:
Body-coloured bumpers with integral overriders, grey body side mouldings with satin black inserts, front lip spoiler, colour coordinated fast folding vinyl hood, silver body stripes, black ‘cabriolet’ decal, driving lights, central door locking, torch key, electric heated door mirrors, quartz digital clock, cigar lighter, Ford ESRT 32PS radio/cassette, electric aerial, four speakers, tachometer, glove box lock and illumination, boot light, sports two-spoke soft feel steering wheel, electric front windows, wind-down rear windows. Factory options; heated front screen. Dealer options; mud-flaps.
EXTERIOR:
This Special Edition XR3i was available in a choice of three unique metallic colours, this example being Aquafoam. Having been cherished by two owners from new the appearance is factory fresh with a uniform, blemish free sheen. Bumpers, decals and the original colour-coordinated hood remain undamaged. Tiny markings commensurate with a 24 year old car will not deter the perfectionist but only prove the originality. These include a faint scratch on the driver’s door mirror and a few lower sill chips. Inner wheel arches, underside and the engine compartment are spotlessly clean enabling show standard exhibiting. Lights, windows and all glass are perfect. The colour keyed hood cover along with all factory tools, stickers and paint spots remain.
INTERIOR:
Having covered such low mileage the leather trimmed Recaro front seats with ‘Zolda’ fabric inserts are in a remarkable preserved condition with only the faintest of hair line veins visible to the driver bolster. The colour-keyed cut pile carpet has been protected from new with genuine Ford rubber mats front and rear. The moulded door trim panels including the soft-feel armrests and stowage bins are perfect but markings on the driver grab handle are just visible. The black vinyl headlining along with the rest of the original vinyl roof is excellent. All interior instrumentation, switch gear and ventilation operate correctly. Ford perfection.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION:
Exquisite in every respect and a purists dream this 1.6 litre engine with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection has been meticulously maintained developing a crisp, responsive 104bhp and excellent fuel economy. Genuine ford service consumables are clearly visible under the clean bonnet and a very recent cam-belt and water pump change has been performed. It is important to note that the modified valve stem oil seals as recommended by Ford have been fitted. The 5-speed transmission is light, precise and positive.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES:
Pristine alloy wheels shod in brand new matching Pirelli P6000 185/60 R14 tyres grace the car. The diagonally-split dual-line servo assisted brakes stop the car quickly and safely having had a full brake overhaul including discs, pads, shoes and wheel cylinders.
HISTORY FILE:
Every piece of paperwork relating to this car has been chronically filed by the two owners from new. Supplied by Storrington Ford on the 10th March 1989 to Mrs Diana Bullen as a 40th birthday present for the sum of £12,135 it has remained in religious Ford care up to November 2005 at 32,885 miles. Annual servicing has then been performed by Autochek Mercedes Benz and Prestige Services. The vehicle has now covered 36,388 miles. Purchased by an avid Ford collector, Mr Darnell, this vehicle now presents itself to a lucky new owner due to the downsizing of his collection.
All handbooks, service books, (fully stamped), manuals are contained in the white A5 Ford folder. An A4 file with supplying order and invoice, Ford Extra Cover Agreement and showroom brochure from the period is also in the comprehensive history file.
A full set of manufacturer supplied keys on dealer key fobs and an ITM EP10 Thatcham Category 2 immobiliser fitted in 1999 with two tags are included.
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