When it was new the XR3i proved so good and so popular that it was a thief magnet. By the end of the production run, when this car was built, it was an insurance nightmare.
To get around the problem Ford badged XR3i convertibles as ‘1600i.’ So this car is a XR3i but also, it isn’t. No matter, because it is considerable tastier than when it left Karmann’s Osnabruck factory, thanks to a RS body kit and alloys - complete with bonnet vents - and full respray in stand-out Radiant Red.
In the hands of its enthusiast keeper since 2013, this smart and very presentable car has been well maintained. There are detailed notes on all the work done, and the expenditure too. That fastidiousness likely explains the MOT history which shows regularly use but no advisories since 2009.
It is rare to find a Mk4 Convertible in this condition. With its smart interior and long, advisory-free MOT to April 2025, it is ready to drive.
History and Paperwork
First registered 1st August 1990
Factory built on 15th June 1990
Current keeper since August 2013
Acquired as a project which the current keeper has returned to great condition
No service history when bought but detailed records since acquisition
Passed MOT test every year since 2012 without problems
Serviced every year by current keeper or local mechanic
Always had fresh oil due to CVH engine's preference for clean oil
MOT history shows variations in mileage due to speedo changes
Vendor states that the correct mileage is around 85,000
To reduce insurance costs Ford dealers registerd XR3i cars as 1600i cars on V5s
MOT valid until 3rd April 2025 with no advisories and 50,631 miles showing on test
Now showing 50,722 miles
Detailed notes of expenditure and work provided by seller in photographs
The Condition
Repainted in 2018 in factory correct Radiant Red
Paintwork presents well with some minor points such as stone chips to note
Bodywork in good order including arches and sills and screen surround appears solid
Exterior trims and lights are well kept with some minor areas to note in photographs
Badged as a XR3i
Fitted with rare and desirable RS body kit and bonnet
Refurbished RS Turbo alloys with matching spare in good order
Fitted with quality Toyo Proxes tyres
Recently fitted black roof in good order inside and out wth grey tonneau
Standard and original XR3i interior with sports fronts
Part leather andpart fabric grey and red seats in generally well kept condition
Some deterioration to note to driver’s seat bolster as shown in photographs
Interior cleaned and treated with leather balm by seller
Sony CD player
Crack in offside corner of windscreen
No structural advisories on current MOT
The Mechanics
1,597cc EFI CVH XR3i specification engine
5spd manual gearbox
New clutch, exhaust, and overhauled brakes
Vendor tells us that the engine is very responsive and car handles well
He also reports that the car has completed long journeys with total reliability
Regularly serviced and maintained by current keeper and a local mechanical
No mechanical or runing gear advisories on current MOT
Comes with a host of spare parts
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
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More about buying with us
1990 Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet
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