1988 Ford Escort XR3i, 1,597cc. Registration number E53 EAR....

Hammer

£1,700

1988 Ford Escort XR3i, 1,597cc. Registration number E53 EAR. Chassis number SFABXXBBABJB32810. Engine number JB32810.
Partly in answer to Volkswagen’s hugely popular but expensive Golf GTi, and partly to bring a ‘halo’ car to the new front wheel-drive Escort of 1980, Ford launched the XR3 early in 1982. In two-door form, with a large black rear spoiler and those Porsche 928-like wheels, the model made an immediate impression. It wasn’t long before one in ten Escorts sold was an XR3.
Not long after the model’s launch, Rod Mansfield and Ford Special Vehicle Division were brought in to further fettle the new hatch back. Having already transformed the Capri (with the 2.8i) the team set about tweaking the ’Scort. As well as modifications, they brought the much coveted and all-important ‘i’ to the name; adding Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, helping the car produce 105bhp and gain a top speed of 120mph. It took the model one step closer to rivaling the German Hot Hatch.
EAR has had four owners, the last being our vendor who in 1994 suffered was unfortunate to experience his car being damaged by vandals who stole such items as the wheels and bumpers, slashing the seats and door cards. Pronounced a Vehicle Damaged by DVLA, he retained ownership and stored in in a barn, with the intend on restoring it. He has now agreed this will never happen with him so it has been extricated and is being offered for sale.
There are 2 MOT's from 1992 at 35,054 miles and 1993 at 40,331 miles but no V5C, it is still recorded with DVLA.