Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
The Special Edition Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet, enthusiast owned from new.
EQUIPMENT
Body-coloured bumpers with integral overriders, satin black inserts, body-coloured side and wheel arch mouldings, tinted glass, Quickclear heated front screen, front lip spoiler, Blue electrically operated fast folding vinyl hood, driving lights, road-hugging fully independent sports suspension, fuel computer, central door locking, electric heated door mirrors, quartz digital clock, cigar lighter, Ford Model 2005 radio/cassette, electric aerial, four speakers, tachometer, electric front windows, wind-down rear windows. Factory options; Anti-lock brakes.
EXTERIOR
The Special Edition XR3i was launched to coincide with the final edition ‘90 Spec’ XR3i and RS Turbo, sharing features such as the revised front bumper and decal font. Available in just one colour and unique at the time to only The Special Edition Escort and the Orion Equipe, the Pacifica Blue Metallic paintwork, (Code SX0), looks superb and boasts a deep uniform shine. Age-related markings can be seen and remedial cosmetic refurbishment has been undertaken order to uphold the bright appearance. Bumpers, trim and the 90 spec style decals remain undamaged, and all glass is factory fitment with stickers and etchings and Carello/Ford light clusters are also present. Perfect in operation, the unique Blue colour keyed hood is the factory fitted item in fabulous order aside from two very small slits around the lower edge fixings, to the outer layer only and barely noticeable. The rear tonneau cover is present and immaculate. Hugely rarer than even the most expensive Fast Fords, this is a delightful and very useable Special Edition Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet.
INTERIOR
The full Shadow Leather trim, (Code LN), once again is unique to The Special Edition model. The interior is beautifully clean and in very good order. The leather facings are fully intact with no rips or sunlight damage and the rear sets are pristine. The driver’s seat bolster is slightly distorted but not worn or damaged. The often unsightly scratched interior door handles have been professionally flocked in light grey to excellent effect and the door cards armrests have lifted slightly. The colour-keyed cut pile carpet is excellent as is the original lining to the factory hood. All interior instrumentation, switch gear and functions operate correctly including the original stereo cassette and fuel computer with is standard fitment in The Special Edition. A genuine open top four-seater, a real retro Ford gem!
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Fitted with the EFI (Electronically Fuel Injected) 1.6 CVH engine, 108bhp in a car weighing just 980kg and that unmistakable XR3i rasp through the standard exhaust fitment makes this car a real smile on your face experience. Fastidiously maintained by blue-oval enthusiast owners, genuine Ford Motorcraft service consumables are clearly visible in the clean engine bay which display factory plates, stickers and inner wing stamps to the original panels. Even the suspension strut tops still have the PDI blue brush dabs! The 5-speed transmission is light, precise and effortless.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Standard fitment on The Special Edition are RS Turbo Style 6 x 15in alloy wheels which are in pristine condition with prominent stampings. Matching premium Michelin Pilot 195/50 R15 tyres show ample tread and the spare wheel in still shod in the original Uniroyal tyre! The diagonally-split dual-line servo assisted brakes with factory option mechanical ABS assistance stop the car quickly and safely.
HISTORY FILE
The Special Edition Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet, unofficially referred to as the ‘All Blue’ or SE500, although it is widely considered that more than 500 cars were made so the origins of the latter are somewhat hearsay. Registered new on 1st August 1990, the supplying Ford Main Dealer was Stormont of Tunbridge Wells. All handbooks and guides are present and the original service book contains 22 stamped entries, every year without fail from new plus further invoiced services. Cambelt and water pump changes have been carried out as and when required, the most recent evidenced in June 2018 by Ford RS Specialist Tremona Garage in Southampton including a major service. The supporting invoice for this work is in the history file totalling £608.23. Completing the vehicle history is a comprehensive file of Ford main dealer and independent specialist invoices along with two Ford torch keys and even a brochure for The Special Edition Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet.
An exceptionally rare modern classic Ford that is wanting for nothing and has clearly enjoyed dedicated enthusiast ownership.
HPI clear.
