1981 Ford Escort XR3

Description

This vehicle will be sold via live auction on Saturday 14th March at Concours House, Bradford on Avon, with auctioneers Dore & Rees. The price listed is the bottom auction estimate, bids will start at around 25% below this figure on the day. Go to [Website URL removed] for more details.


1981 Ford Escort XR3

Registration Number: JMW 399X
Chassis Number: WFOBXXGCABBR52316
Recorded Mileage: 23,026 miles

- Desirable early Mk3 XR3 model
- Dry stored and recommissioned in recent years
- Highly original example with low recorded mileage

Launched in 1980, the third-generation Ford Escort marked a radical departure from its rear-wheel-drive predecessors, adopting a modern front-wheel-drive layout and crisp aerodynamic styling that would come to define the decade. At the forefront of the sporting range sat the XR3, a model that rapidly became an icon of the early 1980s performance-car scene. With its lively CVH engine, sharp handling and everyday usability, the XR3 perfectly captured the spirit of the era and remains one of the most recognisable fast Fords of its generation.

Its visual impact was immediate and enduring. Alloy wheels, sports suspension, distinctive decals and a purposeful stance ensured the XR3 stood apart, while the interior featured deeply bolstered sports seats trimmed in grey with characteristic red stripes, a three-spoke steering wheel and a full complement of instrumentation. Today, the early carburettor cars are particularly sought after, representing the purest form of the model before the later fuel-injected XR3i arrived.

Finished in red and complemented by its correct and highly evocative interior, this example is recorded as having covered just 23,000 miles. Having benefitted from dry storage, the car was recommissioned in recent years and has since been only sparingly used, though exercised regularly to maintain its mechanical condition. Described as running and driving extremely well, it presents as a notably tidy and well-preserved survivor. The bodywork is reported to be in fine order, while the paintwork retains an excellent finish, further enhancing the car’s overall smart appearance.

Now both MoT and road-tax exempt, and with values for unmodified, low-mileage examples continuing to firm, this well preserved XR3 represents a great opportunity to acquire an increasingly collectable modern Ford classic.



About Us:
Dore & Rees run regular auctions of classic and collectors cars, motorcycles and automobilia, in addition to art and antiques auctions. For a full calendar of our auctions please go to the website.

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Ad ID: 1510373423

Exact specification may vary from the details on this page. Please contact the seller to reconfirm any details before purchasing. See Terms & Conditions for further information.