Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet
ENGINE 1597cc/4-cyl/OHC POWER 105bhp@6000rpm TORQUE 102lb ft@4800rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 118mph 0-60MPH 9.5sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 28-35mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, five-speed manual MoT June 2020 ODOMETER 76,061 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This XR3i fires up with no hesitation and the fuel-injected EFI ‘four’ delivers its 105bhp briskly enough with no signs of misfiring or lumpiness. The clutch engages with no issues and there’s a reassuring long throw to the gearshift, although first can be a little reluctant to engage until it’s fully warmed up. There’s precious little scuttle shake with no knocks or judders over bumps and no slop or play in the steering. There isn’t much in the way of history, save for a couple of old bills and previous MoTs to back up its mileage, but this is one fast Ford that feels as though it has plenty of life left in it.
BODYWORK CHECK
The vendor says that the nearside headlight – which has been knocked slightly out of position – will be rectified before sale. There’s a very minor chip on the nearside rear bodywork, but otherwise the Radiant Red paint is in excellent order with a consistent finish all over. The panel gaps are even throughout and the absence of any overspray suggests that it hasn’t been involved in any
accidents. The 14-inch alloy wheels are shod with good matching Michelin Alpin tyres. The hood is in fine fettle, too, with no scuffs or repairs.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
There’s some very minor fraying on part of the driver’s seat, but that’s about it. The electric door mirrors still adjust as they should, both electric windows work – although the nearside one is a little slow – and the Ford-branded radio/ cassette player works without issues, likewise the digital clock above the windscreen. All of the instruments and switches work correctly and there are no cracks in the dashboard plastic and no signs of the roof letting in any water.
UNDER THE BONNET
It’s a little grubby under here and would benefit from some detailing if you’re thinking of taking it to shows, but there’s nothing fundamentally amiss. There’s no sign of oil leaks from the engine and the dipstick shows that it’s a healthy colour and at the correct level. The small amount of white residue on the filler cap could be down to condensation but would be worth checking out after a longer test drive. There are no signs of any fuel or coolant leaks and the auxiliary components appear to be in good condition. There’s no corrosion on the inner wings or bulkhead and the strut tops are in similarly good order.
THE CCW VIEW
We reckon that this handsome XR3i is well worth a closer look, particularly given its increasing rarity, how well it drives and its overall condition. It feels as though its eight former keepers have looked after it well, so it would prove to be an enjoyable B-road companion once the current social restrictions are finally eased.