DAILY DRIVER AND NEXT MONTH

Ionly bought the car in February this year, but it is a car I have fond memories of when I was younger and poorer in the UK. The XR3I was one of the cult hot hatchbacks, and the cabriolet version was the icing on the cake in those days.

I could never have afforded it back then, so to own one now is really special to me.

When I saw it in the show room of O’reilly’s Cars in Lower Hutt, I couldn’t believe the condition it was in. It was in among Mclarens, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis, but it still stood out from the crowd.

I try to use it most dry weekends and when our local classic car club has an outing, usually once a month or so.

It drives so well you wouldn’t know it’s over 30 years old.

The car featured in the TV series Gloss in the late 1980s as character Maxine Redfern’s car.

I can vouch that these few notes from the seller are all very accurate:

“This is a 1987 model, tourist delivery import by Lyon Ford, Takapuna

“Maintained regardless of cost, this car is in entirely original showroom condition, having been pampered all its life. It would be hard to see or find another example like it

“It has done under 49,000 miles (79,000km) from new

“Only two lady owners, who both treasured it for many years. First owner, 27 years

“Original paintwork is still like new “All the rubbers, trims, external trim are like new. The interior is faultless and doesn’t have the slightest imperfection

“The mechanics are perfect. It doesn’t use oil, water, or drip any fluid.

“It sounds fabulous and goes incredibly well

“Original Certificate of Registration available with car

“1.6-litre fuel injection, five-speed transmission”