1988 | Ford Fiesta XR2

Ford finally entered the mini-car market in 1976 with the launch of the Fiesta. The model proved an unqualified success right from the word go, but surprisingly it took nearly six years before a genuine performance version was added to the range, in the neat and tidy form of the XR2. This sporting model may well have been inspired by the famous success of the two Ford Fiestas in the 1979 Monte-Carlo Rally; the British entry driven by Roger Clark and aided by co-driver Jim Porter, and a German entry piloted by Ari Vatanen and co-driven by David Richards. Both cars were highly modified and were powered by competition tuned versions of the 1600cc Kent 'crossflow' engine - a later version of which was fitted in the Fiesta XR2, launched in 1981. Latterly the CVH engine was used. Visually, the XR2 popped into the limelight in a range of new colours, with alloy wheels, and plastic trim decorating the interior and exterior. With a quoted performance of 0-60mph in 9.3 seconds and 105mph top speed, the XR2 hot hatch became a cult car beloved of boy racers throughout the 1980s.

 Originally registered on 12th August 1988, this Fiesta XR2 has been well looked after and presents well in the classic colour combination of grey metallic with the familiar grey cloth that is also in good order. The file for this low mileage example contains some service history up to 2014. Then, we are told, the car was put into storage until 2020, at which point the car benefitted from a complete photographic recommissioning. Supplied with a V5C registration document and a current MoT test certificate valid until 26th June 2023, and a large file of service documents and previous MoT test certificates. The market in classic ‘hot hatches’ has been warming up in recent years with enthusiasts and collectors wanting to seek out quality examples of the car they really wanted in their teenage years, and the XR2 is always one that is at the top of the list. Offered for sale at a very realistic estimate given the superb condition.