1982 Ford Escort XR3

No one could do "go-faster' quite like Ford and at its unveiling in August 1980, the XR3 represented a master class in addenda-driven design. The whale-tail spoiler, the distinctive - soon to be iconic - cloverleaf alloy wheels, both became instant classics.

Its 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine was hailed as the height of modernity and could rustle up a whole 96bhp. Okay, it may have been less than 100bhp, but this was 1980 and in the XR3's defence, its 8.5sec 0-60mph time was quicker than the Golf GTI's, with 14bhp less.This car benefits from having had thousands of pounds lavished on it over the years which makes it a truly special XR3, with retro lines and of course, that certain XR3 caché. The engine bay is truly special with the CVH unit having been fully rebuilt and upgraded by way of a high-lift cam and the replacement of all the pipes, hosing and even the addition of a K&N Filter. It also has a full stainless steel exhaust, improving engine efficiency, and to the interior, the placement of an RS steering wheel adds credibility whilst the Recaro seats complete the look.

The XR3, to we kids of the '80s, was as much a part of our formative motoring years as the New Romantics were to our record collections.

If, like many of us, you missed your chance to own one when it was the world's most hallowed Hot Hatch, then you must scratch that itch now and not let this one get away.