1987 Ford Fiesta XR2 - 19,000 miles

Powered by Ford's punchy 96bhp 1.6-litre CVH engine - in a car weighing just 839kgs!

Distinctive full body-kit, rally-style spotlights, improved suspension, ventilated front discs, uprated exhaust, and classic 'pepper pot' alloys

A fully verifiable 19,000 miles, backed-up by previous MoT Certificates, a stamped service booklet, and a thorough history file

All original panels, glass, alloys and interior; never welded as Waxolyed from new; recent recommissioning work and a cam-belt service

Coming from the collection of one of the UK's most knowledgeable Ford enthusiasts

Ford has always had a certain panache when it comes to building everyday heroes for the humble petrol-head. The Escort, Capri, Sierra, and Fiesta were all at some point in their lifespan transformed from mundane runabouts into blue-collar road rockets capable of the sort of performance normally reserved for more expensive machinery.

In the late 1980s, the Mkll Fiesta XR2 sold for about £8,500, which is around £20,000 in today"s money. Ford invested buyers" hard-earned cash on goodies such as a full body-kit (with rally car style spotlights at the front), a 5-speed gearbox, improved suspension, ventilated front disc brakes, an uprated exhaust, a larger 40-litre fuel tank, the now iconic "pepper pot" alloy-wheels and, of course, more power. The Mkl XR2 was lumbered with an 84bhp 1.6-litre engine, yet the Mkll benefited from a punchier 96bhp 1.6-litre CVH unit borrowed from the Escort XR3. 96bhp in a car weighing just 839kg was not to be sniffed at – especially in the 1980s. Accelerating from 0-60mph takes about 10 seconds, whilst the top speed is 110 mph, which may be modest by today"s standards, but with enough power, low weight, minimal sound insulation and a low-to-the-ground feel, the Mkll XR2 feels as sporty as it looks.

The car presented here is a 1987 Ford Fiesta (Mkll) XR2 which has covered a wholly verifiable 19,000 miles from new. This mileage is supported by accompanying MoT Certificates, an original service book (with early Ford stamps) and a thorough history file. All original manuals, supplying-dealer number-plates and a rear window sticker are all still present and correct. In striking Diamond White, this example is a real survivor in term of condition and originality. Being a 1987 model, it benefits from the later lean-burn CVH engine, featuring a revised cylinder head and carburettor, without any loss of power.

The car is offered from a small private collection belonging to a prominent UK Ford collector and aficionado. He informs us that all the panels, glass, alloys and interior components are original. The car still has its original Ford exhaust fitted, whilst the original Pirelli P6 tyres have just been replaced (due to age and some cracking) but the spare alloy wheel retains its original tyre. Likewise, the interior is in simply remarkable condition and the carpet has benefited from always having genuine Ford waffle over-mats fitted, so is in exceptional condition. Our vendor understands the car never to have been welded, as it benefited from being Waxolyed from new and likewise, the engine bay is very original and in great condition, being wholly commensurate with the mileage. The vendor has just completed some re-commissioning work (including some new suspension components and a brake overhaul) due to the car covering so few miles over the last 10 years, plus a recent service with cam-belt change.

The Mkll XR2 is fast becoming a very rare model, with this special little car being certainly one of the best out there. It is described, by someone who really knows, as being very close to Concours condition. If "showing" a Fast Ford at a club or motoring event is your desire, then there isn"t a better or more cost-effective way than with this car. Get the trophy cabinet ready!