1989 Ford Escort XR3i "Show Winner"

This is a remarkable, 1989 Ford Escort XR3i and normally at this point we would describe in detail how a car goes and stops and handles and it's suitability as a grand tourer or for bombing around the lanes in Wales etc. but, although this amazing Escort can do all of those things, and probably well, we think it's a touch unlikely that its next owner will have that in mind.

It has been prepared as an automotive 'Work of Art' and essentially represents form over function. Concours d'Elegance is its raison d'etre and it has been eminently successful with over 90 trophies in the past. These trophies will be included in the sale, as will the car's history (Its chronologically documented in 5 large ring binders full of history, photos, and negatives charting the original sale (including relevant owners, wallets etc.) through to date. The car will also be accompanied by a number of magazine features, four sets of keys, leather bonnet and wing mirror bras, a chromium-plated jack, its private registration number (A3XRO), and a fresh MOT. The car has been retired from active competition since 2009 yet still remains in 'show-winning' condition, which means that should the new owner wish to return to the Concours circuit, then it will be judged by fresh pairs of eyes which could well be advantageous.

There is not space in the catalogue for a full description of where approximately £75,000 went in the creation of this Concours Queen but there is on our website. Preparing a car for Concours is not everyone's 'cup of tea', but if it is, then read the description and look at the pictures and get ready to be impressed.

Our vendor describes the car as follows;

"The bodywork is totally blemish free. 90's genuine Ford bumper and rear with black inserts. Genuine Ford RS side skirts, bonnet, and '90 spec rear spoiler. De-locked and colour coded door handles.

Unique to the car are opening rear windows (optional extra for cars sold in Europe in the '80's) with Ford tinted glass that matches rest of car. Genuine Ford locking petrol cap. Factory fitted Ford sunroof. Zola trimmed leather and half leather seats. Zola trimmed inner glove box and ash tray. Genuine Ford radio cassette. Mint carpets and door cards with bespoke leather door handles. Dash pristine with no cracking or splitting. Centre console has cassette storage and 90' spec extended console. Handcrafted tailored gauge pod holds 3 additional dials that blend with the tacho and speedo. Chrome handbrake, gear stock, pedals and door kick plates. Chrome front seat runners and brackets. Chrome door straps and brackets. Leather gear stick gaiter and ford leather knob. Chrome gear stick surround. The parcel shelf has been covered and displays XR3 emblem and contains a hidden sun blind. Blemish free boot has been carpeted using genuine Ford grey carpet including spare wheel well. All fittings are chrome plated. The genuine Ford jack and brace have been chrome plated and never used. The car has excellent deep pile fitted (never used) grey floor mats front and rear. Each door "shut' fitted with small red safety lights at the base that operate when the door is opened.

Engine block professionally sprayed in gloss black fitted with chrome core plugs. Black Samco hoses fitted throughout. All nut and bolts and washers have been lined up in keeping with the rest of the car. Where possible, auxiliary parts have been chrome plated and this includes the bonnet catch and hinges, fan guard, chrome rocker box cover, chrome backing plate holding wiper motor, chrome start motor, chrome header tank. Highly polished plenum chamber, chrome strut brace. Some bespoke covers have been made and chrome plated. Battery cover engraved with Ford logo, wiper motor fuse cover. The engine bay must be seen to be believed. It is absolutely spotless and dirt free. Too many little touches to mention. Utter perfection.

Full Magnex stainless steel exhaust system is fitted and manifold is treated with 'camcoat' to avoid discolouring or "blueing'. All Ford plastic clips are as new, crisp and white and not yellowing or discoloured with age.

The engine performance is standard and has not been upgraded from the original Ford 1600 motor.

Chrome wheel nuts fitted to Yokohoma 195/45VR16 tyres. Drilled front discs are fitted to genuine Ford front brakes that have been black powder coated calipers and braided steel brake pipes and chrome fittings. Rear disc conversion - drilled rear discs have also been fitted with steel braided brake pipes.

Chassis and suspension.

Like the rest of the car, the underside is spotless and blends beautifully. Chassis professionally sprayed in Ford Diamond White and has black gloss powder coated suspension parts. Leda dampers, springs, anti-roll bar and petrol pump cradle. All nuts bolts and washers are chrome plated and lined up. The petrol tank has been sprayed gunmetal grey. New front wheel arches were fitted and are pristine. Stored in heated air chamber for most of its life. Every nut and bolt throughout the car has been fitted and lined up. Likewise, the tyres have been fitted to the rims in-line with the tyre tread pattern. All necessary when the car is presented for judging. The spare wheel has never touched the road."