Description

Registration F235 UPO
Mileage 99,000
MOT October 2026

In the summer of 1989, when Britain was buzzing with synth-pop, stonewashed jeans, and a sense of optimism, a gleaming Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet rolled off the production line. It wasn’t just another car — it was a statement.

With Escort XR models increasingly sought after among collectors, this car offers an accessible entry point into classic Ford ownership. Equally at home as a summer cruiser or an easy rolling-restoration project, it carries the unmistakable retro appeal of Ford’s performance badge of honour.

With its sharp lines, alloy wheels, and fuel-injected heart, the XR3i was Ford’s answer to the hot hatch craze of the 80s. And this one, finished in classic white with a contrasting black hood, carried the kind of swagger that made heads turn at traffic lights.

For its first owner, it was more than transport. It was late-night drives with the roof down, the stereo blasting cassette tapes, and the warm glow of streetlights glinting off the bonnet. It clocked up miles not in silence, but in memories — seaside trips, weekend runs to the pub, the occasional red-light showdown with a Golf GTI.

By the mid-90s, as newer models took over the roads, this Escort was already building its cult following. Enthusiasts knew the XR3i wasn’t just about speed — it was about the experience: raw steering feel, the eager 1.6 injection engine, and the way it seemed to bring a grin every time second gear bit.

Now, more than 99,000 miles later, this survivor still wears its history with pride. The hood shows it’s seen some weather, the paint has aged gracefully, but every panel whispers of an era when driving was pure and uncomplicated.
It comes with a brand new MOT and over £500 recently spent.
Today, it’s not just a car — it’s a time capsule. A slice of 1989, sitting on its alloys, waiting for someone who remembers the thrill of the XR badge to turn the key and feel that unmistakable buzz again.

This Escort XR3i isn’t about perfection. It’s about provenance, nostalgia, and the joy of owning a piece of motoring history that refuses to be forgotten.
The Ford Escort XR3i was one of the defining hot hatches of the 1980s, offering spirited performance, sharp styling, and everyday usability. The Cabriolet version, built by Karmann in Germany, added open-top fun to the XR3i package and quickly became a cult classic of the era.
With Escort XR models increasingly sought after among collectors, this car offers an accessible entry point into classic Ford ownership badge of honour !
Estimate on request.