Ford Fiesta XR2 Mk. II, 1989

Chassis No.: SFABXXBAFBJE83654

Engine No.: JE83654

Registration: F321 MGU

Sold £12,000 | Sold

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 with 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 0-60 mph in 9.3 seconds and 105 mph top speed, the XR2 hot hatch became a cult car beloved of boy racers throughout the 1980s. Originally registered on 28th March 1989, this Fiesta XR2 has been restored to a very good standard.

The bodywork had any corrosive areas cut-out and refabricated as necessary, the finish on the silver paintwork is excellent. A good barometer of the quality of restoration is panel gaps and the restorer certainly took his time on the doors, take into account this was a mass-produced vehicle, they are excellent. The familiar grey cloth trim is in very good order and has clearly been repaired or replaced at some stage given the age and mileage of this car. Supplied with a V5C registration document and a current MoT test certificate valid until 2nd September 2022.

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.

https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/?lot=5109&au=81