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Offered here is a cherished example of an Escort XR3i Cabriolet fitted with the MFI 1.6 CVH engine mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox, finished in stunning Azure Blue with the ‘Raven’ interior. Supplied with the following equipment:
ABS brakes
Electric Mirrors
Central Locking
Alloy Wheels
Colour coded bumpers
Heated Windscreen
Manual hood with heated glass window
Tonneau cover
4 Speaker AM/FM Radio with Cassette and ‘joystick’ speaker controls
History and Documentation
Reg no: E280CWC
Owners: 4
Mileage: 78100 warranted
HPI: Clear
MOT – April 2021 (no advisories)
Keys: 2 including glovebox key
Supplied in October 1987 by Laidlaw of Brentwood, this car was initially used as a company car for Mr. R. After 3 years, he purchased his own company car and continued to cherish it and use it regularly but sparingly until he sold it in 2012 having covered 75,000 miles in 25 years. During that time, Mr. R kept the servicing regular as evidenced by the stamps in the service book and/or service invoices. He also kept every single MOT certificate which allows us to confidently warrant the mileage. After a very brief ownership by Mrs C (only two months!), the car passed to its most recent owner, Mr. W who used the car even more sparingly as part of a wider collection which was used for TV and film work. Whilst the DVLA record that this car has had 4 owners, for all but 2 months it has been kept by 2 long term owners.
In addition to the MOTs and service invoices, we also have the original dealer book pack containing the original service book and owner’s handbooks. Recent maintenance includes cambelt, oil service, exhaust and new front pads/discs. Special mention should be made of the online MOT history which shows a remarkably clean bill of health over a sustained period, showing just how well this car has been looked after.
Mechanical Condition
The car is in excellent mechanical condition, as you would rightly expect given its mileage and service history. The car starts up straight away and settles to a level idle. Moving off, the clutch is light as is the gearbox and once on the move, there are no knocks or nasty noises. Whilst these were never quick cars, there is enjoyment to be had whilst on the move with a pleasing rasp from the exhaust around 3000rpm. A nice touch is that all locks & ignition are matching and work from one key, of which there is one spare. Certainly an easy car to drive and enjoy, especially with the roof down.
Exterior Condition
The paintwork is in great condition and holds a lovely deep shine, all panel gaps are correct and factory welds and seams are all intact confirming no accident damage. The alloy wheels are in good condition with only the slightest of marks here and there – the tyres Dunlops on the front and Maxxis on the rear with plenty of tread. The hood is in fantastic condition with no holes or leaks, having been replaced in 2009 (around 9k miles ago). Importantly, there is no structural degradation anywhere – this car has never been welded and nor does it need it. The infamous battery tray is original as are the date stamped wings. This is an unrestored car and the vast majority is original paint, the exception being the bumper covers which have been painted to a high standard to rectify scuff damage. The car also wears its original dealer number plates front and rear. Given the originality, some blemishes around the bodywork should be expected, but overall this is an exceptionally smart and solid example, which is very rare for an unrestored car.
Interior Condition
The interior is in excellent condition, with no discernible wear evident on seats, carpets, load space or interior plastics. All the electrics work (not that there is much!), all dashboard lights go out as expected. The tonneau cover is in great condition with all poppers working correctly. All in all, a very nice environment to be in.
Summary
This must surely be one of the smartest examples on the market, in a fantastic colour with a high level of originality. It is clear that the long-term owners have been very careful in their respective ownerships and we expect the new owner will continue to cherish the car. If you have any questions or would like more photographs, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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