1987 Ford Fiesta XR2 Mk2 *Sold £13,050*

Description

• Nut and Bolt Restoration
• Rare Crystal Blue
• Rebuilt engine
• Immaculate example
• Attractive Number plate

The 1976 Fiesta was an unqualified success from the word go, but a sign of how marketing priorities have changed in the subsequent years is that it was five years before the company launched the XR2. Ford had dipped its toe in the fast Fiesta water the previous year with the good looking Supersport, but that was little more than a very well executed special edition. Despite that though, these cars are seriously in demand today.

The first XR2 was a welcome addition to the range. Its recipe was similar to the larger Escorts – install a mildly tuned, relatively large engine under the bonnet, stiffen the suspension and make it look very good. The XR2 was powered by a 1.6-litre crossflow Kent engine (not CVH like the Escort) and was treated to stripes and spoilers along with round headlamps and spotlights. Black plastic trim decorated the interior and exterior. ‘Pepper pot’ alloy wheels were also added. And it sold brilliantly.

It was short-lived, but the facelifted XR2 arrived with the rest of the range, and was treated to several updates, not least the fitment of a carburetted 1.6 litre XR3-spec CVH engine. The XR2 was a huge success in the UK, said – at times – to be responsible for approaching 50 per cent of all Fiesta sales.

The Mk2 example we have here could arguably be better than when it left the factory; a very bold statement indeed but such is the quality of the restoration. We don’t think there will be many arguments.

Restored over many years and despite having been stood for ten years prior to the restoration, it was a very good original example to start with. That said, take a look at the image gallery; it really is a wonder to behold.

Supplied with 2 sets of keys, the V5 in our vendors name, MOT, owner’s manual and two files documenting the restoration which includes images and invoices.

There are also couple of boxes of spares plus a bumper that will be supplied with the car.

This fantastic example is only coming to market as our vendor has moved address. It is currently being kept in his friend’s garage, which unfortunately, is just too far away to make it viable for him to be able to enjoy it. He realises that he will most certainly regret selling it after so much work and expense but advised he must listen to his head and not his heart. What a shame.

Outside

The XR2 presents a straightforward design marked by clean lines that underscore its compact proportions. A modest XR2 emblem on the tailgate is a subtle nod to the performance concealed within. The flared wheel arches house purposeful alloy wheels that accentuate the XR2’s racing lineage.

The Crystal Blue paintwork, one of the rarest colour options, is absolutely spotless and as we alluded to earlier presents as it would have done had it just left the factory. Yes, it is that good. The flared arches, sills and rear spoiler have all been colour coded and look perfect. Usually, a tricky process due to the plastic and textured nature of the originals.

Our vendor shared that the shell was completely stripped down and checked thoroughly for oxidisation and although it was surprisingly solid, he decided to fit new panels where needed. These included: the nearside front wing, the slam panel, both outer sills (the inners were solid so not needed) and lastly the inner and outer rear arches. He was honest to say that they were all salvageable but his need for perfection would not allow him to make that choice. It shows in the finish of this stunning restoration.

The underside was in fine fettle but has been treated in the same manner as the shiny bits; thoroughly checked and then treated and painted – as you can see in the images. The XR2 has also been Waxoyled through all sills and subframes. It is seriously clean and tidy with only a handful of miles done since the restoration.

The original pepper pot alloys are, just like the rest of the car, immaculate. As expected, they are wrapped in brand new rubber. All the decals and stripes are perfect – in fact the XR2 one is old stock original and cost more than you would believe. Yet another nod to our vendor’s quest for originality and perfection. You will see more evidence of that as you keep reading.

The glass, apart from the nearside front quarter light, is original and has the 80s obligatory etching of the registration number. That one non etched piece being possibly the only blemish in an otherwise perfect exterior.

Inside

Step inside, and you’ll find a cabin that blends form and function in perfect harmony. The XR2’s interior is a testament to 1980s design sensibilities. Simple, functional, and driver-focused, it wraps around you like a well-worn leather jacket.

The sports seats, dressed in classic cloth, cradle you snugly, ensuring you’re firmly in control as you carve through corners. The original steering wheel provides a direct line of communication between you and the road. Our vendor shared that he managed to purchase another interior to match this and then he selected the best example of each seat, trim and so on, just so that it would present as good as this one does. A fine job indeed.

The dash presents extremely well and has no unsightly cracks or scuffs. The odometer shows just over five thousand miles and MOT history suggest this is 105,013 miles. The Fiesta has only done just over 5k miles in the past 18 years.

Our vendor states that everything works as it should with the only blemish being the lack of cigarette lighter, he has been looking for one, but time has unfortunately beaten him.

The parcel shelf is in great shape with no unsightly speaker holes cut into it, how rare is that?  Even the door pads and inner quarter trims are in one piece with no damage. The carpets are in good shape and the roof lining is also great.

The sunroof works perfectly, you can even still clip it out and astonishingly our vendor managed to source an original leather case to fit it in when removed. I suspect that would be harder to source than the parcel shelf. Did we mention how much of a perfectionist our vendor is?

We suppose the last thing to mention is the original Ford radio is still in place with no unsightly digs around it where sadly, so many were forced out by the stereo nicking tea leaves that scoured the streets in the 90s.

Mechanicals

Beneath the unassuming bonnet resides a 1.6 litre engine that breathes life into the XR2. With its nimble 0-60mph time, this pocket rocket delivers exhilarating performance that belies its compact stature.

Suspension and handling are fine-tuned to perfection, offering a balance between corner-hugging prowess and everyday usability. The XR2 dances through corners with precision, providing an unmatched thrill for those who dare to try to tame it.

If you haven’t already, we encourage you to look at the under-bonnet images in the gallery. You will see that it not only looks clean enough to eat your dinner from, but it is also completely standard with no garish blue hoses or tacky chrome bits installed.

As with the rest of the car, the aim was for originality and perfection and that has been achieved in spades. Whilst the engine was out so that the bay could be painted, it was treated to a thorough clean and rebuild and wow, does it show. It really is immaculate.

It did not stop there: the original Webbers were duly sent off to a specialist for refurbishment, the Brake servo met the same fate as they are like hen’s teeth to acquire, and the radiator was renewed as were most of the consumables including the coil, battery and so on.

It was then put back together with a high torque starter motor and full stainless-steel exhaust. It is prudent to note that the exhausts for these are not easy to find. In fact, our vendor commissioned one to be built as an exact replica of the original. He even went as far as to insist that it sounded the same. This was achieved by the supplier cutting open the rear box of the original and replicating the inside baffles etc…  You are probably thinking I bet that cost a few quid, you would be correct. The exhaust alone on this car cost a thousand pounds.

Was that worth it? Well, yes. It sounds absolutely fantastic and will last a very long time to boot!

Flick through the restoration pictures and you will see new brake disks, pads, hoses, lines and so on. All the bushes have been renewed and the running gear was either blasted and painted or replaced.  It really is an “as new” car.

Our View

The MK2 Ford Fiesta XR2 is more than a car; it’s a timeless embodiment of an era defined by bold style and unapologetic performance. A rolling testament to Ford’s passion for driving excitement, it stands as an icon among classics, leaving an indelible mark on automotive history.

Open the perfectly hung doors, slide into that perfectly formed seat, tap the period style immobiliser and turn the ignition. It fires up first time, even after a month or so of storage, and it sounds perfect.

A truly lovely car that has been restored from the ground up and is likely to be the best example on the market right now. It really is that good and we expect that whoever wins this auction will be even more impressed when they see it in the metal rather than the impression we can deliver from the images and description above.

If you’ve been looking for a great example of one of these fantastic little Fast Fords, we advise you not to miss out on this one.