Ford Fiesta 1982 - 1.6 XR2i 3dr

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2025 on Saturday the 8th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. , First registered in 1982, this early Mk1 Fiesta XR2 was supplied new by Hanger Ford in Birmingham and some 13 years later in 1995 was parked in a farm barn in Droitwich awaiting something doing which presumably never got done. Rediscovered around 2010 by its previous keeper, it was purchased by our vendor in 2023 as an unfinished project and subsequently underwent an exhaustive nut-and-bolt rebuild to an exceptional OEM-plus standard over the course of some 15 years, resulting in what our vendor describes as 'a wolf in sheep’s clothing'. Retaining its original bodyshell – still showing its factory floor number – only minor repairs were required before the shell was refinished in lustrous Sunburst Red, presenting with the correct period stance and factory look. Importantly, the car still retains its original rear arches and remarkably, many of its interior components are original and unrestored, providing rare evidence of how well preserved and solid the car was when first found. This originality lends an authenticity to the cabin, reflecting the quality of the base vehicle prior to the rebuild.Every mechanical component has been replaced, reconditioned or sympathetically upgraded, reflecting a true labour of love carried out with meticulous attention to detail. Visually standard, the car incorporates the sort of OEM-plus enhancements that an enthusiast in period would have dreamt of. The engine was professionally built by Harris Performance (London) to 1,700cc 'crossflow'-specification, featuring uprated pistons, a fast-road camshaft, cylinder head work and Weber twin 40 carburettors. A Piper stainless 4-2-1 exhaust system delivers a purposeful yet civilised note, while an alloy radiator and silicone coolant hoses look after temperatures.The chassis benefits from Spax adjustables all round, slightly lowered suspension, polyurethane bushes, a modified rear anti-roll bar and adjustable Panhard rod, delivering improved handling without compromising drivability. Braking has been uprated with new lines, fast road discs and pads to match the increased performance. Even the original Ford stereo has been cleverly adapted to include Bluetooth connectivity whilst retaining its factory appearance.Only on close inspection do the discreet enhancements become apparent – this is a highly capable XR2 with period charm and modern usability in perfect balance. The history file includes some period invoices along with a collection of receipts, paperwork and some photos documenting the work completed.As we write this, our vendor is still busily detailing the car and it will have a fresh MOT prior to the sale. He has road-tested it on private roads and the engine has been run on the rolling-road but, importantly, it hasn't been used on the road so the next owner will be the first to drive this freshly rebuilt Mk1 XR2 on public roads in nearly 30 years.