- Auctions
- The Classic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2025
- 1989 Ford Escort XR3i
1989 Ford Escort XR3i
Lot Number: 846
1989 Ford Escort XR3i
- Sold for: £19,688
LIVE AUCTION: This lot was auctioned on Sunday 9th November, 2025 at 10.30am local time at NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT
-
BODY COLOUR
Diamond White -
DRIVE
RHD -
REG NUMBER
A3 XRO -
ODOMETER READING
57048 Miles
SUMMARY
DESCRIPTION
- Introduced in 1983, the Ford Escort XR3i became one of the defining performance Fords of its era, offering lively handling and contemporary styling that made it a favourite among enthusiasts and club competitors alike
- This 1989 UK-supplied car is finished in Ford Diamond White with colour-coded de-locked handles, smoked rear light clusters, Ford RS side skirts and spoilers, factory sunroof and green-tinted glass, sitting on 16-inch TSW alloy wheels with Yokohama tyres
- A celebrated concours-winning Escort XR3i, with an extraordinary history of national show success and presented in excellent order
- Powered by its 1.6-litre fuel-injected four-cylinder engine coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox, with uprated drilled front brake discs, the engine bay features a gloss black painted block, black Samco hoses and extensive chrome detailing throughout
- Enhancements include a Ford RS four-spoke steering wheel, grey half-leather Recaro seats trimmed in Ford Zola cloth, alarm, central locking and a genuine Ford radio cassette. The dashboard, carpets and door cards remain in exceptional condition (see seller rating for more information)
- The subject of an exceptional restoration and concours preparation with three detailed photographic and invoice files, including every receipt from the original invoice from Ford to completion. The car has featured in numerous magazines, most recently Fast Ford in September 2024, and includes all of its concours trophies
- An award-winning example with multiple Class Winner and Champion titles at the Autoglym Classic Concours, Ford Fair and XR Owners Club National Day between 1996 and 2010, now showing 57,048 miles and MOT valid until July 2026 with no advisories. A superb opportunity to acquire a car restored to this level at a fraction of the cost of recreating it today
SPECIFICATION
- Lot Number
- 846
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- ESCORT XR3I
- Registration Number
- A3 XRO
- MOT Expiry
- 11/07/2026
- Chassis Number
- WF0BXXGCABKR16820
- Engine Number
- KR16820
- Transmission
- Manual
- Body Colour
- Diamond White
GALLERY
SPECIALIST
Richard Greenhalgh
- Car Specialist
- 07948 152921
- richard@iconicauctioneers.com
For further information regarding this lot please contact Richard.
Email RichardTelephone Richard
SEE IT IN ACTION
SEE IT IN ACTION
SCORE:
133 / 135
Exterior
Bodywork:
Glass:
Paint:
Chrome:
Trim:
Remarks
This is without doubt one of the best XR3i's in the country, this multi winning Concours car is absolutely stunning and is almost faultless. The attention to detail in the cars renovation is beyond belief. It is better than new. The car has been subject to a full photographic record of the renovation, there are three files full of photographs showing this work. One file containing every receipt for the car including the original invoice from Ford & items bought, down to the last nut and bolt and another file containing the cars extensive history. There is also a file containing the numerous magazines that featured the car, the last of which was fast Ford in September 2024. The car is either Ford Diamond White, powder coated in black or Chromed, this is a work of art. This car has travelled 57,000 miles from new Ford RS side skirts, bonnet and boot spoiler Alarm Central locking De locked doors with body coloured door handles Unique to the car are the rear opening windows (an optional extra) Factory fitted sunroof Smoked rear light clusters 5 TSW wheels with Yokohama tyres195/45VR16 Drilled front brake discs Ford green tinted windows 90s spec bumpers with black inserts Chrome XR3i badges
Interior
Door-Cards:
Carpets:
Seating:
Headlining:
Dashboard:
Boot:
Remarks
Ford RS Four spoke steering wheel Grey half leather recaro seats with Ford Zola trim, rear seats are also half leather and Zola trim Genuine Ford radio cassette The dashboard is crack free Mint carpets and door cards
Engine
Components:
Appearance:
Starting:
Running:
Remarks
The engine block has been professionally sprayed in gloss black and fitted with chrome core plugs. Black Samcohoses throughout Where possible all of the auxiliary parts have been chrome plated, this includes the bonnet catch and hinges, fan guard, rocker cover, starter motor, battery cover, header tank, Pelham chamber , strut brace.
Transmission
Gears:
Clutch:
Drive-Shaft:
Running Gear
Axles:
Chassis:
Suspension:
Bearings:
Brakes:
Wheels & Tyres:
Electrics
Minor:
Major:
Vehicle History
Remarks
This 1989 car was purchased and driven as a daily runner for around 10 years before the owner decided he wanted to enter car shows with one aim, to win first prize every time. This is something he did almost every time he showed the car. The car only became available to purchase when the owner purchased a property abroad meaning he was away from home during the summer (car show season). All of the trophies the car won during its period of attending car shows are included with the sale. The list of trophies I have that the XR3I are: 1999 Autoglym Classic Concours First Class Winner 2000 Autoglym Classic Concours Runner Up 1998 Autoglym Classic Concours Runner Up 1998 Autoglym Classic Concours Runner Up 1999 Autoglym Classic Concours Runner Up 2002 Autoglym Classic Concours Runner Up 2007 Autoglym Classic Concours d'Elegance London International 2006 Autoglym Concours Modified & Performanc Class Winner Modified & Performance 2007 Autoglym Concours Modified & Performanc Class Winner Modified & Performance 2006 Autoglym Concours Modified & Performanc Class Winner Modified & Performance 2007 Autoglym Concours Modified & Performanc Class Champion Modified & Performance 2010 Autoglym Invitation Classic Concours Competitor Competitor Invitation 2010 Autoglym invitaton Classic Concours 3rd overall 2003 AutoglymClassic Concours 2003 Runner up 2002 AutoglymClassic Concours 2004 Runner up 2006 Ford Fair Class winner 1999 Ford Fair Modified Car of the Show 2002 Ford Fair First Class Winner 2001 Ford Fair First Class Winner 1999 Ford Fair First Concours Class Winner 1998 XR Owners Club National Day 1998 Winner 2002 XR Owners club National Day 2002 Winner Best Modified car 2009 XR Owners club National Day XR3i MK 4 Special Award 2009 XR Owners Club National Day XR3I MK 4 First 1997 XR Owners Club National Day XR3I MK 4 First 1999 XR Owners Club National Day XR3I MK 4 First 2003 XR Owners Club National Day XR3I MK 4 First 1996 XR Owners Club National Day XR3I MK 4 Most Promissing Newcommer 1996 XR Owners Club National Day XR3I MK 4 First 2001 XR Owners Club National Day XR3I MK 4 First 1998 XR Owners Club National Day XR3I MK 5 Second 1999 XR Owners Club Southern Branch XR3i MK 4 Winner 1997 XR Owners Club Southern Branch XR3i MK 4 Winner 1998 XR Owners Club Southern Branch XR3I MK4 Uxbrdge First 1998 Fast Ford Concours Class Winner First 2003 Gravesend Classic Car Show Winner 2003 Gravesend Classic Car Show First 2004 Mean Street Cruise Best Engine Bay 2001 Ravens Wood Custom Classic First Best Custom 2002 Ravenswood Custom Classic First 1975 or later 2000 Thames View First Concours Modified 2002 The Buchanan Cup Special Award 2003 Autorama First 2000 Battlesbridge motorcycle museum Highly Commended 2005 Best Dressed Show & Shine 2002 Brasted Golden Jubilee Fetet Winner Best Post 1980 2002 Brighton and Hove Motor Club Class Winner 2003 Classic Car & Transport Show Winner Class 6 2001 Classic Custom & American Car Show First 2002 Concours trophy winner Shoreham by the sea First 1999 Crown Woods School Best in Class 1998 Crown Woods School 2001 Crown Woods School Best Vehicle 1981 - 1995 1999 Danson Festival Runner Up
About the Seller Rating
A lot's rating is compiled based on information provided by the seller of the lot. We strongly recommend viewing a lot prior to bidding as we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided by the seller. We will not entertain any disputes over seller rating details.
Poor Numerous faults / Extensive damage / Many missing parts / Project or donor car
Fair Basic condition / Requires attention mechanically & cosmetically / Some damage / Some missing parts
Good Everyday useable classic car / Driven & enjoyed / Commensurate with age & mileage / Drives and looks as it should / Some vehicle history
Very good Almost pristine / Mechanically & cosmetically sound / Driven only occasionally / Extensive vehicle history
Excellent Pristine / Original / Documented nut & bolt ground-up restoration / Stored professionally / Trailered only / Complete vehicle history
Please note all lots must be removed from the venue no later than 2pm on Monday 10th November. Collections will be from 9am - 2pm. If you cannot collect yourself, please do get in touch with our transport partner, EM Rogers, who will be happy to help you.
Uplift by EM Rogers back to their storage facility in Northampton is £175 plus VAT. Storage is £10 plus VAT per day for the first seven days and £40 plus VAT per week thereafter.
For larger vehicles such as vans, transporters etc. please contact EM Rogers on +44 (0)1604 755511 for a quote.
If you cannot collect, or do not let us know transport arrangements before noon on 10th November, we will send the car to EM Rogers on your behalf.
A classic car or motorcycle is a source of great pride and enjoyment but, whether your car or motorcycle is in storage or on the road, you’ll need a specialist insurance policy. We have partnered with Howden Insurance a leading insurance brokers with a team dedicated to classic cars and motorcycles. They cover a vast array of classic and vintage models and only work with insurers who provide a great service and share our passion for the classic motor industry.
For a personal classic car or classic motorcycle quote, visit:
www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/iconic-auctioneers
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