1983 Ford Fiesta XR2

Highlights

• Recently thoroughly restored
• Engine and gearbox rebuilt in 2019
• Bare metal respray
• Original interior in excellent unmodified condition
• Subtle performance improvements

Overview

The Fiesta was introduced as Ford’s first foray into the newly popular hatchback market in 1976, and quickly became a big player in this field. 22 million cars were built over seven different generations until production finally ceased in 2023.

The car offered here is a fantastic example of an early first generation Fiesta Mk1. This iteration of the model was introduced in August 1983 and this particular car was first registered in December of the same year.

Most hatchbacks of the 1980s were either crashed, stolen, or dissolved. But this Fiesta managed to escape these fates, being stored unused in a garage until it was purchased in 2018 and a thorough restoration started.

The accompanying photographs show the car being resprayed, and there is a sizeable invoice on file for a full engine and gearbox rebuild with plenty of lightening, balancing, and porting going on. So it should perform even better that when it was new.

The interior is charmingly original and undisturbed, retaining a rear parcel shelf desirably free from speaker holes, and even an original Ford long wave radio. The upholstery looks to be in superb original condition, and there is generally very little wear throughout.

It’s hard not to fall for the charm of this Fiesta with its bucketfuls of originality and that unmissable ‘80s styling. And finding an example in such good condition is certainly an opportunity not to be missed.

History and documentation

• Registered 16 Dec 1983
• Original service book with services as follows: Apr 1984 6 month service, Aug 1984 @ 13,381 miles, Jul 1985 @ 17,627 miles, Apr 1985 @ 22,215 miles, Jul 1985 @ 17,008 miles
• Invoice on file for an engine and gearbox rebuild in 2019, costing £4,400
• Plenty of other invoices on file, from the 1980s to the present day
• The current owner acquired the car in 2018 and undertook an extensive restoration
• It had reportedly been parked in a garage since 1998
• Photographic record of the restoration on file
• Some old MOT certificates
• Two keys
• Five registered former keepers
• Should be exempt MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt, but this does not appear to have come into effect yet
• Currently declared SORN
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear

Interior

• Stepping inside this Fiesta reminds us just how simple life was back in the 1980s, with no unnecessary extras or screens to distract you
• Overall, the interior of this Fiesta is extremely well preserved, with signs of careful, light use
• The driver is presented with an original, small, two-spoke steering wheel
• Instruments are very basic, with only the most necessary warning lights
• The dashboard appears to be in good condition, with no significant sun damage that we could see
• Original Ford long/medium wave radio with tuning knobs
• No cassette player or modern sound system
• The newly fitted rear parcel shelf is free from holes cut for speakers
• The vendor tells us they found the parcel shelf while clearing out an old Ford dealership
• Headlining clean and tidy, with sunroof
• The original upholstery is in very good condition for its age, with very few marks throughout
• Even the driver’s seat bolster is intact
• Rubber floor mats protect the carpets
• Spacious, fully carpeted boot to the rear
• Heated rear windscreen
• Full size spare wheel stored under the boot floor

Exterior

• Accompanying the car is a set of photographs detailing its restoration, including a bare metal respray, which the seller tells us was completed by a specialist costing £4,500
• As a result this Fiesta now looks fantastic, with the deep gloss black paint accompanied by silver and red transfers which finish off the look well.
• The body panels all look smart, with good shut lines
• The original 13-inch ‘pepper pot’ wheels have been blasted and powder coated
• Matching set of Falken tyres fitted
• The underside of the car looks very clean, and has been undersealed for protection
• During the restoration a new passenger-side floorpan was fitted, as well as drivers side sill. The bonnet, tailgate, and nearside front wing are original and repaired as part of the restoration process.
• The plastic trim looks generally very good for its age, with little in the way of cracks or damage
• Lamp lenses clear and bright
• The windows and screens are in very good condition

Mechanical

• The original 1,598cc petrol engine has been bored out to 1,665cc (+60 thou). Engine requires running in, as only 10 miles have been covered since full rebuild.

• Four-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels

• In November 2019 the engine and gearbox received a major rebuild, including

• All new bearings and gaskets

• Rebored block, machined pistons

• Stress-relieved and balanced pistons

• Piper 285 camshaft

• Lightened flywheel

• High pressure oil pump

• New clutch

• Carburettor rebuilt

• Enlarged ports and gas flow cylinder head to ‘stage 2’ spec

• The fuel tank is new, along with new pipes and hoses

• New brake pipes and braided hoses, also upgraded grooved brakes and pads

• The suspension bushes have been replaced with poly bushes

• Adjustable GAZ shock absorbers fitted

• Stainless steel exhaust

• The engine bay looks very clean and tidy

• The battery has recently been replaced

• Originally the engine produced 95 hp, but since being upgraded this figure is likely to be considerably more

Summary

It’s not every day that you see a 40-year-old Fiesta as well sorted as this one. It ticks all the right boxes, with its rebuilt mechanicals, resprayed body, and original interior.

So if you’re keen to relive the joys of tearing about town in a lightweight hatchback with a deceptively powerful engine, then this Fiesta will make a great addition to your garage.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Wickford, Essex