Who needs an XR2? Buy a 2.0 Fiesta Popular Plus
A classic Ford with a dash of restomod fairy dust ought to cost a fortune - not this one...
Even though it’s no longer a new phenomenon, the values attached to certain old Fords remain disappointingly high. Shockingly high, in some instances, despite going on for a while. Perhaps it was always destined to be this way: the Blue Oval has a huge following over here, its best-loved models were popular and affordable for a long time, then rust and scrappage claimed what felt like almost all of them overnight. With a contemporary offering now limited to a Mustang, it’s easy to imagine lots of people wanting to relive a fast Ford dream of their youth - only to find very few cars left. With supply and demand skewed towards the latter (or certainly that’s what appears to be happening), prices go up.
A motorsport association typically helps values, but even without a competition history there are so many Fords from the back catalogue that so many have fond memories of. Capris, Escorts, Sierras, Granadas and more have featured in so many families up and down the country that the limited number of survivors would always be cherished. Maybe time to get an early Focus or Mondeo before they’re worth a pretty penny, too.
Anyway, this Fiesta. As a Mk2 (albeit one towards the end of its life), it firmly qualifies as a classic these days, registered in 1989 but with roots going back way before that. Plenty will have memories of going to school or learning to drive in one. It might not be an XR2, but already the nostalgia tax bell is starting to ring - especially in beige…
Only this isn’t the 1.1 Popular Plus it once was. Such is the way of classic cars, a standard Fiesta might actually be worth more money. Instead it’s one fan’s ultimate sleeper build, the little Ford now with 2.0-litre Zetec power for 150hp - or triple what it left the factory with - but as little by way of exterior mods as possible. You’ll have spotted the lower ride height on Gaz coilovers already, but plenty won’t: it appears little more than a nicely preserved Fiesta, a bit like your nan used to have. Only now it’ll be one of the fastest and most fun old Fiestas in the land, and who wouldn’t be intrigued by that? Especially at just £9,995.
As well as the engine swap - with an immaculate bay, and Jenvey ITBs for the some touring car snort - there’s XR2 brakes, polybushes throughout, upgraded mounts, an Escort RS Turbo gearbox with limited-slip diff… it’s a proper job alright, not just an engine thrown in and the rest ignored. That approach extends as far as the inside, where Escort RS Turbo seats have been retrimmed in the Klee Raven fabric a Fiesta Popular would have come with. You don’t get that sort of attention to detail from a casual enthusiast.
It’s also the sort of feature that tends to push asking prices up. And perhaps we’ve all become inured to mad money fast Fords. Whatever the case, it looks like a whole heap of joy behind a spindly steering wheel for £9,995. With miles under the steel wheels and some paint in its past, you’d needn’t worry about using the Fiesta, either. It’s been built, and looks priced, to be driven - what’s stopping you?
Same as others - ordinary or pepperpot wheels would look better. Rev counter not needed though, listen to the motor. Must go like a rocket
Agreed - the wheels are too much of a giveaway. Otherwise it’s brilliant and looks very well executed
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