The history of the Ford Escort XR3/i

   

Ford announced its all-new Mk III in 1980, the new car being the first Escort model to feature front wheel drive and a transverse mounted engine. Ford had by now mastered the marketing art of offering a whole range of engine and trim options, from base models to Ghia and sporting derivatives.
A "hot-hatch" version, the XR3, was available from 1981 and was an instant hit. Unlike previous "hot" Escorts the XR3 had a practical combination of performance, luxury and accommodation. Available only with the three door hatch body the XR3 featured a 96bhp 1.6 litre engine. In 1983 the XR3 became the XR3i, thanks to the addition of fuel injection boosting power to 105bhp.
XR3/XR3i standard equipment included blacked/colour coded body trim, sports interiors, spot lamps and optional alloy road wheels. In 1986 the model was facelifted along with the rest of the range to "Mk IV" specification. The XR3i name lived on into the mid-1990's, killed off due to its "bad boy" image which worried insurance British companies.

Ford for sale

   
Ford Escort XR3/i
1982 Greater Manchester
GBP2,250
Private sale Views: 4392
Ford Escort XR3/i
1983 Swansea
GBP4,195
Trade sale Views: 6594
Ford Escort XR3/i
Cambridgeshire
GBP7,995
Trade sale Views: 1827
Ford Escort XR3/i
1989 Greater London
GBP12,995
Private sale Views: 9493
Ford Escort XR3/i
1990 Essex
GBP2,150
Private sale Views: 7907
Ford Escort XR3/i
1985 Cambridgeshire
GBP19,995
Trade sale Views: 2182