Ford Escort XR3

Overview
Produced: 1981-1986, 1857000 produced.
Types: Hatchback,3 doors,4 seats

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!  Practical Classics February 2002 - Featuring Buyers Guide Sporting Mk III Escorts (1980-1986).  Click Here to view in our shop.

Source: Motorbase
Engines
CapacityConfigModelBore/StrokeCR
1597ccS4 OHC
Drivetrain and Suspension
DrivetrainSteeringFront SuspensionRear Suspension
Auction Sales History
Lot
Num
Description Auctioneer Date Hammer Price Hammer Price
(inc premium)
018 Ford Escort XR3 Brightwells Auctioneers and Valuers 18 Jul 2012 £2800.00 -
215 Ford Escort XR3 (1982) RTS Auctions Ltd 15 Sep 1996 £400.00 -
Magazine Articles
Title Pages Options
Article Respect is Overdue - Ford Escort XR3i vs Volkswagen Golf GTI
98 View
Publication Classic Cars June 2004
Respect is Overdue - Ford Escort XR3i vs Volkswagen Golf GTI - The Golf GTI is accepted as a classic while the Escort XR3i struggles to shed its boy racer image . It's time for change.
Article Group Test: Summertime Soft-Tops
40 View
Publication Practical Classics May 2004
Group Test: Summertime Soft-Tops - Ten very different answers to fun in the sun for four.  Dale Drinnon's complete guide to finding the perfect car for your perfect summer. 1983 Rolls-Royce Corniche, 1962 Singer Gazelle, 1981 Mini Moke, 1973 VW Beetle, 1961 Ford Zephyr, 1967 Triumph Herald, 1972 Morris Oxford Tourer, 1990 Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet, 1947, Triumph 1800 Roadster, 1976 Triumph Stag
Article Sporty Fords
36 View
Publication Car Mechanics August 2011
Sporty Fords - From the '80s, ;90s, and '00s - To celebrate 100 years of Ford manufacture in the UK, we turn our attention to some of the special Fords that have already - or are about to - enter classic status.  Prices of some models have shot through the roof and we recommend grabbing one before they cease to exist.  ANDREW EVERETT is our blue oval guide.
Article Marque Five Feel The Heat - Hot Hatches
75 View
Publication Classic Car Mart November 2004
Marque Five Feel The Heat - The hot hatch came of age in the 1980s, and many are now seen as modern classics worthy of preservation.  Paul Guinness guides us through five of the best buys. VW Golf Mk1 GTi, Ford Escort (MkIII) XR3 & XR3i, Peugeot 205 GTi, Lancia Delta HF Turbo, Ford Fiesta XR2 Mk1.
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