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BUYER’S GUIDE
FIESTA XR2 MK1
Ford’s first XR2 was a featherweight buzz-bomb from which all fast Fiestas evolved. Now an ever-appreciating classic, the Mk1 XR2 is a pure performance icon that can still be bought, used and enjoyed – if you know where to look… Words DAN WILLIAMSON Photos FAST FORD ARCHIVES
WHY YOU WANT ONE… ■ Every fiery Fiesta can trace its roots back to the Mk1 XR2, so its heritage as a piece of iconic Ford history is set in stone. ■ XR values have taken their time to reach RS levels, but they’re now not far behind – and the rarer models (such as Mk1 XR2) are becoming important cars for fast Ford collectors. ■ Just look at it. The sense of fun brought on by driving a 40-year-old roller-skate is equalled only by the cheeky little smile of a Mk1 XR2 poking its nose out of your garage.
WHY YOU DON’T… ■ Never the quickest hot hatchback even when new, the Mk1 XR2 is positively pedestrian by today’s standards, and will be left standing by an MPV packed with a family of seven. ■ Although the Mk1 Fiesta is perfectly practical, it’s impossible to overuse for fear of it getting stolen or becoming damaged. Rust, in particular, is always keen to take hold. ■ Most XR2s have led hard lives, so loads have been abused and crashed. Plenty have also been reshelled into existing 1.1 Populars – and are now worth considerably less cash.
HOW MUCH TO PAY PROJECT: £3000-£6000 It’s unlikely you’ll find a Mk1 XR2 with any hope of being restored for less than £3000. If you do, it’s most likely to have loads of missing parts or a dubious history. Don’t be surprised to see a shell that didn’t originally begin life as an XR.
GOOD: £6000-£12,000 Few average-condition Mk1 XR2s around; most tend to be in need of restoration or already restored. But you might find a roadworthy example, ideally needing just mechanical problems repairing rather than body and trim.
CONCOURS: £12,000-£20,000-PLUS Show-worthy XR2s cost five-figures, with the most money for low-mileage, low-ownership, factory-original cars. First-class restorations are valuable, but sellers of ultra-low-mileage machines will be able to name their price.
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FAST FORD MAY 2022
IDENTITY An XR2’s value is tied to its identity. Although there’s nothing wrong with a replica or recreation, it’s not worth as much as the real deal. Ringers and reshells should be treated with extreme caution. Start by checking that the VIN number on the logbook matches the chassis number stamped into the driver’s-side inner sill/floor, visible through a slot in the carpet. If it’s not there, it could be dodgy or simply rusted away. The same number should be seen on the VIN plate in the engine bay, attached to the offside bulkhead; the VIN number on any Mk1 XR2 should start with VS6 (the code for Valencia, where all XR2s were assembled), followed by BXXWPFB plus two more letters and five digits that relate to the unique chassis number, as also found on the engine. The engine itself should have a casting reading 771M-6015-CA, along with T7 stamped under number four exhaust port, next to the gearbox. Check the rest of the VIN plate. The engine code should read L3, the transmission code should be T, and the axle code P (3.58:1 ). The XR2 bodyshell was unique, with certain key spots to check it’s authentic. Ensure it’s a facelift bodyshell with two-bolt bumper mounts on the front and rear panels (as opposed to single holes on pre-August 1981 Fiestas); if the bumpers have had a fixing removed, suspect it’s not an XR2 shell. The XR2 front panel was different for the circular headlamps, and the rear valance was also unique, being factory-pressed prior to assembly – unlike the Supersport, which was modified in situ; both have a spare wheel bulge visible below the back bumper. Crucially, there should be strengthening plates affixed to the chassis rails under the front floorpan with four 13mm-headed bolts. The XR2 also had a reinforcing plate in the nearside front inner wing for a top gearbox mount, which was fitted to all 1300cc Mk1s; if it’s missing, you’re probably looking at a Fiesta 950/1100 bodyshell, and it’s time to walk away. If in doubt, check with the XR Owners’ Club; membership is essential for any XR2 owner or buyer.
VITAL STATISTICS MADE 1981 to 1983 PRICE WHEN NEW £5150 POWER 84bhp @ 5500rpm TORQUE 91lb.ft @ 2800rpm TOP SPEED 105mph 0-60MPH 9.3 seconds
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