1989 Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet ‘Rattlesnake’ |

Sold

1989 Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet ‘Rattlesnake’

Sold Price

£3,975

Mileage~56,000
TransmissionManual
Engine1.6L
LocationNewbury

SOLD

1989 Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet ‘Rattlesnake’

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Jacob Boodrie

Professional Consigner

A tastefully modified Escort XR3i, featuring the 'Rattlesnake' body kit with mechanical performance RS parts fitted for good measure.

The Ford Escort is a small family car manufactured for 36 years between 1968 and 2004, Ford produced six different model derivatives, this is the fourth variant. Ford faced a host of new competitors in the small family car market during this time, so they quickly set about introducing a host of new features along with suspension tweaks to drastically improve the Escorts ride and handling quality.

Certain dealers fitted a special body kit to the XR3i's to make a dealer special edition. The RS1600 graphics printed on the side stand for RattleSnake rather than Ford's other line of performance cars.

Only 25 Escorts were registered and sold by dealers with the 'Rattlesnake' body kit supplied by Fibretechnics, and only 2 were white cabriolets. Chris has had his example resprayed and mechanically attended to over his ownership, with the mileage only showing ~56,000.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting Chris the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I'm a big Escort fan, especially rare and unique ones like this.

Chris has owned a couple of XR3i's throughout his teenage years, yet always yearned after one a little bit different, one with a rare 'Rattlesnake' body kit on. After being presented the opportunity a couple of years ago he couldn't give it a miss and purchased it with the intent of carrying out a full restoration. There is one missing White Rattlesnake XR3i, and Chris believes this could be the one, however, due to lack of paperwork and no dealer plaque, we cannot confirm this.

Chris reports over his ownership he has had the cambelt changed, and fitted a new water pump, starter motor, alternator, battery, RS vented discs at the front, new brake pads, RS exhaust, RS suspension, 4x new tyres, a new manual white soft top and had the car treated to a professionally respray. He's a huge fan of the modified Ford Escorts and will be able to answer any questions you may have about the car in the comments below.

Chris

Vehicle Owner

Chris saved £0,540* when they
sold their Ford with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Boxy good looks made even better with a sporty aerodynamic bodykit.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with 8-spoke Ford alloys, each wheel appears in great condition with no signs of obvious curbing, Chris has done a great job at looking after the wheels during his ownership.

During his ownership, he has fitted Cooper Zeons C58's at the front which appears to have a lot of tread, exactly the same with the rear where Autogreen Supersport Chasers are fitted and all the tyres are dated 2019. Since then the car has done ~600 miles.

Bodywork

Straight from the '80s, with the addition of an attractive body kit. All the bodywork looks great on this particular example on visual inspection. Looking around we didn’t notice any obvious areas of concern on the bodywork, all the panels look straight, the only area you would want to address is the fitting of the front bumper, as it appears to be slightly higher on one side.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the car.

Paint

Finished in a lovely gloss White, the paint looks in great condition with an even finish across the whole car. The car was professionally resprayed 2 years ago and wants a good clean and detail to really bring the paintwork to its best.

Please take the time to review the photographs and videos to appreciate the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass looks to be in great condition all around, the black trim/rubber seals look good too and are in line with the rest of the car.

Please view the images and videos of the glass and trim to see in detail.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

A custom wrapped interior to add to the unique Rattlesnake body kit, this is no ordinary XR3i.

Seats and Carpets

The car features its original cloth covered Escort seats, which appear in a condition that is in line with the age and mileage of the car.

The door cards have been custom lined with a soft cloth material and wrapped with a feather style patterned vinyl which nicely pairs with the unique body kit. Some of the vinyl is beginning to lift in areas and would benefit with a little attention, the soft top was replaced around 2 years ago and therefore the headlining appears in excellent condition.

Dashboard

An original escort dashboard is fitted, the numbers around the speedo are beginning to lift inplaces and would benefit from a bit of attention.

Chris was hoping to extend his restoration to the interior, however, due to a change of circumstances has decided to let the new custodian customise to their hearts content.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Fitted with a very sporty Escort steering wheel and gear shifter. Both present in very good condition with the some signs of wear, in line with the age of the car.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed tour of the cabin space.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

A roaring 1.6L pins you to the back of your seat, this little hot hatch packs a punch.

Engine and Gearbox

During Chris' ownership, he treated the engine to a new cambelt ~400 miles ago along with a complete service. He has also fitted a new water pump, starter motor, alternator, and a new battery.

The car started first time in our 'cold start' which we conducted for the mechanical video, watch this along with a review of the engine bay and underside.

Suspension and Brakes

Fitted with RS vented brakes in the front and having recently been treated to a full change of brake pads, Chris reports the car has great stopping power.

The suspension provides a firm yet comfortable ride, and would feel at home on the road or track with no unusual knocks or noises coming from the car.

The Drive

Fun and sporty, the XR3i offers an incredibly joyful ride, especially with the roof down on this cabriolet. The car really looks the part with its boxy good looks and large prominent RS exhaust at the rear.

Electrics and Other

In the rear of the car, you'll find 2x 12" Alpine subwoofers, along with an array of speakers fitted within the cabin of the car. No radio is included within the car, yet Chris confirms they all work as expected and mention they will be a real head turner at any car meet.

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History and Paperwork

A rare opportunity to get your hands on a special XR3i MK4 with Rattlesnake body kit - White over White.

Chris has owned this good-looking White XR3i for the last 2 years, covering just under ~600 miles over his ownership. It has 7 registered previous keepers. Chris has spent thousands, having the car professionally resprayed and fitted with a new water pump, cambelt, starter motor, alternator, battery, RS vented discs at the front, new brake pads, RS exhaust, RS suspension, 4x new tyres, fitted a new manual white soft top.

Chris will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the car in the comments below.

We've actioned checks on; Seller ID, V5C, HPi - clear apart for the Cat C damage recorded against it in 1998.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
07.05.2021	MOT	56,082
25.03.2020	MOT	56,052
21.10.2008	MOT	55,921

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Key Details

ModelEscort XR3i 'Rattlesnake'
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date15.11.1989
CC1,597
Mileage~56,000
HistoryLimited
ColourWhite
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #WF0LXXGKALKC38149
Engine #KC38149
MOTYes. Exp - 06.05.2022
MOT ExemptNo
Road Tax ExemptNo
HPi ClearCat C
Former Keepers7
Tyre TreadGood
Tyre BrandCooper
Tyre Age2019
Security SysStandard
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned2 years
Key FeatureUnique Bodykit

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All Images

History and Paperwork

All Videos

Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions

Seller : Chris L Sale Date 11.10.2021

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

1 Comment

keef

3 years ago

I’m not to sure where the rs1600 has come from, the ones that left Dagenham were called rs1900s and where mainly tin top turbos
I guess maybe because it’s a soft top
Great car I shall have a sneaky bid

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Vehicle Location

Newbury

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