1982 Ford Fiesta XR2

This XR2 hails from November 1982 marking it out as an early MKI example and the more desirable for it. It admirably showcases all the aforementioned XR2 refinements and seems to, today, present very well for its age. In 1996 a reconditioned 1.6-litre Kent Crossflow engine was fitted at an indicated (1)19,392 miles.

The XR2 spent around 11 years off the road between 2014 and earlier this year. The previous MoT was passed in 2013 at an indicated 43,381 miles. Towards the end of 2020 the XR2 benefitted from some remedial body repairs to bring the car up to the standard you see today. This included the professional fitment of new front wings, inner and outer sills, front panel, boot floor and both rear quarters. Current owner, Doug, acquired the XR2 in December 2021 to become the ninth registered keeper. In June of this year the Fiesta passed its first MoT since 2013 at an indicated 43,415 miles. Based on this mileage progression, the XR2 appears to have covered a mere 24,000 miles since 1996. With its long MoT and impressively restored condition, this MKI XR2 is ready for its next fast Ford enthusiast owner.
 

Tom Tjaarda did a great job with the design of the Fiesta rendering it surprisingly contemporary looking despite the passing of a full fifty years since its launch. The boxy, three door hatchback design with its angular cues works particularly well in XR2 guise with its impressively dominant decals and strategic use of matt black around the windows and the XR2 specific round headlamps. This example is finished in Stratos Silver livery which works very well with the contrasting graduated red and black XR2 decals and matt black finished bumpers.

It remains a surprise all these years later, what a difference the round headlights of the XR2 make to the look of the car. The standard car featured quite small oblong items with indicator lenses directly below them. It gave the car a slightly meek look and the larger round lights of the XR2 conspired to lend this fast Fiesta a notably more assertive “face.” The condition seems good overall with a clean and bright demeanour in evidence. On closer inspection there are some areas of obvious repair, overspray and slightly uneven finish. These have been photographed for your review.

Those signature pepper pot alloy wheels have been refurbished and help to really bring the design concept together. These are 13-inch items and look pristine in their bright silver finish. These are shod with a matching set of Yokohama A539 tyres in a chunky looking 185/60 configuration. These are date stamped from March 2025. The wheels and tyres sit beneath a set of black plastic wheel arch extensions ensuring a snug, sporty proximity between them.
 

The XR2 was significantly more sportily appointed in the cabin, too. The upholstery is finished in Shark Grey and features alternating red and black pinstripes. Those much vaunted “reclining sports seats” are actually quite sporty with deep bolsters and vinyl trimmed skeletal headrests. The fabric’s condition is clean and free from rips, splits or tears. There are a few areas of bagginess noted but these are relatively minor.

Other sports orientated accoutrements include the tachometer to accompany the 140mph speedometer, both of which are encompassed by a sporty red line which describes the extremities of the binnacle. These sit behind the original, two spoke chunky steering wheel. Carpets are grey with integrated heel panels, and the door cards are a combination of pinstriped fabric and grey vinyl. The vinyl here is a little creased and wrinkled in places and the rear side panels exhibit some areas where the vinyl has detached from the underlying panels. The headlining is newly fitted and is tightly and neatly affixed. A period-correct Ford branded (likely Philips manufactured) radio cassette head unit is present which is reported as not currently working.

The boot is protected from prying eyes by the recognisable, sectionalised parcel shelf. This has been refreshed with some more contemporary grey carpet inserts. The boot is untrimmed and provides a home to a fifth pepper pot spare wheel and tyre. A floor panel could easily be fabricated for this area as the retaining brackets are present and correct. 
 

The 1.6-litre Kent X-flow engine was originally developed in the 1960’s and soon became admired for its simplicity, reliability and tunability. It is an OHV, in-line four cylinder unit with a 1,599cc capacity. In this application it features a Weber 32/34 DFT twin-choke carburettor. Power was originally quoted at 84bhp and 90 Ib-ft of torque at a usefully modest 2,700 rpm. A four speed manual transmission routed power to the front wheels. Whilst these numbers sound modest in 2025, the XR2’s superpower was its weight – or lack thereof. At around 850 kgs the XR2 was around 400 kgs lighter than anything built today and, hence, offered a surprisingly dynamic driving experience. The XR2 appears to have been fitted with a reconditioned Kent unit in 1996 with seemingly modest use since then. The vendor attests to the car running and pulling really well.

The engine bay is very well presented with the inner panels all appearing straight and nicely painted. Some non-standard, uprated components are noted including the air filter and chromed housing and an upgraded alloy radiator and oversized viscous fan. The underside of the car looks very impressive indeed. There are lots of recent looking components noted, including shock absorbers and nylon bushes. The underside has been diligently undersealed and finished in body coloured paint. Other components have been finished in matt black making for a very appealing combination.
 

The XR2 is offered with a reasonable depth of paperwork. The V5 Registration Document is present in the name of the vendor. The Fiesta isn’t currently registered as an Historic Vehicle but should be eligible for this status based on its 40-year plus age. The current MoT is valid until June 2026.

The remainder of the archive consists of invoices, predominantly for parts supplied although some service related items are also present. Two original keys are included, and these are reported to fit and actuate all locks.
 

The MKI Fiesta XR2 was a little late to the souped up shopping car party but it was surprisingly accomplished. The Fiesta was still a relatively new and innovative model in the early eighties and its modern suspension; rigid and lightweight construction made for a perfect foundation for a more powerful and surprisingly torquey powertrain. As such the XR2 most emphatically punched above its weight and earned a well-deserved place at the fast Ford top table.

This example has clearly benefitted from plenty of recent attention in order to present really well today. Despite this an excellent level of desirable originality has been maintained which is a key consideration for fast Ford connoisseurs. The engine bay and underside are particularly impressively presented and must surely bode well for the underlying condition of this Fiesta. Now a rare and collectable car and a refreshing antidote to the complexity and over-sophistication of so many modern cars. Treat yourself to an automotive detox and bid today. 

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £10,000 - £14,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.