Cheers guys the black paint (I think) is from when the car was new, the whole underside is covered in it too which has helped keep it tidy. Its much better than I thought it would be, will post some pics of the interior which is immaculate and oh so retro brown

plans are to keep it original, no spoilers etc but I will lower it, Escorts look kak IMO unless they are low and I'll change the wheels, I've got Series 1 RS wheels on another of my MK3's and a set of clover leafs lurking behind the garage, not sure on either I'd like something along the lines of those Ronal Turbo wheels