PassionFord - Ford Focus, Escort & RS Forum Discussion - 1990 Ford Escort XR3i SE500 (‘All blue’) Cabriolet

1990 Ford Escort XR3i SE500 (‘All blue’) Cabriolet

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Some members may have remembered me advertising this last year.....

I actually have two of these in my collection - this being the more original and genuine.

I have some 'pressing issues' at the moment (see thread coming on my drive way soon) and so regretfully offer this for a quick sale

This is an advertisement for my 1990 Escort SE500 which came from factory in Pacifica blue. This just one of the many options over the ‘conventional’ cabriolet, which im sure if you are reading this, you will have an awareness of (although I will list these for clarity). I didn’t think I would be doing this given my intentions for my 'then' fiancée to use through the summer. With regret, this is no longer required!

However, given my investment in getting it to this condition, I continued to use this as my daily vehicle but was breaking my heart to see it get wet (if caught out!) Well I kept the car and managed to find storage in a barn, although used it for my brothers wedding last August . It hasnt seen the road since today where it was taken for an MOT - as passed!!

I am reluctantly offering her to a good home only, which if not sold will continue be garaged.

Introduction:

The car was found by me 2 years ago, stored and garaged in rural surroundings and belonged to the same family since new. It was passed through two family generations which is reflected in the service history and on the v5 document(s) which I have managed to collect. There are therefore only two previous owners to me, albeit within the same family. I am in regular contact with the family which continually updates the fascinating history of this car, recently adding that this vehicle is build number 498 of 500. I have made enquiries with the Escort Cabriolet Club to the effect that this could possibly be the latest remaining vehicle of the limited production build, if the other two have since been lost.

The ‘All Blue’ has covered only covered approx 78,500 miles from new (may increase with use) and repeat that there only 2 previous owners. The car was found in totally standard/factory condition with all original panels, although in need of ‘TLC’ and re-commissioning to the condition which is shown in the photographs.

Additional equipment over the ‘conventional’ cabriolets include:Additional equipment over the ‘conventional’ cabriolets include:

Pacifica Blue metallic paint Genuine RS issue body kit/skirts (same issue as the Series 2 RS Turbo)

15” RS alloys (same issue as the Series 2 RS Turbo) x5

Grey leather front and rear seats with red/blue piping

Fuel economy and range computer (in working condition!)

Heated front screen (has ‘whitened’ around perimeter)

Very discrete ‘all blue’ hood – original and very good condition

Electric Radio Arial (fully functioning!)

Otherwise, its original features include:

<LI style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; COLOR: black; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt" class=MsoNormal>All glass etched (inc rear screen) <LI style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; COLOR: black; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt" class=MsoNormal>Factory supplied keys (inc. torch light) <LI style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; COLOR: black; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt" class=MsoNormal>RS accessory spot lights <LI style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; COLOR: black; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt" class=MsoNormal>Period Ford mudflaps front and rear <LI style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; COLOR: black; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt" class=MsoNormal>Ford dealership number plates <LI style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; COLOR: black; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt" class=MsoNormal>Power Hood – fully operational
Tonneau Cover (matching to the grey leather)
~I have applied a set of rare headlight protectors which look superb (negotiable at point of sale)

History:

The vehicle was registered 24th August 1990 and boasts to be build 498 of a 500 build. I am reliably informed that it was originally delivered to a dealership in Scotland and used as a showroom vehicle until it was sourced and brought to Cowies of Birmingham by the family who owned it for its 21 years. The car has a service history including past receipts (in the form of maintenance work and bills), a VOSA download to support the mileage, all Ford operator guides for the car inc. audio equipment. I have the original service record and assurance certificate and free insurance document (dealer supplied)!

The car still maintains its Ford door locks (not a fan of delocked doors) with the original ‘torch key’ and original spare!

Engine/Gearbox:

Both the 1600 efi engine and gearbox are standard and original. There is no evidence to support any rebuild work, nor does it require any. It has had all ‘serviceable’ items replaced i.e.

Timing Belt
Full service (genuine Fords parts and filters!)
With the above in mind, the engine can only be described as superb, totally standard, and very responsive! Whilst the EFI is not my favorite (prefer MFI), all engine sensors appear to be working correctly. With my driving style and use of the vehicle, I have consistently been returning on the fuel computer 39mpg plus! No smoke from start up, cold or otherwise which is common place these days.

The gearbox has no whines or crunches (even selecting reverse), the linkage is nice and tight.

The car drives superbly – no squeaks, rattles or anything!

Suspension:

Has benefitted from replacement shock absorbers front and rear. These maintains the cars original road ride height but allows the car to handle beautifully! This really did surprise me having owned many in the past. Its a pleasure as an everyday car!

It has developed a very light wheel baring noise to the rear which I will replace for the new owner.

Exhaust:

Original standard specification - Mild Steel

Interior:

The interior is in good condition a with no rips or tears in the leather trim, although describe as age related cracks in the leather which has now been cleaned and treated. There is sadly the very common ‘sagging’ effect to the bolsters which although intact have not benefited from the previous posterior!! I was undeterred by this as it is fairly simple and inexpensive to repair as the leather is all intact! To the extent of my honesty with this advertisment, I will mention that some of the stitching has 'loosened' recently between the base and side bolster. Subject to my commitments, I will make all effort to address this, but on balance it is 'better than average'

Steering wheel is the original specification.

In Car Entertainment:

Panasonic CD RDS with face off security

Original Ford radio provided (if required)

Original speakers with no cuts or modifications to the speaker surrounds

Exterior:

When found, the paint work was overall good, however I felt that with the cars particularly history, it would benefit from some refinishing. I have therefore had the car completely repainted in the original colour (which has included door shuts etc) Im really picky about paint finish in the context knowing the car ‘inside out’, im pleased with it overall. Being very critical, the paint lacquer is ‘thick’ in some areas which dependant on individual view, could be remedied with a cut back. Equally, there is a small lacquer run on the ‘fold’ of the nsr arch and sill. However, this in my view was a risk to the overall excellent finish which on balance did not justify any intervention. Im sure the majority wouldn’t notice, (not one of the marks show in the camera), even more think im crazy for mentioning it but its my honest view.

The battery tray, fuse box and inner wings are all original, untouched and in perfect condition.

I have spent considerable time maintaining the paintwork with quality products such as Maguires, Poorboys etc, which now compliments how straight the body work is. The finish is excellent and as such, I certainly have been considering whether to sell The attention from road users is frequent and very positive! My MOT inspector (very particular) loves this car for what it stands and its condition, top and bottom side.

Hood:

The hood is original ‘all blue’ factory issue. It fits superbly and to my knowledge, does not leak. It has lost a little of its stitching on the near side toward the rear which is repairable and does not impede its function in any way. The hood does have all its tonneau loops intact which is a common ripping point.

Underside:

Overall – excellent. I am fortunate to have seen underneath the car from end to end. I have used genuine waxoil (not underseal) on the areas normally a cause for concern, although are all fine at present. It has however had welding on a sill, caused by jacking the vehile in the incorrect place. This is not obvious or a cause for future concern. It has been painted in Pacifica blue.

All floors are original and untouched (VIN tags present!)

Brakes:

Factory Standard - all serviceable, not requiring any attention. (MOT showed an imbalance well below average!!)

Wheels:

Factory Standard and issued original spec RS Series 2 wheels. Original paint which now polished and treated look excellent. They are however showing a few age related marks now but still very presentable. I actually struggled to make up my mind as to getting these refurbed as they are the original paint!! Tyres are all excellent 195 45 15 tyres. No uneven tyre wear front or rear. Spare alloy and tyre present

Security:

The car benefits from two separate systems which for obvious reason will remain undisclosed:

· Alarm (Remote Central Locking)

· Separate key immobiliser

I like to be as accurate as I can be in my descriptions so I trust that whilst this vehicle is not to concourse standard, it will interest genuine enthusiasts such as myself and those wanting a vehicle to show for the forthcoming show season. The new owner I am looking for will appreciate the vehicle for what it is and the potential it has as with the history, low owners and genuine low mileage.

I trust that following the depth of this advertisement, viewers will appreciate that I have been as honest as I can. The opinions are mine and will appreciate those whose views would differ, but in context of the vehicle age, condition and its previous daily use, not to mention how I value it! Im sure I have missed out bits, please feel free to ask anyway!

The car has passed an MOT first time so has 12 months remaining at point of advert. Vehicle is SORN. A full service has been done 200 miles ago, albeit last year

Photographs are very recent - im happy to forward any requests for specific areas.

Thanks for reading.

p.s. Readers maybe interested to know that this car qualifies for classic car insurance which is very reasonable!!

£1500.00 ONO

Huw

p.s. - forgive how formal this is, wrote it for ebay etc etc

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Huw