1989 Ford Fiesta Popular Plus 1.6L Swap

Highlights

• Specialist-rebuilt 1.6-litre engine with Burton Power oil pump, twin 40 Dell'Orto carbx, braided fuel lines, and Kent vernier pulley
• Resprayed in 2015 in original 'Radiant Red'
• Current MOT valid until June 2027 with no advisories
• Dry stored and used sparingly

The Appeal

'80s superminis are making a real comeback and the Ford Fiesta is one of Britain's favourites. This 1989 Popular Plus has been thoughtfully developed into something altogether more spirited. Its original 1.1-litre engine has been replaced with a specialist-rebuilt 1.6-litre unit, fed by twin 40 Dell'Orto carburettors and supported by a carefully selected roster of quality components from the likes of Burton Power, Roose Motorsport, and Omex. A rebuilt gearbox with a five-speed conversion completes the mechanical picture.

Beyond the engine bay, this Fiesta presents very well. A full respray in original 'Radiant Red' was carried out in 2015, and the vendor reports that the bodywork remains in very good order with well-aligned panels and no dings or dents. Inside, the original seats and carpets are described as being in fine condition, while XR2 touches such as Pepper Pot wheels, a boot spoiler, and a thicker steering wheel lend a period-correct sporting flavour. Having spent several years in dry storage and used primarily for shows, this is a car that has clearly been cherished. It holds a current MOT with no advisories and, by all accounts, is great fun to drive.

Key Information

• Mileage: 12,750 miles indicated; the odometer has gone around the clock, with an estimated actual mileage of approximately 112,750 miles
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• MOT status: valid until 10 June 2027, passed with no advisories
• Technical specs: 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol (converted from 1.1), five-speed manual
• Paperwork: limited invoices available; the vendor notes much of the work was paid for in cash

The Detail

• Originally a 1.1-litre Fiesta, now fitted with a 1.6-litre engine fully rebuilt by a local specialist
• Fitted with a Burton Power high-pressure oil pump, twin 40 Dell'Orto carburettors, stainless steel braided fuel lines, and a Kent vernier pulley
• Cooling system includes Roose Motorsport hoses, a new old stock radiator, and twin SPAL fans
• Custom-made stainless steel exhaust system fitted
• Omex rev limiter and shift light fitted
• Rebuilt gearbox with a five-speed gear linkage conversion
• Full respray carried out in 2015 in original 'Radiant Red'
• XR2 Pepper Pot wheels powder-coated in white with matching 185/60 R13 Yokohama A539 tyres
• XR2 boot spoiler and slightly thicker XR2 steering wheel fitted
• Bumpers and corner trims finished in gloss black
• The vendor states the original seats are in very good condition with minimal signs of age or wear
• The vendor reports the carpets are in very good condition throughout
• All windows described as being in good condition with original registration number etching
• Headlights, spotlights, and rear lights all reported to be in good order with no lens damage
• Boot floor panels described as clean and tidy; spare steel wheel included

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