Not sold
Car & Classic

1981 Ford Escort XR3

Not sold

Highest bid £7,900

Ended 14 Oct 2026

Data from Car & Classic, updated on 17 Oct 2026

Year
1981
Mileage
30,165 miles
Gearbox
Manual
Engine
1600cc
Colour
Red
Location
Scottish Borders, United Kingdom

Specification

Fuel
Petrol
Steering
Right Hand Drive
Auction house guide
£7,000 – £9,590

Previously listed

Other auctions of this same vehicle.

This vehicle has been to auction once before

Description

Highlights

  • In current ownership since 2018
  • Extensive history file including MOTs and service receipts from previous owners
  • Recently recommissioned and now driven weekly

The Appeal

The Ford Escort X3 is a perfect example of Dagenham magic - a hot-hatch with impressive personality and surprising versatility, with the X-Pack adding sporty styling cues and an improved suspension to seduce the more performance-led petrolhead. They remain an ever-popular machine, often spotted at rallies and car shows with many admirers.
This 1981 example was stored off the road for eight years before being recently recommissioned and returned to regular use. It's a fine-looking machine, picked out in its neat-synonymous red livery with a real time-warp cabin. Not a car to kiss!

Key Information

  • Mileage: 30,165 miles indicated (odometer has been replaced; estimated actual mileage is approx. 130,000 miles)
  • Country of registration: United Kingdom
  • Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
  • Technical specs: 1,600cc inline four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual
  • Paperwork: File of MOTs and service receipts from previous owners

The Detail

  • Recently serviced and returned to regular road use after eight years in storage
  • The vendor states the car starts and runs very well
  • Engaging 1st gear can be tricky, though the gearbox is reported to work well overall
  • Bodywork is straight and well-kept
  • Some gentle, isolated blistering
  • Slight fracture in one of the wing mirrors
  • Plastic trims in good order
  • The dashboard is cracked, which is noted as common for this model

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.

Comparable sales

Sold prices from auctions that ended in the last 24 months. Chart shows the last 12 months. The latest 16 sales carry details. Prices in GBP.

Median sold price

£25,875

Sold range

£562.50 – £300,375

Sold lots

77

Price trend

Falling

Jan 2026Apr 2026Jul 2026Oct 2026
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