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..
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✓ 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.
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✓ 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.
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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

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