The Mk3 Escort range was launched in the UK on September 3rd, 1980, and the bold new XR3 appeared within weeks. It was designed as Ford’s entry into the keenly fought hot hatch market and was promoted as having been partially developed by three-time F1 World Champion Jackie Stewart. An appealing mix of performance, style and practicality, it offered supreme value for money and was an immediate sales hit. A revised model, the XR3i, appeared in October 1982 and was developed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Engineering department in Essex. It featured Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection in place of the original’s Weber carburettor, stiffer springs and gas-filled Girling dampers which improved the ride and handling. The XR3i modelled was ordered from Ford main dealers RT Rates Grays, Essex, by local man William Fitzgeorge who specified two extras, a sunroof and tinted windows. It was registered on August 10th, 1983, then serviced regularly by Rates and stored in a dry garage. The first owner kept it for 29 years until it was involved in a small incident in 2012 which damaged the nearside front wing. The lightly damaged car was purchased in November 2012 by Essex-based fast Ford enthusiast Peter Steele who had the damage professionally repaired and returned the car to roadworthy condition in spring 2013. Since then, the car has become well known in the Ford XR Owners Club and been used for classic car events.