This is a rare opportunity to purchase a low mileage modern classic with a great history.

Finished in Ash black metallic with ‘Raven’ interior trim this car looks great and is high-spec model featuring power hood, central locking, electric windows etc.

Note: This car is offered for sale as part of the estate of my late father-in-law hence we are not looking for any kind of part exchange or deal of any kind – it is the perfect project for a Ford enthusiast and we’d like to find the right person to curate the next chapter in the story of this fabulous little car.

So, this Mk5a Si cabriolet was well-maintained by the original owner (a Ford employee) who clocked up just 66k miles (approx 2200miles p/a) until the car was signed over to the Ford Heritage Centre (Dagenham) in 2013. (NB: full Ford Heritage loan agreement documentation included in the history file). 

Then, in 2022, the car was purchased from the original owner by my late father-in-law (a retired Ford Engineer / Heritage Centre volunteer), who proceeded to recommission the car for personal use and to attend the occasional classic car show etc.

Dave (father-in-law) was a lifelong car enthusiast and was fastidious when it came to working on / maintaining his cars. Therefore it’s fair to say that no corners will have been cut regarding the recommissioning of this 

when it came to reinstating this car following it’s time at the Heritage Centre.

Dave replaced many parts and tackled a not inconsiderable amount of work to ensure the car was in good order prior to MOT.

The original 1.8i 130ps engine has covered barely 70 miles since a full/comprehensive service in ’22 (inc cambelt, water pump, oil/fuel/air filters, spark plugs, ignition leads, hoses, aux belts, fluids etc) and starts/runs/performs perfectly. 

The braking system has also been overhauled (inc new discs, pads, hoses and fresh brake fluid etc) plus there are also recent receipts for many other components such as lower front suspension arms, arb bushes/drop links, exhaust gaskets/hangers and so on.

The alloy wheels have also been refurbished and fitted with new Uniroyal tyres (receipt for £674.34 in the file).

Also, there’s lots of paperwork with the car inc. original bill of sale, previous MOT certificates, tax disc (!), manuals and so on. The file also includes recent receipts supporting the recommissioning work (plus an agreed valuation certificate) and full documentation re: vehicle loan agreement with the Ford Heritage Centre (2013-2022).

The last MOT prior to the loan / storage @ Heritage was in October 2013 and the mileage was recorded as 66018. Following the recommissioning, the car was next MOT’d in December 2022 with the mileage recorded as 66130 miles. The current MOT certificate lists the mileage as 66191 (and expires 11 December ’24). NB: Currently the car shows 66203 miles on the odometer.

I have recently fitted a new battery to the car (and make a point of starting it every week or so just to keep it on its toes) and can confirm that it always fires up immediately and drives well. 

The power hood is in good order / works as it should and the interior is in great shape with the seats showing no signs of bolster wear etc.

Overall the Escort is in great condition and presents very well indeed.

 And, unlike many other cars of this era, it is very original and unmolested – i.e. with the exception of an insurance-approved immobiliser, it is ‘factory-spec’ throughout (right down to the OG Ford ‘keycode’ radio/cassette player).

NB: There are a few minor niggles I’ve noticed (remember, this is a 30+ year old car):

• Fuel gauge not working (although I have found a replacement fuel sender unit in the boot, hence this is a simple fix)

• Passenger-side (door) electric window/switch is temperamental – and, while the rear windows can be wound down via the (front) console switches, they have to be raised using the rear switches (easy to reach from the front of the car).

I’ve tried to include as much information as possible in the listing and will do my best to answer any questions you may have. Of course, I’m more than happy to cater viewings/inspections etc BUT I will require at least 24-hours notice as the car is garaged at the family home (Southend, Essex SS9) / I will need to arrange to meet you there.

Please note: vehicle must be paid for in full and collected within a week of auction end.