30th Aug, 2021 12:00
The Gold Cup Classic Car Auction
1985 Ford Escort 1.6 Cabriolet
Registration - D561 LFX
Chassis No. - WF0LXXGKALFG39804
M.O.T. - September 2022
Odometer - 112,500
This Mk3 Escort Cabriolet certainly fell into the right hands four years ago, when it was acquired by the vendor. During his ownership, the car has been cherished and modified and is now seems a very special example of what was already quite a rare machine.
The Mk3 Escort was already hugely successful - winning European Car of the Year in 1981 - when Ford took the plunge and brought out a Karmann-bodied drop-top version in 1983, its first convertible since the 1960s Corsair. The cabriolet was very much aimed at the ‘yuppies’ which characterised the 1980s, and it definitely attracted attention, with Glynis Barber famously driving one in the classic mid-1980s TV detective series Dempsey & Makepeace.
‘D561 LFX’ was built in August 1985 during the final months of Mk3 Escort production, though not actually registered until 1986 – the vendor says it ‘sat around because Ford was soon to release the face-lift version, known as the Mk4’. There is little history for the car prior to the vendor’s ownership, though a data check shows that it was written off in 1994 after it was damaged by fire. Clearly this automotive phoenix rose safely from the ashes!
Over the last four years it has been fitted with a rebuilt XR Challenge-prepared engine and gearbox, very smart new mohair hood, Spax shocks, full Sportex 4-2-1 exhaust, Pipercross air filter, Hella headlight grille, Scorpion alarm system, new fuel tank and sender unit, new windbreaker and 15” alloy wheels. It also now sits a little closer to the kerb, having been lowered 35mm, and has had a full respray, replacing the original black paintwork with an attractive metallic blue. The vendor’s attention to detail shows in the fact that he sourced an original Ford paint colour for this change – and even in the ‘Hand wash only’ decal on the bumper! To get a closer look at the car, you can see it on a YouTube review from 2019: https://youtu.be/31c2JMxhVZc.
In summary:
- Enthusiast-owned, elegantly modified example of a very collectable model
- Subject of much investment in recent years, including rebuilt XR Challenge-prepared engine and gearbox, Sportex exhaust and Spax dampers
- Cosmetic improvements include full re-spray, 15” alloys and new mohair hood
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Sold for £3,800
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)
Registration - D561 LFX
Chassis No. - WF0LXXGKALFG39804
M.O.T. - September 2022
Odometer - 112,500
This Mk3 Escort Cabriolet certainly fell into the right hands four years ago, when it was acquired by the vendor. During his ownership, the car has been cherished and modified and is now seems a very special example of what was already quite a rare machine.
The Mk3 Escort was already hugely successful - winning European Car of the Year in 1981 - when Ford took the plunge and brought out a Karmann-bodied drop-top version in 1983, its first convertible since the 1960s Corsair. The cabriolet was very much aimed at the ‘yuppies’ which characterised the 1980s, and it definitely attracted attention, with Glynis Barber famously driving one in the classic mid-1980s TV detective series Dempsey & Makepeace.
‘D561 LFX’ was built in August 1985 during the final months of Mk3 Escort production, though not actually registered until 1986 – the vendor says it ‘sat around because Ford was soon to release the face-lift version, known as the Mk4’. There is little history for the car prior to the vendor’s ownership, though a data check shows that it was written off in 1994 after it was damaged by fire. Clearly this automotive phoenix rose safely from the ashes!
Over the last four years it has been fitted with a rebuilt XR Challenge-prepared engine and gearbox, very smart new mohair hood, Spax shocks, full Sportex 4-2-1 exhaust, Pipercross air filter, Hella headlight grille, Scorpion alarm system, new fuel tank and sender unit, new windbreaker and 15” alloy wheels. It also now sits a little closer to the kerb, having been lowered 35mm, and has had a full respray, replacing the original black paintwork with an attractive metallic blue. The vendor’s attention to detail shows in the fact that he sourced an original Ford paint colour for this change – and even in the ‘Hand wash only’ decal on the bumper! To get a closer look at the car, you can see it on a YouTube review from 2019: https://youtu.be/31c2JMxhVZc.
In summary:
- Enthusiast-owned, elegantly modified example of a very collectable model
- Subject of much investment in recent years, including rebuilt XR Challenge-prepared engine and gearbox, Sportex exhaust and Spax dampers
- Cosmetic improvements include full re-spray, 15” alloys and new mohair hood
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Auction: The Gold Cup Classic Car Auction, 30th Aug, 2021
This auction of classic cars, motorbikes, registrations & automobilia will take in the final day of the prestigious Oulton Park Gold Cup Weekend.
We are delighted to again be be running this live event at the Gold Cup.
As with all Hampson Auctions there will be a fantastic and varied mix of lots to reflect both the individual interests of collectors whatever stage of the collectors journey they are on.
If you wish to consign your vehicle to this auction, you can request a valuation here or by calling on of the team on 01606 828124
PLEASE NOTE - DUE TO THE INFLUX OF ENTRIES, LOT NUMBERS MAY HAVE CHANGED, PLEASE SCROLL FURTHER THROUGH THE LISTINGS AS LOT NUMBERS MAY HAVE MOVED
Viewing Days:
Saturday, August 28th 2021 9am - 7pm
Sunday, August 29th 2021 9am - 7pm
Monday Morning, August 30th 2021 9am - 12pm
Fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch with a no-obligation valuation. We will also take you through the consignment and valuation process, to enable you to make an informed decision.
If you prefer to contact us directly please call 01606 828 124 or email info@hampsonauctions.com
