Classic Ford – August 2019

allure: every single MoT certificate remains with

the car, while the original bill of sale gives an

insight into the first keeper’s priorities. Sold new

in Margate, the XR2 was delivered without

tinted windows, sunroof or an FM radio but

with a bargain £5295 price tag.

Minor imperfection

No project is ever perfect but it takes Allan’s

direction to find even a minor flaw in this ’80s

diamond. Zone in on the passenger rear

wheelarch, focus hard enough and a small scuff is

just about visible. “It’s just one wee bit and it’s

driving me insane,” he laughs. Father and son

would never consider changing it for a

replacement part though: the XR2’s originality is

It’s rare to see a Mk1 XR2 interior looking this good, but

Allan and Mick wouldn’t stand for anything else.

all-important. Instead, the pair are working with

their sponsor, Scottish detailing specialists

Angelwax. “John, their chemist, is creating

something that will soften the plastic just enough

that it can be smoothed out,” Allan explains.

It won’t be the only custom potion to grace the

bright white Fiesta. John is in continual

conversation with the Lewis family and develops

custom products to work with the car’s cellulose

paintwork. “It’s fantastic. I’ll explain what isn’t

quite how we’d want it, then a week later we’ll

have something produced and ready for the XR2,”

Allan smiles. The reward for their labours is clear:

the all-original paintwork pops, thanks to the time

Allan and Mick have spent clay barring, polishing

and sealing the bodywork. Initial preparation alone

Mick and Allan have owned a string of

early Fiestas, but this is their finest yet.

“WE’VE TRIED NOT TO REPLACE ANYTHING

—THE CAR’S HISTORY WOULD SLIP AWAY”

With this level of finish, it’s no wonder

the Fiesta is cleaning up at the shows...

Engine is all-original. Allan and Mick scoured

the UK hunting down the correct jubilee clips.

60 August 2019