A wonderfully nostalgic example of Ford’s ever-popular Escort Cabriolet, this 1989 1.6i presents as an appealing entry into 1980s open-top motoring. Built with coachwork by Karmann, the Escort Cabriolet combined the practicality and familiarity of Ford’s hugely successful Escort range with the added attraction of four-seat, soft-top motoring. This example is particularly well supported by an extensive history file, with a notably comprehensive record of servicing and maintenance stretching back several decades. It is accompanied by a Ford Escort Haynes Service and Repair Manual, together with a binder containing the original handbook, service book, period photographs and a substantial collection of supporting invoices and MOT certificates.
The accompanying service book contains an impressive 20 service stamps in addition to two handwritten entries, helping to demonstrate regular maintenance throughout the car’s life. The history folder contains invoices for a considerable amount of recent and historic expenditure. Most recently, the timing belt and water pump were replaced in February 2026, with records showing the same work had also been undertaken in 2014 and 2017. Further documented maintenance includes a replacement clutch kit in 2024, a new exhaust in 2023, radiator replacement in 2021 and a starter motor in 2019. Numerous invoices also cover routine servicing items including spark plugs, filters, seals and other mechanical components. Earlier invoices remain on file covering work carried out between 1996 and 2006, further adding to the unusually detailed maintenance record. The car is offered with a current MOT valid until May 2027, recorded with no advisories.
A particularly strong aspect of this Escort is the continuity of its accompanying documentation. MOT certificates are present from 1994 through to May 2026, with only three certificates understood to be absent across that lengthy period. Combined with the stamped service book and extensive invoice file, this provides an excellent overview of the car's long-term use, servicing and upkeep. Also included are period photographs of the vehicle, the original owner's manual and the aforementioned Haynes Service and Repair Manual.
The Escort Cabriolet was Ford's stylish open-top interpretation of one of Britain's most familiar family cars, with the convertible conversion undertaken by renowned German coachbuilder Karmann. This 1.6i variant is powered by Ford's 1,597cc SOHC inline-four petrol engine, driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Depending upon specification, contemporary 1.6-litre fuel-injected versions produced approximately 89-103 bhp, offering a top speed in the region of 111 mph and 0-60 mph performance of approximately 11.7 seconds. Despite its compact dimensions, the Cabriolet retained genuine everyday usability with seating for four and useful luggage capacity, making it far more practical than many contemporary open-top alternatives. Lightweight, straightforward and unmistakably of its era, the Escort Cabriolet has become an increasingly nostalgic reminder of Ford's hugely successful 1980s model range.
Good surviving examples of the Escort Cabriolet are becoming increasingly difficult to find, particularly cars supported by the depth of documentation accompanying this example. With its extensively stamped service book, invoices dating back to the 1990s, an almost continuous collection of MOT certificates and significant recent expenditure including the timing belt, water pump, clutch and exhaust, this car benefits from a history file that should appeal strongly to prospective custodians. An attractive and usable modern classic offering genuine four-seat practicality, simple mechanicals and all the appeal of 1980s open-air motoring.
