Ford orion

Description:

elcome to this auction for my 1988 Ford Orion L, let me just start by saying that this isn't a decision I've come to with ease and I'll be genuinely sorry to see her go but there comes a time when we all have to move on and lately the Orion has taken a bit of a back seat.


Anyway, moving on - she started life as a 1.4 but is now running a 1.6 carb engine from an 1982 XR3 along with a 32/34DFT Weber carb & 5spd gearbox. When the engine was put in a few years back it had a light overhaul which included a new head gasket etc. It runs and drives well but please bare in mind it's over 30yrs old now so don't expect it to be like a 3yr old Focus.


I have a folder of paperwork including lots of old MOT's and some old tax discs. It had a new clutch fitted in 2014 and has covered about 10k since then.


It's lowered 60mm and sitting on Escort S1 Wheels which have been recently refurbed with 2 new tyres. It has a Scorpion Exhaust fitted which has a lovely sound to it and a K&N filter, I also fitted a new downpipe around a year ago. 


I've recently fitted a new starter motor as the old one was past it and also a brand new battery a few days ago. 


In general the car is a pretty solid example which has had a few patches over the years but nothing major and is certainly not a rot box, the bits of welding that have been done has been to a good standard with the rot being cut out and fresh metal welded in, not just a quick MOT repair like most these days.


If being fussy, the battery tray could do with being done but it's not holed, just more cosmetic than anything, the fuse box area is very tidy and doesn't require any attention. Unfortunately there's a hole in the rear valance at the side and also one in the passenger side sill at the back, there's also a bit of surface rust on the bottom of the passenger wing at the front and inside the rear doors are starting to bubble up. I've been meaning to have these done but I've not managed to find the time. I'm probably making it sound worse than it actually is so please look at the photos to make your own mind up. The boot floor is tidy with no holes or previous repairs. 


Paint in general is good considering the age, there's a couple of small bits which have been polished slightly too much but this isn't visible unless pointed out. 


The interior is in good condition but the door cards have seen better days, that said I do have a mint set of door cards which will come with the car, if I find half an hour spare I'll fit them but no promises, one other thing to mention is the headliner at the rear has dropped, as a temporary measure I've taped it up to stop it hanging down.


The current MOT runs until April 2019 and the car is ready to be driven away by the new owner.


I've tried to describe the car as honest as possible but obviously people's opinions differ so I'd prefer you to make your own mind up. 


I have no issues with test drives providing you bring proof of insurance and I.D for yourself, if you're unable to do this you'll be sitting in the passenger seat and I'll be driving. 


To sum it up, this Orion is an ideal starter classic and an easy way to get into the Classic Ford scene, it gets attention everywhere it goes and people always have a story to tell whether it's themselves, a relative or a friend who's owned one in the past. I drive it to Santa Pod every year for Classic Ford Show and it never misses a beat on the 500 mile round trip. Yes it does need slight TLC but let's be honest, what 30 year old car doesn't.