Corgi Vanguard Ford Escort Mk3 XR3i Strato Silver VA11017 1:43 scale

The Mk3 Escort range was launched in the UK on September 3rd, 1980, and the bold new XR3 appeared within weeks. It was designed as Ford’s entry into the keenly fought hot hatch market and was promoted as having been partially developed by three-time F1 World Champion Jackie Stewart.

An appealing mix of performance, style and practicality, it offered supreme value for money and was an immediate sales hit. A revised model, the XR3i, appeared in October 1982 and was developed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Engineering department in Essex. It featured Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection in place of the original’s Weber carburettor, stiffer springs and gas-filled Girling dampers which improved the ride and handling.