Photo: Cars & Bids
It’s likely been quite some time since you last spotted a first-generation Ford Escort on the road. Ford may have produced a large number of them, but they weren’t necessarily built to stand the test of time. That’s why this 1989 Ford Escort LX Hatchback is so intriguing. Currently available for sale on Cars & Bids, it’s not just in running and driving condition, it actually appears to be in excellent condition.
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We have no idea why the previous owner put so much effort into keeping this Ford Escort in near-showroom condition, but we certainly appreciate that they did. With less than 43,000 miles on the odometer, it’s estimated that the car was driven around 1,200 miles per year. However, the listing mentions that the original owner donated it to a charity at some point, so it’s possible that it was driven more frequently and has simply been inactive for a while.
Photo: Cars & Bids
Regardless, it cleans up exceptionally well, even if it hasn’t been driven recently. The Wild Strawberry Pearl Metallic paint looks absolutely stunning, especially when paired with the red interior. While not everyone may be a fan of the red-on-red color combination, those who appreciate it will absolutely love it.
However, it’s important to note that this is still a 30-year-old, front-wheel-drive Ford. Its 1.9-liter inline-four engine only produces 90 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque. Even with a five-speed manual transmission instead of an automatic, it’s still going to be relatively slow. In a car with more charm, this might be less of an issue, but it’s difficult to associate “1980s Ford Escort” and “charm” in the same sentence.
Photo: Cars & Bids
The good news is that the listing states the car has been kept in California for its entire life, so it hasn’t experienced as much rust as most others probably have. Nevertheless, it’s unlikely that the final price will be particularly high. Yet, whoever ends up with this special vehicle will surely cherish it.
Photo: Cars & Bids
Photo: Cars & Bids
Photo: Cars & Bids