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Curated Auction

1989 Ford Fiesta Popular Plus – Modified

At a Glance

2015 Respray | Restored Example | ~14-Year Ownership | 1.6 Engine Upgrade

  • Mileage~12,805 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.6-litre
  • LocationBurton-on-Trent

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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Video #2

Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

The car is fitted with an upgraded and punchy 1.6-litre engine running twin 40s - a wolf in sheep's clothing you might say.

The 1989 Ford Fiesta Popular Plus marked the final chapter of the second-generation (Mk2) Fiesta before the arrival of the all-new Mk3. Powered by Ford’s dependable 1.1-litre Valencia engine producing 50bhp, it offered simple, economical and reliable motoring, making it a popular choice for first-time drivers and daily commuters.

The Popular Plus trim added a few welcome comforts over the basic model, including fabric-trimmed seats, a digital clock, a heated rear window and a rear wash/wipe system. While its steering could feel heavy and refinement was limited, its affordability, durability and ease of maintenance helped cement the Fiesta’s place as one of Britain’s most popular small cars.

Coming to market from just under 14 years with our vendor, following an eight-year restoration, this stunning Fiesta Popular Plus has become something a little more special than the original, having undergone a complete rebuild along with some tasty engine upgrades. It comes with a fresh MOT valid until 10.06.2027.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Andy the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

Ford fanatic Andy just couldn’t refuse another project, especially when his wife Sarah also fell in love with it.

Andy has always been into Fords from an early age but was mainly used to working on Escorts. That was until a friend mentioned the Fiesta Popular Plus, which had been locked away for several years untouched.

A quick visit to see the car in 2011 resulted in a thoughtful drive home, as it was in relatively good condition and an ideal project. Pondering what to do, it was his wife Sarah who gave the go-ahead when she said, “You can restore it for me; I love it!” Enough said; the deal was done, and the eight-year nut-and-bolt restoration began.

Andy has an Escort he's selling with us, and due to that decision is the reason why Sarah is letting this car go too.

Andy and Sarah will be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

Andy
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

The Popular Plus body has had a couple of small additions but retains its originality.

Wheels and Tyres

Andy has fitted a set of XR2 Pepper Pots, which have been powder-coated in white and are in excellent condition.

Shod with a matching set of 185/60 R13 Yokohama A539 tyres, which have plenty of tread remaining.

Please take the time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

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Bodywork

Even though the Fiesta had been in storage for several years, the bodywork was in relatively good condition.

The car has retained its original panels, with some repair work to the floor in a couple of places, but nothing excessive.

The panels align well with even gaps, and no dings or dents were noted. Full respray in 2015 in original 'Radiant Red'.

We’ve highlighted our observations in more detail through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take the time to review all media files to assess the car’s condition for yourself.

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Paint

Repainted in 2015, the Fiesta has been finished in the original colour of 'Radiant Red'. As you can see, the car presents extremely well, with just a couple of very minor chips that could easily be touched up.

The images are taken from a range of angles to show the car as you would see it in person, so please take the time to fully assess the high-resolution photos and videos before forming your own opinion of the paintwork.

image

Glass and Trim

All of the windows appear to be in good condition, with no obvious scratches or marks. These are also the original windows, with the registration number etched in.

The headlights, spotlights and rear lights are all in good order, with no damage to the lenses.

An addition to the bodywork is an XR2 boot spoiler. The bumpers have also been treated to a gloss black finish, including the corner trims.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

The Popular Plus interior is pretty much as Ford intended when the car was built in 1988.

Seats and Carpets

The original seats are in excellent condition, with no real signs of age or wear.

Throughout the Fiesta, the carpets are also in excellent condition, with no excessive wear.

Inside the boot, the floor panels are clean and tidy, and there is a spare steel wheel.

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Dashboard

Nice and original, the dashboard is free from damage.

The instruments appear to be working correctly, and the odometer shows a reading of ~12,805 miles at the time of our visit.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Adding a little extra comfort is a slightly thicker XR2 steering wheel, which is in excellent condition.

The gear knob is a subtle giveaway that this is more than a 1.1 Fiesta.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

A fully rebuilt 1.6-litre hemi-type engine running twin 40s is a significant upgrade over the original 1.1.

Engine and Gearbox

Andy and Sarah decided to fit a 1.6-litre engine using one of the many spares he had collected over the years. This was fully rebuilt by a local specialist who happened to have a large stock of old Ford parts, including pistons.

It has been set up superbly and runs with no issues reported, using a Burton Power high-pressure fuel pump, twin 40 Dell’Orto carburettors, stainless steel braided fuel lines front to rear, and a Kent vernier pulley. The cooling system has received a full set of Roose Motorsport hoses in blue and a new old stock radiator with twin SPAL fans.

A custom-made stainless steel exhaust system has been fitted, which sounds great and is not intrusive.

The engine is protected with an Omex rev limiter and shift light for perfectly timed gear changes.

A rebuilt gearbox with a five-speed gear linkage conversion has been fitted, improving drivability with the additional power increase.

image

Suspension and Brakes

Andy opted for KYB shocks and springs, which have been powder-coated in blue. He has also fitted a complete polybush kit that keeps everything tight and precise. A reconditioned steering rack has also been fitted.

On the road, the car handles nicely and feels very tight and stable.

Stopping the Fiesta with no issues are reconditioned Mk2 Fiesta front calipers with new rear drums and shoes. Nicop solid brake lines, front to rear, have been painstakingly shaped to exactly replicate the original pipework, with no wibbly-wobbly copper lines in sight.

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The Drive

Fitted with a 1.6-litre engine and twin 40 carburettors, the lightweight Mk2 Ford Fiesta Popular Plus is transformed from an economical runabout into a genuinely lively hot hatch. Weighing little more than 750kg, it feels eager and responsive, with strong acceleration, a raspy induction note and plenty of character.

The unassisted steering and simple chassis deliver a direct, analogue driving experience, making it great fun on twisting roads while retaining the charm and simplicity that made the Fiesta so popular in the first place.

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Electrics and Other

All of the switchgear is original and working as expected.

There is the additional Omex shift light as mentioned and a period-style head unit with Bluetooth connectivity.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

I didn’t really think I’d sell the car, so saving paperwork was never a priority. I just got on with building it.

With no real plans to sell the car, Andy didn’t keep many invoices for parts, and a lot of the work carried out was paid for in cash.

The Fiesta has just been through an MOT and passed with no advisories.

Sarah was the main driver of the Fiesta, and Andy’s decision to part with his Escort is what has led to Sarah deciding to sell the much-loved Fiesta.

This is a fantastic opportunity for any Ford fan to own a classic Fiesta with some tasteful upgrades, creating an OEM+ Popular Plus.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including photo ID and V5 verification, as well as a history check on the vehicle. This is a professional HPI check that will highlight if the car has previously been stolen, recorded as being involved in an accident, or has any outstanding finance. Please note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We’ve summarised our own view of the car based on information provided by the seller; however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video each car in high resolution detail so you can make your own assessment from the comfort of your home. So please sit back, have a cuppa, and take your time reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are also welcomed on all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a suitable time we just need to speak to you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments section before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car, just like at a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
08.06.2026 MOT 12,750
06.06.2025 MOT 12,471
21.05.2024 MOT 12,129
12.05.2023 MOT 11,894
13.05.2022 MOT 11,290
14.05.2021 MOT 10,409
11.06.2020 MOT 96,987
11.03.2010 MOT 46,868
11.03.2009 MOT 43,711
18.02.2008 MOT 39,934
12.02.2007 MOT 36,496
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Model Fiesta Popular Plus
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 16.01.1989
  • Build Year 1988
  • CC 1600
  • Mileage ~12,805 on clock
  • Colour Radiant Red
  • Interior Colour Grey
  • Interior Trim Fabric
  • Chassis # WF0BXXGAFBJS24600
  • Engine # JY90552
  • Restored Yes
  • Engine Rebuild Yes
  • MOT Exp: 10.06.2027
  • MOT Exempt No
  • Road Tax Exempt No
  • HPi Clear Yes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers 7
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned 13 years, 9 months
  • Key Feature Ground Up Restoration
  • Vehicle Registration F228 DKU
  • Driver’s Side Right
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type Hatchback
  • Auction ID 3745
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Burton-on-Trent

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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Fiesta like this is £158 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Summer 2026.

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    Vehicle Location

    Burton-on-Trent

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