Moving fast! Retro hot hatchbacks heading to auction soon

This weekend’s Anglia Car Auction features a tempting array of modern classic hot hatchbacks, all waiting to cross the block.

Taking place on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th April 2024, auction bids can be made in person or online.

This means you have the Easter weekend to clear out space in your garage, ready to give a home to a retro hot hatch.

1989 Ford Escort XR3i

The fourth-generation Ford Escort is growing in status among collectors, even though it has not matched the desirability of its predecessors. 

A 1989 example, this Radiant Red Escort XR3i benefits from changes introduced to keep the car competitive, including Ford-developed fuel injection. The 1.6-litre CVH four-cylinder engine produces 105hp – good for a 0-60mph time of 8.5 seconds.

This XR3i has covered just under 91,000 miles, and has recently benefited from a new gearbox, cambelt, water pump and battery.

Recent maintenance records for the car are also included, all supporting a pre-auction estimate of £7,000 to £9,000.

1991 Rover 216 GTi TC

The Rover 200 turns 40 in 2024, so what better way to celebrate than with a rare example of the R8-generation model. Designed in collaboration with Honda, the 216 GTi made use of the Japanese company’s 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine.

Sold alongside a single-cam model, the twin-cam 216 GTi TC saw the engine’s output increased to 128hp. This made for 0-60mph in less than nine seconds, while the interior featured half-leather sports seats.

The 216 GTI TC is genuinely rare in the UK now, with fewer than 60 examples recorded as being in existence – and only 15 still on the road.

Finished in White Diamond, this car has 46,000 miles on its odometer. It comes with an MOT valid until February 2025.

1999 Alfa Romeo 145 Cloverleaf

Launched at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Alfa Romeo 145 Cloverleaf brought a 2.0-litre Twin Spark four-cylinder engine to the three-door hatchback.

Compared to a regular 145, the Cloverleaf featured sportier styling, ‘telephone dial’ alloy wheels and upgraded suspension.

As a later 1999 example, this particular Alfa benefits from the Twin Spark engine producing 155hp, plus subtly updated exterior styling. A tan leather interior contrasts with the black paintwork, while this Cloverleaf also benefits from a Ragazzon stainless steel exhaust.

More than £3,500 has been spent on maintenance over last year, and the car’s MOT is valid until January 2025. For a summer of Italian hot hatch fun, budget on paying between £3,000 and £5,000.

2002 Volkswagen Golf GTI 1.8 Turbo

The Mk4 Volkswagen Golf GTI struggled with its image from launch, criticised for favouring build quality and refinement over driving dynamics. An underpowered, naturally aspirated 2.0-litre model with 115hp was perhaps the nadir for the GTI in the UK, but the turbocharged 1.8 versions showed some promise. 

With 150hp and 155lb ft of torque, the 1.8T engine powering this five-door GTI means 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds, plus a top speed of 134mph. Yes, a Ford Focus would be more engaging, but at least the Golf had fancy blue backlit dials.

Despite such usability, this Golf GTI has racked up just 20,200 miles, which is supported by the accompanying MOT history. Such a low mileage means the Golf comes with a pre-auction estimate of £5,000 to £7,000.

2004 MG ZS 180

The idea of a hot hatchback powered by a 2.5-litre V6 seems a bit alien in 2024, but this was the engine of choice for the range-topping MG ZS. Producing 180hp and 177lb ft of torque, the ZS 180 could sprint from 0-60mph in 7.3 seconds.

As a facelifted model from 2004, this MG ZS 180 hatchback wears the updated styling inspired by the XPower SV sports car. The original owner declined the optional high-level rear spoiler, leaving this example looking relatively subtle.

With just over 19,000 miles on the odometer, this two-owner ZS 180 comes with a wealth of maintenance history. It’s being sold with no reserve.

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