Someone please buy this restored Ford Orion

What to call the Ford Orion in 2025? A feast for the eyes? Twenty years ago, the response would’ve been emphatically different. It is (deservedly, of course) the likes of the Sierra Cosworth and Escort RS Turbo that have been the darlings of the fast Ford collector scene. The humble Orion – essentially an Escort with a boot, if you were born after 1990 – has, for many if not most people, largely been consigned to the scrapheap of automotive history.

But with the right kind of eyes (and possibly the right kind of fond memory), things are a little different. In many ways, the Orion was the perfect embodiment of aspirational ‘80s Britain – a middle manager special, which, in Ghia trim, with its 105hp 1.6-litre fuel-injected CVH engine, offered a very Blue Oval take on a premium experience with performance to match, thanks to 0-60mph in around 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 115mph. Properly brisk for 1988.

What makes this particular example compelling isn’t just its rarity – though naturally plays very much into the equation (when did you last see an Orion of any description, let alone a smart Ghia?) – but the forensic approach to its restoration. The current seller acquired it in March 2023 as a solid example, before embarking on what can only be described as a labour of love.

Mechanically speaking, it’s essentially a new car. The motor has been treated to a new camshaft, hydraulic lifters, valve stem oil seals, alternator, filters, plugs, leads, distributor cap, rotor arm, coil, water pump, cam belt, tensioner, and more. Elsewhere, there are new rear wishbones, bushes, anti-roll bar components, gas shocks, and XR3i springs, not to mention a preceding bare metal strip to snuff out any chance of rot with enough Hammerite to see HMS Warrior to the next millennium. 

The interior has been deep cleaned rather than replaced, thus preserving its period charm – but not to the point of abstemious sacrifice: there’s a discreetly installed Sony Bluetooth stereo in the glovebox (leaving the original stereo and amp refurbished and in situ). The charm of all this is roughly on par with the memory of getting bladdered for a tenner. Easily sufficient for us not to give two hoots about the exact mileage, which is currently showing 32k but has previously been reset, nor the idea of 11 previous owners being behind the wheel. 

No, this Orion is one of two things. Either the final cog in the exhaustive collection of discerning Ford fans – or a £11k time capsule for someone old enough to remember the excitement of hearing Definitely Maybe in 1994, and possibly looking for the perfect way to get three mates to Cardiff next month. We can think of no better way to set the mood. Or to start a conversation when you get there.