This “Sovereign metallic” Fairmont Ghia would make an ideal and easy project for the XE enthusiast – notably having very little rust in the body. Although the vehicle’s interior has been disassembled, the full original (and immaculate) trim is included with the sale, as are the original snowflake wheels. The seller notes the car runs well, with no obvious mechanical issues.

The seller has owned this vehicle for just under a year, and due to having several new projects, needs it gone. The car has travelled only 217,000km from new on its original engine, and its overall condition suggests it was not a coastal car. Not only is this evidenced by the state of the body, but the cloth Chamois interior (which is currently in dry storage) is in amazing condition. The roof lining in the car is also fully intact and although slightly marked would clean up very well, as would the carpets which display no signs of serious wear.

This particular car is a September 1983 build, and has to be one of the best unrestored bodies on the market when it comes to rust. It’s certainly one of the most solid unrestored XEs we’ve come across in recent times, and even the majority of the paintwork is in great condition. The main exception to this is the roof, which has seen the clear coat deteriorate, and would likely need a re-spray.

When we inspected the car, there were only small areas of spot rust or surface rust, and a couple of rust holes on the bonnet. There is also an area we spotted at base of the rear driver’s side quarter panel which may need some attention before it spreads. Those areas have been detailed as best possible in the photographs, and are relatively minor. There are also a couple of small dents in the body, the driver’s guard being one location. The rear valance panel has been bent out of shape and would likely need replacing.

This would make an easy restoration project with only minor body repairs required, a bit of paint and reassembly with the existing trim which is already in brilliant condition.

At $8,500, the seller notes the price is negotiable. For more information or to arrange an inspection, please sign-in and click the “contact seller” button at the top of this page.

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