Think you should add the Supersport onto the history, it came out two years before the XR2 and although only a 1300 was still a nippy little car that handled just as good as the XR. You won't remember the ad but it went "It shortens straights and straightens bends" Ford used this car to test the water I'm sure you have seen them.

Hi Phyzzo, do you know any facts about it that Hugh can add in? HAve you any pictures of this car? If you cannot find any, maybe someone has a book stored away which contains this, if anyone has, if would be great if you would scan the image or send it to either Me or Hugh and we will sort it.

Just for you Scotty aRSe
"In October 1980 the Supersport joined the ranks with the same 1300cc "Kent" Crossflow engine already in use in the other models receiving an extra bit of tuning to produce 75bhp. This was Ford's first 'Sporty' Fiesta. The Supersport featured 13" RS Alloy Wheels and the body kit that was later to be used on the XR2. This comprised a rear spoiler and wheel arch and front valence extensions."

In the form of the limited edition “Super S”, the Fiesta also flexed its sporting muscle at the 1980 Geneva Auto Salon. A lowered chassis, greater track width of 6" x 13", lightweight alloy wheels and 185/60 low profile tyres guaranteed tremendous cornering adhesion. Front and rear spoilers provided aerodynamic fine tuning, while appropriate head-turning characteristics came from its widened fenders and striking feature stripes along the flanks and rear. The refined interior included sports seats with integrated headrests. This trendsetting hot hatch came with a choice of 1.1-litre, 55PS or the "1300" with 66PS, all within a budget-friendly price range.


The "Super S" (Supersport in the UK) was, in fact, the forerunner of the first Fiesta XR2 – a 1.6 litre, 84PS version of the car introduced in 1981. With ride and handling neatly tweaked by Ford's Dunton-based Special Vehicle Engineering department, who had established a reputation for performance Ford cars like the Capri 2.8 Injection, the XR2 sewed the seeds of Ford's commitment to driving quality. Exterior cues signaled its enhanced performance – "pepper pot" alloy wheels, bumper mounted spot lamps, front and rear spoilers, and unique interior trim. The early XR2 is now a sought after classic.


Will sort out some picks, when I find some quality ones.

Thx Phyzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzo

I don't have anything to do with that side of the site, you'll need to ask Dave nicely.

The Supersport was a limited edition of around 3000 used as a styling exercise to gauge public reaction prior to the launch of the XR2. It was based on the 1300S, and included the bodykit and spotlamps that were to be used on the XR2, along with 13" RS 4-spoke alloys similar in style to those that were used on the RS2000 and some other Fords, and unique 2-tone side stripes. Unlike the XR2, the car used the same square headlamps as other Fiestas. The car went on sale around late 1980/early 1981 up until the XR2 was launched in late 1981.

It used the same 66bhp engine as the 1300S, but had more substantial driveshafts and dampers to cope with the wider tyres. It also had a bulge in the rear valance, as on the XR2, to accomodate the larger spare wheel.

On the inside, the interior was basically the same as the 1300S interior except for the Ghia-style seats, which were trimmed in either Red or Grey tartan fabric (which was actually called Carla, and doesn't look as bad as it sounds!)

The Supersport was available in Black, Red, Silver or White with a choice of Red or Grey stripes. There were also 2 option packs available. The Climate Control pack had tinted glass, a tinted band across the top of the windscreen and opening quarterlights. The Executive pack had headlamp washers, a sunroof and a radio/cassette player instead of the standard radio.

About 950 Supersports are still believed to be on the road. Original examples are now getting thin on the ground.

The webpage below has a few pictures of Supersports of varying colours:

http://www.interford.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?threadid=36738