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Special edition Mk1 Ford Fiestas are getting hard to find now, especially ones that still retain this much originality and history.
This 1979 Ford Fiesta Sandpiper has appeared for sale looking remarkably well preserved in its original Roman Bronze finish, complete with detailed paperwork, long-term local history and a very smart recommissioning story behind it.
Ford launched the Sandpiper as a limited-edition Fiesta towards the end of the 1970s, giving buyers something a little more distinctive during the Mk1 Fiesta boom years.
Many surviving Sandpipers were finished in two-tone paint schemes, but this single-colour Roman Bronze example is a much rarer sight today.
Registered new on 1st November 1979, JVG 200V was originally supplied by a Ford dealership in Holt, Norfolk, and according to the seller remained with the same local family for decades.
The original supplying dealer plates and even the old tax disc holder are still present on the car today.
The seller explains that the Fiesta gradually became a recognisable local classic in West Norfolk as surviving Mk1s disappeared from everyday roads.
It was reportedly maintained first by Ford main dealers before later being looked after by a local mechanic friend, with service books, old MOT certificates, invoices and historic V5 documents all included in the history file.
The current owner bought the car a couple of years ago and has since carried out a careful recommissioning rather than a full over-restoration.
Recent work is said to include brake overhaul, fuel system work, replacement hoses, electrical repairs, servicing, cooling system attention and wheel refurbishment.
The seller also states the front wings were replaced because the originals were beyond saving, while the aim elsewhere has been to preserve the car’s originality as much as possible.
From the photos, the result looks extremely impressive.
The engine bay appears very tidy, the luggage area still looks remarkably clean and the interior is probably one of the highlights of the entire car.
The brown-and-cream trim combination screams late-1970s Ford, and it appears to have survived incredibly well.
According to the seller, the dashboard remains crack-free, the parcel shelf is still original and complete, and even the glass retains its original registration etchings.
Importantly, this also sounds like a genuinely usable classic rather than a static display piece.
The seller says the Fiesta has recently completed local show trips during hot weather without issue, adding that it now drives very well and keeps up happily with modern traffic.
With early Mk1 Fiestas becoming increasingly collectable, special editions like this Sandpiper are starting to attract serious attention whenever they appear.
This example was listed for sale by eBay seller williamg4062. See their current listings here:
Or browse similar Mk1 Ford Fiestas currently for sale here:
We’re always looking to buy interesting classics, retro cars and garage finds across the UK. If you have something tucked away, feel free to contact UK Barn Finds.
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