If you want to manufacture a sporty car, there’s a few different ways to go. There’s the full-throated approach, where you actually build a performance machine with all the right boxes checked, from high compression engines to firm suspensions. But you can also build a car that looks sporty and yet has no meaningful performance credentials, and that’s fine – plenty of customers just want a car that looks the part. The Ford EXP resides somewhere in between, as it did get some additional horsepower over the years but mainly relied on its looks to get by. Find this 1986 EXP listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $6,500.
Ford knew that customers wanted two things in the 1980s: they needed cars that were more fuel efficient, but they didn’t want to look like they had purchased an econobox. I can imagine at the time that knowing the culture was favoring more sensible, small-footprint vehicles but that customers were struggling with buying a car that didn’t look luxurious or sporty made manufacturers scratch their head. How do you solve both concerns? Well, in the case of vehicle niches, you create the sport compact class, which makes it possible to enjoy decent fuel economy while still having a car that looks somewhat performance-oriented.
The EXP got a unique body kit with front and rear bumpers and side sill extensions; alloy wheels; an EXP-specific grill; bucket seats; and a center console. There were also no back seats, making it a true two-seater. However, there are limits to just how performance-oriented the EXP was: it didn’t have big sway bars or aggressive rubber, or did it have a limited-slip differential or a close-ratio gearbox. While those features were mostly limited to true performance models, other cars in the sport compact class did start to offer true performance components, like a the VW GTI 16V, the Toyota Celica All-Trac Turbo, the Nissan 200SX and others.
But, Ford did attempt to give the EXP some extra stuffing under the hood. Beginning in 1986, fuel injection was standard, and offered a decent 106 horsepower. In 1987, power increased further, rising to 115 horsepower. The later EXPs followed the Mustang SVO styling in some ways, with the flush-fitting headlights marking a shift away from the recessed design. However, sales never truly reached their intended goals, and the EXP was retired with the hot-to-trot Ford Probe waiting in the wings. If you’ve been on the hunt for an EXP, this one looks like a solid example – and the seller has a replacement front bumper to replace the damaged one.
Lavery, the hottest and fastest EXP was the Turbo model. A spritely performer for that era. 👍🏁
The 1.6 liter turbo was offered on Series I 1984 and 1985 cars. It made 120 hp and 120 lb-ft of torque. This car has the Series II Escort GT 1.9 H.O. motor that made 108 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque. So you are correct, though this was the hottest version for its model year.
Turbo cars are extremely rare. They didn’t build very many, and very few of those survived. The 1.9 H.O. is a lot more common, though this was the last year for the EXP because it was not a strong seller.
A reasonably sporty-looking, two-door, manual transmission economy car: once an industry staple, now not commonly seen. This EXP doesn’t seem bad. Might be a fun grocery runner for not much money.
Located in Dover,Delaware.
I almost bought one of these, the Ford salesman spat me off the lot, I ended up with an MR2 a week later. I should track that sales guy down and buy him a beer.
Bought an ’86 EXP just like this in Medium Canyon Red off the Ford lot after looking at an ’85 Capri 5.0L and decided the insurance for the Capri would be a little more than my monthly budget could handle early in my work career. The EXP was decent on gas and wish I hadn’t sold it, but I sure do regret not buying that 5.0L Capri a whole lot worse.
Shame it’s not the earlier iteration with the sporty nose instead of the late model with all the sexiness of a shoebox.
I’m in if they leave the change in the console!
Garage kept its entire life too !!!! Looks like they got it stuck up in snow , got ticked off , and whipped out the camera. I’m gonna sell this !!
We got more snow this year than for quite a time, just north of this car. I have my brother in law’s snow blower since he upgraded maybe 6 years ago, and no need to use it til now. Both he and I were stuck shoveling by hand anyway due to bad carbs, easier to replace than rebuild.
This looks like an excellent example of the breed. So few of these left – I definitely like the second gen cars like this one.
The second gen EXP was officially named the Escort EXP and took it’s looks from the redesigned Escort GT. It looks much better than the first gen EXP, IMO.
This one isn’t too bad and is being sold by an appreciative owner.
Second wife drove one of these. Eventually I got behind the wheel for some reason. Left me being impressed with the this car’s abilities! Rare fun driver this one!
I had a red 86 EXP. But mine was carburated so I don’t think FI was standard in 86. Maybe 87. Friend of mine had a black 87 , it was fuel injected and much better. I loved that car. But it didn’t love me back. Probably the most problematic car I ever owned.