1971 Ford Escort Mexico

The Ford Escort was launched at the 1968 Brussels Motor Show. Acutely aware that the Lotus Cortina was at the end of its competition career, Ford's competition department had been developing a race and rally version of their new model throughout 1967 and had the 'Twin-Cam' ready and waiting as the standard road cars were released.

One of the Escort's most memorable early competition wins was Hannu Mikkola's victory on the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup rally. To capitalise on this victory Ford created the limited edition, AVO built, Escort 'Mexico' in time for the 1971 season. It featured a specially strengthened shell and was fitted with 'Rallye Sport' (RS) suspension and brakes. Powered by a reliable and quick 1600cc 'Kent' engine, the model was given its own dedicated racing series known as the 'Mexico Challenge'.

This 1971 Mk 1 Mexico was built at Ford's famous AVO Dept at Aveley and is finished in the original colour of Diamond White with red decals and black cloth interior. It has been the subject of a two year exacting and comprehensive 'rotisserie' 650 hour restoration, utilising a Ford Service shell, in an attempt to create the spirit of the 'Mexico World Cup' rally car of the day. It has only covered just over 1,000 miles since.

The car's unique preparation to this exacting specification resulted in the fitting of a 'Safety Devices' bolt in roll cage, the shell being strengthened as it was in period, and the fitting of a bespoke boot mounted alloy fuel tank recessed for the spare wheel. A complete CD covering the entire restoration work is included in the comprehensive history file. These photos still can't do justice to what is a simply stunning car when seen in the flesh.

The engine is freshly rebuilt and taken out to 1700cc, as many Kent engines were in period, and then fitted with a 4 in to 1 exhaust manifold, period style Minilite wheels, Brantz 2 Rally-Trip, sports seats, four point harnesses, Springalex steering wheel, bullet style door mirrors, Speedblade wipers, electric screen washers, Cibié driving lamps and a factory strut brace.

It is currently part of an extensive private collection and is receiving further detailing prior to our sale, so it will be presented on the day as a truly exceptional car - outside, inside, under the bonnet and underneath! For the uninitiated the chassis number reveals;B- Great Britain: F- Aveley built: AT- Two door saloon: L- 1971: Y- June: L7- Mexico: B- Diamond White: A1- Black cloth

Everything has been professionally restored, overhauled, rebuilt or improved and the car now offers a rare chance to add a piece of significant Ford history to any noted private collection

Coming to the sale with 12 months MOT it will be on the button and ready to go.