1973 Ford Escort Mk1 Mexico

The Ford Escort, in the hands of the Works Rally team, was practically unbeatable in the late sixties and seventies. Perhaps their most notable early success was winning the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally driven by Hannu Mikkola and Gunnar Palm. Third, in a similar 1850cc Escort, was Rauno Aaltonen and Henry Liddon backed up by Timo Makinen in fifth and the unlikely combination of Tony Fall and Jimmy Greaves just behind in sixth. This result seemed to capture the public's imagination and, with the old adage of "Race on Sunday, Sell on Monday" in mind, Ford developed the Escort Mexico, a road going version of their winning rally car.

It seems likely that Ford already had plans to produce a high-performance Escort to fit in the range between the 1300GT and the Twin Cam/RS1600, and their victory in Mexico provided an ideal platform to launch such a model. The engineers at the newly formed A.V.O (Advanced Vehicle Operations) quickly developed the 'Mexico', marrying the Type 49 bodyshell as used in the Twin Cam and RS1600 with the 1600cc Kent 'crossflow' engine and 2000E gearbox. So, effectively, the Mexico was basically a re-engined Twin Cam / RS1600. All Escort Mexicos were built at Ford's AVO plant at Aveley in South Essex and a total of 10,352 had been built when production ceased. For many drivers of standard Escorts, the rally cars were an aspirational dream echoed by Ford's promotional chant of "'Share in our Success'' after each rally win.

Offered here is a genuine AVO Escort Mexico with the correct 'Type 49' bodyshell that has been well known to the Ford AVO Club for some 25 years. From 2002 until 2006 it was the pride and joy of the 'Ford Escort Mk1' registrar, Kerry Sealey, and the car features in the DVD/Video "The History of the Ford Escort", copies of which are still available.

Finished in vibrant Sebring Red with a Black Beta cloth interior, this stunning Escort is a testament to its exacting restoration in 2002. In 2006, a number of period modifications were added sympathetically as a nod to the competition cars of the day. The engine was entrusted to Phil Jones, the renowned engine builder, who totally rebuilt it incorporating forged pistons, a big valve head, alloy roller rockers, twin Weber 45s with double linkage, a genuine and rare Mass exhaust manifold, a lightened flywheel, and a big wing sump and oil cooler to ease lubricant temperatures. It now produces around 155 bhp which is fed through a competition clutch and a Phil Jones Pro Quaife 2000E straight-cut box with a Milton quick shift. The brakes are competition specification with a Gartrac pedal box and AP 'Monte Carlo' discs at the front and nine-inch drums at the rear. The front suspension is virtually all Gartrac with a 'World Cup' cross member, fully adjustable with roller bearing top mounts, and the rear suspension is the correct single leaf with AVO dampers.

The interior is period correct with Contour 'Clubman' seats in black Beta as used by the works Escorts. Further period fitments include a genuine AVO six-dial dash with 140mph speedo and 8000rpm tachometer and a 'Butler' navigators light which is a period AVO item. The exterior look is enhanced by a quartet of 1970"s Cibie Oscar spot lamps with dove grey shells, and a pair of very rare Wingard door mirrors.

Freshly MOT'd and on the button, this is an excellent example of one of the most iconic rally cars of a generation with period modifications that make this Mexico a must have for any enthusiast with a vivid memory.