Estimated Price: £35,000 - £40,000
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, but their victory in the World Cup Rally finishing in Mexico provided an ideal platform to launch such a model. The engineers at the newly formed AVO (Advanced Vehicles Operations) quickly developed the 'Mexico', marrying the Type 49 bodyshell, as used in the Twin-Cam and RS1600, with the 1,600cc Kent 'crossflow' engine and 2000E gearbox. So effectively, the Mexico was basically a re-engined Twin-Cam/RS1600. The Mexico became AVO's most successful and numerous of the Rally Sport Escorts and had a number of advantages on the road in that it had excellent performance, was easy to maintain, relatively easy to insure and above all, it was great to drive, something which is still true today.
The car presented here is a 1974 Ford Escort Mk1 Mexico in 'oh-so-'70s' Sebring Red paintwork. This historic Fast Ford has the chassis number BFATPU00330, with the PU prefix confirming an AVO build date of June 1974. We are informed that the car still features its original Kent engine with number PU00330, adorned by its factory-spec airbox which is always a treat.
The car was first registered on 4th October 1974, the delay between the two dates being attributed to the demand for the Mexico cooling-off once the RS2000 was launched in July 1973. With its seven former keepers no doubt having enjoyed the charms of this little Mexico between 1974 and 2009, its last owner acquired the Escort in October 2009. At this point, he embarked on a thorough professional restoration which was carefully documented, both with written notes and accompanying photographs. This diligent process resulted in the car we see offered here for sale, remaining in the same enthusiastic and knowledgeable ownership until only recently, when he sadly passed away.
With only a nod to some personal touches, the clearer-to-see speedometer and period bullet-style wing mirrors, this Mexico still stands up very well and would be a pleasure to own for any aficionado of the Blue Oval. Iconic Auctioneers have sold similar era Mk1 RS2000s for in excess of £100,000, so this Mexico, with much money and time invested, offers a tempting opportunity to own one of Ford's most sought after classics.
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