Ford Escort Mk. I Mexico, 1973
Ford Escort II
Ford Escort II•
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Chassis No.: BFATNA00279
Registration: POR 313M
- Fastidiously returned to period-correct specification
- Fabulous condition
- Desirable Daytona Yellow paintwork
Ford’s first-generation Escort became hugely successful as a rally car, going on to become one of the most successful rally cars of all time; with it, the Ford works team was practically unbeatable in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Ford’s greatest rally with the Mk. I Escort was perhaps the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally, where Escorts finished 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 8th; the winning car driven to victory by Finnish legend Hannu Mikkola. This landmark win led to the Blue Oval producing special edition road cars, christened the Escort Mexico. The Mexico was built at Ford's Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO) facility located at the Aveley Plant in South Essex.
As well as higher performance engines and sports suspension, these models featured strengthened bodyshells, making them an ideal model for rallying.
This distinctive Daytona Yellow example was purchased by our vendor last year, having been a lifelong dream for him to own one. The car was previously mechanically and cosmetically modified, however, the previous owner spent a great deal of his fourteen-year ownership removing those modifications in favour of period-correct ones. The car had also been fitted with a cable, rather than hydraulic, clutch and another previous owner had relocated the battery from the bonnet to the boot in an effort to aid weight distribution. All of these were reversed, and today this Mexico presents as it did when it left Aveley for the first time.
All four wheels and a spare are period-correct RS four-spokes, the radio was removed, the seat cloths are period correct and our vendor is delighted to inform us that the bolts in the boot are present, signifying that this is a true Mexico. This car also formed the centrepiece of an Escort anniversary feature in Classic Cars magazine, where it was driven by none other than David Richards, who famously won the World Rally Championship as co-driver to Ari Vatanen in an Escort Mk. II.
Presented in excellent condition, this example is sure to appeal to any enthusiast, but perhaps most of all to those who appreciate and adore the smallest details, just as our vendor and the car’s previous owner have done. Consigned by Charlie McCreery
