Lot details
Registration No: JFK490N
Chassis No: BFATPG00337
Mot Expiry: April 2010

Named in honour of Ford's crushing victory on the 1970 London-to-Mexico World Cup Rally, the Escort Mexico was introduced during November that year. Like its competition siblings which finished 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th and 8th on the gruelling 16,000-mile event, the newcomer utilized a tuned version of the Blue Oval's trusty Kent `crossflow' engine rather than a more potent but frailer overhead camshaft `twink' or `BDA' unit. Assembled at Ford's legendary AVO (Advanced Vehicle Operations Plant), the Escort Mexico shared its strengthened `Type 49' two-door monocoque bodyshell and basic suspension / brake system layout with the roadgoing Twin-Cam and RS1600. Powered in standard tune by a 1600cc four-cylinder engine (86bhp, 92lbft) allied to a 2000E gearbox, the model was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 10.5 seconds and 100mph. Progressively developed alongside the rest of the Escort range, the Mexico remained in production until January 1975. A popular choice among Clubman competitors, it even spawned the Escort Mexico Challenge series which showcased the talents of racers such as Gerry Marshall and Andy Rouse and rally drivers like Russell Brookes and Tony Pond. A decent performer that was easy to maintain, highly tuneable and great fun to drive, the Mexico has long been sought after by Fast Ford enthusiasts.

According to a copy letter on file from the Ford AVO Owners Club, this particular example is recorded on their Mexico Register as Number 146. Originally finished in Modena Green and built during December 1974 to Custom Pack specification (or so its chassis plate would imply), `JFK 490N' has since been modified for competition use. Reportedly retaining "a proper 1974 Mexico Type 49 bodyshell", the Escort is further understood to benefit from "a RS2000-type engine (featuring a new Burton `Big Valve' cylinder head and camshaft), RS2000-style coachwork stripes / badges, T9 five-speed manual gearbox, removable bolt-in FIA roll cage, 3.7:1 limited slip differential back axle (with tramp bars), Bilstein suspension and vented front disc brakes". Riding on alloy wheels, the two-door saloon is described by the vendor as being in "excellent overall" condition. Potentially eligible for a variety of classic racing or historic rallying events, the Ford's carpets, rear seats and rear parcel shelf have all been retained - and can be collected from the Abingdon area - should someone wish to convert it back to a fast road burner. With Ford Escort MKI competition cars becoming increasingly expensive to build, this uprated Mexico seems good value and is accompanied by a V5C Registration Document, the aforementioned Ford AVO Owners Club missive and MOT certificate valid until April 2010.