1973 | Ford Escort Mexico

Lot details

Year: 1973
Make: Ford
Model: Escort Mk. I Mexico
Registration: NTD 383M
Chassis No: BFATNR00004
Engine No: tbc
Mileage: 00001
(a): Correct Type 49 AVO bodyshell
(b): Fresh from an extensive restoration

There was, in the early days of the Ford Escort, a higher performance version for rallying and racing. The Mk. I Escorts became very successful as a rally car and eventually went on to become one of the most successful rally cars of all time. The Ford works team was practically unbeatable in the late 1960's and early 1970's; arguably the Escort's greatest victory was in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally being driven by Finnish legend Hannu Mikkola. This gave rise to the famous Escort Mexico special edition road versions in honour of the rally car. 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. Today, Mk. I Escorts are still popular in the amateur rally scene.

The car we have here is fresh from an extensive restoration overseen by our enthusiast vendor, who has left virtually no stone unturned throughout the process. The car presents in absolutely excellent condition and is truly just as clean underneath as it is on top. Our vendor is a member of the AVO Owner's club and has been a long-term enthusiast of these cars, so he has thoroughly enjoyed restoring this example back to its former glory, but a downsizing of house and workshop space means it is now time to sell the car, fresh from completion of a circa seven-year nut and bolt restoration to concours quality. The car was originally built in June 1973 and specified in Sebring Red, which it still wears today, this is confirmed by its AVO plate, present in the engine bay. This restoration has been carried out to ensure the car is as close to factory specification as possible in all departments, the only change we can see is a stainless-steel exhaust system including manifold, which looks beautiful in the engine bay. The restoration of this car has been extremely comprehensive, the body has been totally stripped and etch primed and repainted with new front wings fitted. Supplied to auction with a V5C registration document and a history file containing some old invoices and magazines, we are also advised it will be presented for an MoT prior to the auction, though it is exempt due to its age. Viewing would be highly recommended to fully appreciate the amount of work that has been carried out, this is a genuine AVO built Mexico which is ready to be enjoyed by its next owner. Consigned by Fraser Smith