Unique Ford Escort Mexico in Historics 7th July Classic Car Auction

The Ford Escort Mexico production car was developed from the Escort 1850GTs that dominated the 1970 World Cup Rally, finishing in Mexico City 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th and 8th.

For such a long distance endurance event, the crossflow 'Kent' pushrod engine was considered far more reliable than the more powerful Lotus twin-cam so was bored out to 1,850cc and fitted to the rally cars.

This 'ex-works' Escort was built in May 1972 and first registered ‘RWC 483K’ as a Mexico by the Ford Motor Company, Warley, although the bodyshell was Type 49 Twin-Cam to export specification. It was strengthened and used by Fords's AVO as a back-up car for the the 1973 East Africa Safari Rally that was ignominiously dominated by Peugeot while the Fords all retired. The car was then bought by Ford employee John Aedy, together with a Mk 1 RS2000 bodyshell and returned to standard Mexico specification with the original 1,600cc cross-flow engine refitted and the car converted to right hand drive to use as a daily driver The Mexico left the Aedy family in 1988. 

it surfaced again in 1998 and was rebuilt retaining the original block bored out to 1,760cc with an unleaded head and twin Weber 40DCOE carburettors producing around 150HP. Presented in superb condition throughout, the car is offered with restoration invoices and a V5C registration document. Ex-works Fords are among the most sought after competition cars, and although ‘RWC 483K’ has no period rallying history, it nevertheless represents a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine AVO-built example.

It is estimated at £38,000 - £45,000.

As in Historics May sale there is a total of 180 lots in the Summer Auction at Blooklands Museum, Weybridge, Syrrey. Viewing on Thursday 5th and Friday 6th whth screens showing World Cup matches so you don't miss any of the football action. More at Historics