1972 Ford Escort Mexico

It seems likely that Ford already had plans to introduce a high-performance Escort to fit in the range between the 1300GT and the Twin-Cam/RS1600, but their victory in the 1970 World Cup Rally, which finished 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 was AVO's most successful and numerous of the 'Rally Sport Escorts' and it had a number of advantages on the road in that it offered decent performance, was easy to maintain, relatively easy to insure and above all it was great to drive, something which is still true today.

This impressive example was built in 2000 around a genuine AVO Mexico Type 49 bodyshell to compete in the BHRC Class C2 and over the following years enjoyed much success including some 38 class victories! By 2016, it was understandably a little 'tired' so a complete rebuild was undertaken with a new SD welded-in roll-cage, lots of new panels and then a bare metal respray by Richards Bodyshop, Newtown.

The full build spec is too long to list here but the all-steel crossflow engine was over-bored by 60 thou and fitted with Accralite pistons, a Kent 244 camshaft, hi-flow hi-pressure oil pump with external oil feed, special 'big wing' sump with windage tray, 2 x 45 DCOE Webers, Tony Law exhaust, reduction starter, and a cable operated twin-plate competition clutch. Further developments include a new radiator and fan, new alternator, oil cooler, 'rocket box' sc/cr gears, quick change gearshift (rebuilt only two rallies ago) an Atlas axle with Capri 3-litre drums, turreted Bilstein shocks, aluminium fuel tank, twin pumps, racing battery, hydraulic handbrake, all Aeroquip brake lines, Twin-Cam anti-roll bar, Polycarbon side windows, fibreglass bonnet and boot, Stylo intercom, heated screen, and to light the way through dark forest stages - four super Oscars on period-correct Magard quick-attach brackets.

The car has not been used in anger since 2019 as its long-term enthusiast driver has now retired from motorsport. We understand that the seats and belts are now out of date, however, as with any competition car it's best to check the suitability and currency of any safety-related equipment.

It's supplied with its MSA Logbook, the expired FIA HTP, UK V5C and sundry receipts and invoices so, with the above attended to, this very well sorted Mexico is now ready for its next chapter. A great opportunity to own an iconic 1970s 'Performance Ford', with all the history and magic that the name 'Mexico' implies.