1971 Ford Escort MkI Mexico

Description

Reg. no. BFL 744K

Chassis no. BFATLY38069

Engine no. L7

Transmission: Manual

Mileage: 1,433 (Since Restoration)

Estimate: £30,000 – 35,000

The Ford Escort Mk. I Mexico is forever etched in the sands of automotive time as a truly iconic motor vehicle built to celebrate Ford’s relentless onslaught in rallying and their success in the 16,000 miles London – Mexico rally with Hannu Mikkola taking overall victory. No less than five Mk. 1’s finished in the top ten.

Built by Ford’s special branch, AVO, on the type 49 shell, the Mexico could leave the factory with a number of motorsport related options including red Mexico decals and steel bubble arches. Under the bonnet was a single cam 1600 crossflow and four speed gearbox. It’s one of those cars that for many is seen as the start of Ford’s undeniable motorsport success in the modern era.

This Mexico, according to its VIN plate was built in the Aveley plant and painted in the diamond white it sits in today. It has been adapted to historic / road rally specification with additions such as safety devices, bolt in roll cage, alloy fuel tank and motorsport fuelling setup, as well as rally trip meter and map light. The car received a nut and bolt restoration with 750 hours of work accumulated and the brief was to build a homage to the Hannu Mikkola car from the 1970 world cup rally; many new old stock parts were used.

The car has been part of a collection for a number of years and had received a bare metal restoration which was completed in 2013. Since then it has been well looked after and dry stored with just 1,433 miles added. The interior has recently benefitted from a restoration including front and rear seats being retrimmed in January 2022 by Motortrim. The Grp4 strengthened shell is stunning with body and paint in almost perfect condition, those four legendary spot lights taking pride of place at the front, whilst revolution wheels wrapped in Kumho tyres finish off a perfect retro look. The underside has also remained in good order with just minor signs of use. Tell-tale signs of the Type40 shell used for the Mexico builds are still present such as the rear stone deflector on the underside of the boot and reinforced front strut tops. The sale includes a V5C as well as a folder of history that documents the restoration of the car in picture form.

Viewing is welcome prior to sale and all cars are sold as seen, condition reports can be requested on each lot by contacting us direct. Lots are not available to buy prior to auction. Fully illustrated catalogue is available on the Richard Edmonds Auction website. Bids can be made online, by telephone or live on site. All lots are subject to commission.

Vehicles that are un-registered or on foreign plates may require Import Duty and Vat to be paid upon purchase via HMRC prior to registering with the DVLA for a UK plate, if you are not sure please ask. For classic cars over 30 years this equates to 5% Duty on the final value.