1972 Ford Escort Mexico

This isn’t a genuine Ford Mexico, let’s make that clear, but it is a replica that’s been constructed to a very high standard. Current owner purchased the car as an almost complete project a couple of months ago.

“I originally bought it as a base for an historic rally car,” he explains. “But the reality is that it’s too good to use for that, and would instead be perfect for classic runs and shows.”

He now has a BDA-engined rally car project that he’s focussing on, so the good news is that “Mexico” is now up for sale; and as our photographic gallery below demonstrates, it’s a little Le Mans Green cracker.

It was restored and rebuilt circa 2005, using a clean RHD rust free 1300XL donor shell. “The work was carried out by a classic car specialist in Ludlow, Shropshire and the end result shows that it knew what it was doing.”

It’s fitted an RS2000 2.0-litre OHC Pinto engine, which is fuelled by twin 45 DCOE Weber carburettors. The exhaust manifold and stainless steel exhaust system are both Janspeed items.

The engine is mated to a Type 9, five-speed manual gearbox with quick shift lever. Power is fed to the English axle through a single piece propshaft via a 3.54:1 crownwheel and pinion.

“All I’ve done is bring the car up to spec,” says the vendor. “Fixed the wipers, as the mechanism was broken. I also redid the switch panel and some of the electrics, replaced the front and rear windscreen rubbers, fitted a new battery and new Revolution alloy wheels. I also added the genuine new old stock RS badges and Mexico stripes.”

Once done, he popped it in for an MOT test that it “flew through”, and which runs until July 14, 2021.

In Le Mans Green this Mexico rep certainly makes a visual statement. The bubble arches are in glass fibre and have been well incorporated into the bodyshell. It’s an outline of aggressive intent.

It’s been sprayed to a high standard and the recent decal additions expertly added. Panel gaps are consistent and everything lines up pretty well. There are a few very minor blemishes, including two small bubbles on the front nearside wheelarch and a small crack in the paint along the passenger door window frame.

Other than that, it is in very sharp visual fettle. The bumpers are gleaming; the alloy wheels are brand new and wear fresh Falken 205/13 80 tyres. For that retro rally feel, four Cibe super Oscar spotlights and a full set of mud-flaps are also fitted.

It’s certainly an arresting sight, and our favourite view is that elegant, but muscular, rear end.  

The rally feel continues inside the cabin, where you’ll find a half roll cage, a pair of period RS style sets, and a set of Sabelt three-point harnesses all fitted.

Roger has recently fitted an RS steering wheel, which adds to the period feel. There’s also a navigator’s map light and an aluminium switch panel (with USB port!) and alloy Sparco pedals.

The car has hardly been used since completion and it shows in here, as it’s in as new condition. The headlining is excellent and all seats unmarked. Carpets are very good and protected by overmats.

The only minor flaw we can see is that the felt dashboard covering is a touch split on the nearside. And we might look to change the Sierra gear-knob! All sills and door shuts remain immaculately clean.

Rorty is the word most associated with sporty Mk1 Escorts and this car doesn’t disappoint in that respect. It’s a rollicking, hard charging wrestle-fest of a car – everything you’d expect it to be. Check out our video below for a tantalising taster of both the induction noise and exhaust note.

“It really does drive very well,” says Roger. ‘But the gearing is definitely set up for going to classic meets, rather than rally stages. The engine pulls strongly and it’s relatively torquey for a Pinto unit. The Type 9 gearbox has a quick shift fitted and it changes lovely. With no air filters fitted the induction noise is superb with a nice rally sound, but having said that it’s not too loud in cabin for long journeys. The brakes are sharp and don’t pull to one side, bringing it to a top in a straight line.”

The engine bay is beautifully presented with the cam cover finished in matching body colour with a black chequered flag decal. A strut brace is fitted and it’s nigh on show standard perfect, or will be with some very minor fettling.

Underneath it’s nice to see an undercarriage finished in the body colour, rather than the de rigueur black underseal. That said, the body restoration was completed back in 2005 so there’s a touch of very light surface corrosion on some of the steering and suspension components, and some metal bodywork edges – all should be very easily tidied up, though.

The battery has been shifted to the boot (where you’ll also find a spare wheel) and fitted with an Autolec kill switch.

In the history file you’ll find the original V5, which shows a total of nine owners – of course, that’s now negated by the fact that the car is now a purpose built fast road/rally beast.

There are various bills from a number of Ford and specialist suppliers, as well as the odd MOT certificate. There’s also a period Dec 72 road tax sticker and a second set of keys.

Of the invoices the most important are: Ford SOHC Mild Road Camshaft Kit (£311.90), RS2000 starter motor (£45.00), Bosch Pinto electronic distributor (£89.95), Front vented brake discs and brake pad set (£133.81), Mk1 Escort wiring loom (£150), 2 x 45 DCOE carburettors (£642.72), 4 x 7x13” Superlight alloy wheels (£220).

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of the paperwork to support our claim that this car has been built to a very high standard.

As with all Mk1 Escorts with a sporting heritage Mexico prices have marched on, with the very best cars being advertised around the £45k-£55k mark.

That makes the £19k-£29k estimate for this bespoke built car very reasonable indeed. It’s been constructed to provide a nice combination of a fast road/rally driving experience, whilst also being an interesting vehicle to show.

The build is of a high quality and it’s been very little used since completion; that means the next owner will be the one to benefit from all the work that’s gone into it.

It provides everything you’d expect from a fast Mk1, whilst also benefitting from Roger’s recent period additions both to the interior and exterior. If you want to make a statement then we think this lovely Le Mans Green example will certainly help you to do that.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located at The Market’s Abingdon headquarters; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.