1977 Ford Escort Mexico

This thrilling example of the MKII Mexico is the genuine article as confirmed by its GCAT chassis number prefix. In this iteration all Mexico manufacture had moved to the Saarlouis factory in West Germany. Just 2500 MKII Mexicos were built between November 1975 and July 1978.

With twelve former keepers, this Mexico has been in the ownership of its thirteenth since 2015. It soon becomes clear that this example has enjoyed not only a diligent restoration but also some significant upgrades rendering a quite remarkable example. The paperwork suggests that the restoration and associated improvements were carried out across a number of years and by a number of different owners.

Back in 2005, for example, a fully rebuilt 450bhp Cosworth turbocharged engine was fitted by specialists Sall Motorsports. In 2013 the previous owner then attended to a body rebuild with numerous parts of the structure replaced. Other mechanical upgrades at this stage included an uprated radiator with twin cooling fans, new Cosworth pistons and various uprated ancillaries. The results are deeply impressive and likely to be like automotive catnip to any fast Ford aficionado.

This Escort Mexico is most definitely channelling its forebears’ rally aesthetic, by beefing up and doubling down on the original cars’ design cues. It represents a form of intelligently reimagined, resto-modded rally hero car... with bells on. The Ford Orange paintwork definitely adds to the drama and its condition is suggestive of a recent, high quality respray presumably from around the time that a bodily rebuild was undertaken.

In addition to the vibrant paintwork there is a wealth of other rally inspired charm and detail on which to feast the eye. Highlights include the boxy, externally riveted wheel arches, the carbon fibre protective panels on the rear pair and the rally style externally mounted gravel flaps. These are complemented by the carbon fibre dressed bumpers, enhanced chin and boot lid spoilers and period correct Mexico decal sets. A Lombard RAC Rally sun strip helps root this Mexico back in the period of its manufacture.

The theatre of this MKII Escort is further enhanced by the 16-inch split rimmed alloy wheels. These consist of polished alloy rims with body coloured, five spoke centres. These are shod in a recent looking set of Toyo Proxes in a 225/45 configuration. These, like the rest of the car, present in an excellent overall condition.

If you think you’ve seen all this Mexico has to offer, then you are in for a surprise. The cabin is eye poppingly impressive and awash with so much rally inspired interest and detail that even Jimmy Greaves would feel immediately at home. Seating for driver and passenger is taken care of courtesy of a pair of Cobra Suzuka Pro, FIA standard seats. These are finished in a meshed black fabric with black vinyl inserts. OMP six point harnesses are fitted.

The standard Escort MKII instrument binnacle is noted, nestling behind a deeply dished, three spoke Motacorsa steering wheel with an Alcantra finished rim. A driver facing centre console provides a home for a set of six, black on silver, Pro-Comp Ultra-Lite auxiliary gauges. Above these sits a digital, multi-functional readout.

Other key competition attributes include an Equip fire extinguisher, a bank of external fuses ahead of the passenger seat, and an integral roll cage. The boot is predominantly occupied by an alloy fuel tank and filler, accompanying fuel pump and battery.

As we have heard, this Mexico underwent a heart transplant back in 2005 or so and now features a 2-litre Cosworth 16-valve Turbo Techniques turbocharged engine which was originally rated at around 450bhp. Lots of uprated ancillaries have been added and improved over the years lending this Mexico a specification and output that Hannu Mikkola could only have dreamt of back in 1970.

The current owner confirms that the Fuelling system, ECU, wiring Loom, Mapping and digi-dash were all installed and commissioned by Tony Mannock, formally of Turbo Technics in 2015.

Lifting the bonnet of the Mexico reveals the Cosworth unit in all its glory. Its an impressive sight in here with lots of competition specification componentry in evidence. Amongst these are the separate fluid headers, strut brace, and lots of braided and silicon hoses and competition grade unions and fittings.
The underside of the Mexico is finished in body coloured paint applied over textured under seal. Many of the visible components under here appear in very sound condition and a high-calibre stainless steel exhaust system is noted.

Given the amount of well chosen upgrades this Mexico has benefitted from over the years, it is no surprise that there is a good depth of paperwork included with the car. The V5 Registration Document is present in the name of the owner. This classifies the Mexico as an Historic Vehicle and so zero rated for vehicle excise duty and MoT exempt. Despite this an advisory free MoT is in place showing validity until April 2026. A number of earlier MoTs in hard copy are also on hand.

The remainder of the archive is predominantly made up of numerous invoices detailing work done and parts procured over various periods of the car’s history. A pair of magazines are included which contain features about this particular Escort Mexico.

The 1970 London to Mexico rally was a somewhat incongruous and unlikely start to a Ford model that has forged a reputation that few can equal. The Escort Mexico had speed, reliability and easy maintenance at the very centre of its DNA. Its that almost unique raison d’etre that has ensured the Mexico is one of the best known and most respected fast Fords of all time.

This bright and vibrant MKII Mexico is really a thrilling example to encounter. It has clearly evolved over a number of years and at the hands of model specialists to create something as unique as the Mexico’s heritage. It looks amazing, has a superb cabin and is mechanically specified with no regard to expense. This is a one off, reimagined Mexico ideal for a one of a kind new owner with a taste for rally inspired power and drama.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £28,000 - £34,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.