Meticulously restored Ford Escort with original 140mph speedometer hits the market for bargain sum
A METICULOUSLY restored Ford Escort with an original 140mph speedometer has hit the market for a bargain sum.
The Ford Mk1 Mexico was named after its victory in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally.
Originally built in 1972, the Ford Escort Mk1 was owned by four passionate Ford dealers and was later restored in 2000.
Now, 25 years on, it's set to be auctioned with a starting price of just £50,000.
Pictures show the "remarkable" retro car finished in its launch colour of Sunset Red with white "go faster’" stripes.
The interior flaunts correct Black PVC upholstery, with original factory-fitted 140mph speedometer and 8,000rpm rev counter.
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Even the one-piece black rubber floor mat is the original.
The car's exterior showcases accurate period details, like the rear stone deflector secured by eight bolts and reinforced AVO craftsmanship.
Plus the Mexico stickers enhance its flashy rally look.
And all of the glass, including the front screen, is genuine Ford Triplex.
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The boot area has the early Mexico battery-in-boot setup where the spare wheel is mounted to the boot floor.
It also features a 4-cylinder 1600 GT crossflow engine with a 711M block, delivering 86bhp and a top speed of 100mph.
Plus, the car can accelerate from 0-60mph in under 11 seconds.
Originally built in Aveley, Essex, in May 1972, the Ford Escort Mk1 was owned by four passionate Ford dealers.
After its restoration in 2000, the car was revealed on AVO National Day - an annual event held by the Ford AVO Owners and achieved a Third in Class.
It then went onto the AVO Club Stand at the Classic and Sports Car NEC Show.
The Ford Escort Mk1 will be auctioned on Saturday, February 22 at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry by Iconic Auctioneers.
Its listing reads: “The car also retains the original boot mat and incredibly the rear cardboard boot spring protector is present along with black light protectors which remain undamaged.”
“The jack and wheel brace are within the original fawn muslin bag held down by the correct rubber band.
“The model will be presented with an accompanying comprehensive history file that contains two large booklets spanning the entire life of the car from the initial Order Form in 1972 through to the latest service using Ford Motorcraft items in July 2024.
“There are also historic MOT Certificates, the original service book, maintenance invoices and many AVO Club Valuations, including an early one from Mexico Registrar, Andy Percival, for £2,750.
“Also present are many photos of the meticulous restoration carried out in the late 1990s, which is also magazine-featured, and is a testament to how well the car presents today over two decades later.
“This model is fitted with the correct pressed steel wheels with the cooling slots measuring 5.5 x 13in immaculate chrome hubcaps, and a matching set of Goodyear GT Sport 175/70 R13.
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“The remote servo-assisted brakes powered by the early Girling Powerstop AHV 550 Mk2A help grip the front discs and the rear drums more than adequately.
“This remarkable Sunset Red Mexico would be an asset to any enthusiast of these era-defining, characterful, sporting Fords.”
