Highlights

Oldest known surviving AVO car'
One of four launch cars built October 1970 before official production began
Believed first Mexico registered and press demonstrator with ‘LVX’ plate
Lent when new to Hendon police high speed pursuit training college
£60,000 restoration by specialists like The Escort Agency and Montescort
Work covered all areas including rebuilding the Crossflow 1,601cc engine
Recently tested on a rolling road, achieving nearly 99 BHP
Period features include Contour seats, rare rubber mats and Springalex wheel
Current keeper for around 20 years
Voluntary MOT valid to August 2027 with no advisories

The Appeal

Built to turn the Escort’s success in the 1970 Daily Mirror London to Mexico World Cup Rally into showroom sales, the Mexico didn’t create the Fast Ford lineage but it certainly revolutionalised it. And we owe much of that to this precise car. One of four built in October 1970 before full production began, it began its life as a press demonstrator. But, if you’re an eagle-eyed Ford enthusiast, the LVX registration plate would already have told you that.

After press duties, the car was loaned to the Henley police driver pursuit training college before a duty officer bought it. The current keeper bought it around 20 years ago as a project car, then reportedly invested £60,000 in its renovation. The work involved Escort royalty like The Escort Agency, and Montescort tells you everything you need to know about the quality. We’re told £20,000 was spent on the body renovations alone, with originality preserved where possible and Ford OEM parts used. Key period features like the Contour seats, Springalex wheel and rare rubber mats are featured. If you’re wondering why it doesn’t have the iconic ‘Mexico’ side decals - early cars like this one weren’t fitted with them.

The Sunset Red car has been used and enjoyed since completion, but remains in fine condition. For those seeking a genuine Escort Mexico with impeccable provenance, rebuilt with care and authenticity, this is a compelling opportunity.

The vendor says:

“It has been rebuilt as original, rather than showroom. So the Springalex steering wheel shows signs of wear, as does the dashboard as genuine cars do.”

History and Paperwork

First registered 4th December 1970
Retains original registration plate LVX 900J
LVX plate prefix indicates a Ford press demonstrator
Loaned to Henley police pursuit training college early in its life
Purchased a police officer early in its life
Eight registered keepers from new
In current ownership for approximately 25 years we are told
DVLA records current keeper since September 2009
Ground-up professional rebuild over a 10-year period using genuine Ford parts
The odometer has been replaced
Mileage reading is 15,411 miles with vendor stating figure is likely 36,000 miles
Voluntary MOT valid to August 2027

The Condition

Highly presented and very detailed Sunset Red paintwork in great condition
Bodywork, paintwork and mechanicals restored by The Escort Agency and Montescort
Vendor describes exterior as being in very good condition
All parts used in the rebuild are reported to be genuine Ford parts
Rebuilt to represent an authentic, original-condition Mexico rather than a showroom restoration
Contour seats with one small mark noted
Springalex steering wheel showing signs of wear consistent with age
Dashboard showing signs of wear consistent with age
Mexico Long cigarette lighter fitted
Heated rear screen
The vendor describes the original rubber mats as rare

Any Mexico is a pleasure to see, but this much-storied car especially so. The quality of the work shines through the photos, despite several years having passed since completion. Inside and out, this car is a testament to the owner's knowledge and the expertise of the Escort specialists who made it possible.

The vendor tells us that the car was restored to be used rather than as a concours item. There are a few areas to note inside, but nothing that couldn’t be rectified or treated as part of this remarkable car’s notable history.

The Mechanics

Rebuilt 1,601cc Kent inline four-cylinder engine
4spd manual gearbox
Recently tested on a rolling road, achieving nearly 99 BHP
Oil cooler fitted
Used regularly but sparingly since completion
Current MOT shows no advisories

The revvy 1600cc Kent Crossflow is key to the Mexico’s immense and enduring appeal, even nearly 60 years after the first cars left the line. It strikes the perfect balance between affordability, bulletproof reliability, and effortless tuning.

Montescort reportedly fully rebuilt this notable car's mechanicals, including that Crossflow unit. Rather than be hidden away in a garage, this car has been used and enjoyed, which means the buyer gets a properly sorted Mexico.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.