Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
29th November, 2023 13:00
1978 Ford Escort RS Mexico
Estimate
£24, 000 - £28, 000
Registration No: PMS 533T
Chassis No: BBATUB75535
MOT: Exempt
Iconic and sought after Mk2 Mexico, 1 of just c. 2, 500 reputedly produced
Previously featured in Classic Ford Magazine
Benefits from a host of mechanical upgrades
Offered with a comprehensive history file
When the Escort was re-launched as the MkII in 1975, Ford were keen not to lose any momentum on the sportier versions of the standard saloon and almost immediately made a 'Mexico' version available. Produced in Saarlouis, West Germany, the Escort MKII Mexico was produced between 1975 - 1978 replacing its MkI namesake. Only around 2, 500 were manufactured and the specification was similar to the earlier car with a 1600cc engine, this time utilising the overhead-cam Pinto unit. It featured an aluminium sump, engine mounts, alternator bracket, and a cast iron manifold. The gearbox was the 4-speed Type-B unit mated to the 'English' type rear axle. Suspension was the ubiquitous McPherson strut set up with Sachs Dampers and rear leaf springs. MkII Mexicos' were fitted with either 5. 5 x 13-inch steel wheels or alloy four spoke 6J x 13-inch. Standard OE fit tyres were Pirelli CN36s. The car's performance was excellent and, together with great handling, made the Escort the car to beat in the World Rally Championship and the flat front Escort the most recognisable rally car of the era.
Finished in the popular colour combination of Venetian Red with the Black cloth interior upholstery, the much uprated Escort offered was subject to a four-page feature in the August 2015 edition of Classic Ford magazine. Under the bonnet, a 2. 0-litre Pinto engine rather than the original 1. 6 unit is fitted, and utilises a Burton stage-3 cylinder head, Kent FR32 camshaft, 40-DHLA Dellorto carburettors, oil breather, a 4-2-1 manifold, Airtec high-capacity alloy radiator, and a large-bore twin-box exhaust system. Delivering 142nhp at the wheels, the engine is driven through a Type 9 five-speed gearbox to a 3J Driveline NXG limited slip differential. The suspension features coil overs at the front and Gartrac springs and Bilstein dampers to the rear with polybushing all round.
A quick steering rack is fitted, and braking is courtesy of M16 spaced calipers, vented and grooved discs with EBC pads and an uprated master cylinder. Riding on four-spoke RS alloys with Yokohoma tyres, the exterior also features Cibie spotlights. Offered with a large history file that includes a current V5C document. Running well upon consignment, this Escort benefits from a host of mechanical upgrades.
