Description
This is a Ford Escort Mexico with a difference.!!
1971 Ford Escort Mexico. This car is a road legal replica of the car raced by Ray Vale in the 1970's sponsored by Status Quo & Premier Drums. This car is an absolute one off ! there is not another car the same as this anywhere in the world !!
The Ford Escort was introduced in the United Kingdom at the end of 1967, making its show debut at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1968. It was a commercial success in many parts of Western Europe but nowhere more than in the UK where it was the national best seller of the 1960`s. In June 1974, less than six years after the car`s UK introduction, Ford announced the completion of the two millionth Ford Escort; a milestone unmatched by any Ford model outside the USA. Ray Vale was a driver in the 70`s appearing on circuits in the South East regularly. He was friends with John Coghlan of Status Quo and John sponsored the original car. The Escort that Ray drove did well and much information is available pertaining to his glory days.
Ray`s son, Dean Vale, decided to build an Escort as a tribute to his father`s original car and success. After locating a suitable Mexico, Dean set about rebuilding the car to a magnificent standard, the quality of which has to be viewed to be appreciated. To be expected, fabrication work was required to the body and this was also an opportunity to fit the modified wheel arches. The interior has also been modified with aluminium door panels, Corbeau GT8 seats and period Britax Racing harnesses and roll-cage. Mechanically, the Escort has received huge investment with the Kent engine upgraded to 1700cc, big valve cylinder head, Cosworth flat top pistons, dry sump and twin Weber 45 DCOE carburettors all being mated to a Type 9 five-speed gearbox. Brakes, suspension and rear axle have all been suitably up-rated in keeping with the rest of the mechanical enhancements ( Full spec sheet available ) Finished in black with the blue mexico decals now . A photograph album accompanies the car including pics of the extensive rebuild, the band members next to the car and older photographs of Ray Vale racing the original Escort.
The car was completely restored between 2005-2007 with many new parts including complete new brake system which included master cylinder. M 16 calipers. rear shoes and cylinders and complete copper brake lines. various new panels were also fitted plus loads of other work.
The car was featured in Classic Ford magazine in Feb 2008.
The modifications include:
Bubble arches
Fibreglass bonnet with bulge
1 off Aluminium front spoiler
1 off boot spoiler made by fibresports
Shaved door handles with electronic remote opening
Engine is a full race spec 1700 xflow with dry sump running twin 45 webber carbs & micro dynamics electronic ignition
Gearbox is a 5 speed type 9 which is mated via a New 1 piece RS propshaft to a
Quaife automatic torque biasing diff
Front suspension is adjustable coil over type built by Gaz shocks on concentric top mounts and the rear is lowered 4" with decambered single leaf springs fitted with Spax adjustable shocks
Polybushed front suspension
World cup cross member
The car is fitted with 9 X 13 four spoke revolution alloys running 215/ 50 x 13 tyres
Front seats are Corbeau GT 8 period seats and rear seat is the original Mexico beta cloth type
The car is also fitted with a pair of rare period Britax racing harnesses
The original car has an amazing history being featured in many newspapers and even in one of the Status Quo autobiographys from the 1970's/ 80's
Viewing is welcome and recommended to fully appreciate the quality of this rare and exciting opportunity
Interesting trades considered
