Highlights
- Genuine GCAT prefix Mexico
- Fully restored and rebuilt to exacting standards
- High specification 2.1L Pinto by Vulcan Engineering
- Beautifully presented car in very good condition
- Drives as well as it looks
The Appeal
The second generation of Ford’s iconic Mexico continued the winning formula: classic looks, revvy engines and light, agile handling. Just 2,500 made it out of the works between late 1975 and mid 1978, and this one was amongst the last registered.
Apart from the fetching non-standard colour and the gold Minilites, it looks much as it would have done on that day in May 1978. But this car is considerably better than any Mk2 Mexico built by Ford. Following a comprehensive high-end restoration commissioned by the previous keeper, it is in superb condition and running a very tasty specification indeed. There is a 2.1L engine built by Vulcan Engineering and incorporating a host of upgrades, polybushed and enhanced suspension, better brakes and a ‘Rocket’ close ratio gearbox. All of this is merely the start of a long list of improvements that you can discover below. All of the work is carefully documented in a ring-bound booklet with photos.
The vendor acquired the car from his friend, the previous keeper, and has used it very sparingly. This is a truly magnificent example of one of the greatest Fast Fords ever built.
The vendor says:
“I have enjoyed having her immensely, however, I am moving on to something a little more sedate and am in the market for a TR4A IRS or an MGC or the like. This is a driver's car and is great fun to drive. I will miss it when it goes. It was subject to a full body restoration around 5 years ago and is in very good condition, as you can see from the photographs.”
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 26th May 1978
- Vendor confirms that this is a genuine Mk2 Mexico
- Car carries a GCAT prefix VIN indicating it is genuine
- Eight registered keepers
- Current keeper since March 2021
- He acquired the car from his friend, the previous keeper
- Professionally restored during previous keeper’s ownership
- DVLA records a colour change from the previous white in April 2017
- DVLA records the car with a standard 1,593cc engine but vendor advises 2.1L fitted
- We are told the car received a full body restoration five years ago
- Various old invoices and MOTs as shown
- Record of restoration in ring bound book with photos as shown
- V5C in current keeper’s name
- Registered as a Historic Vehicle
- Last MOT expired January 2021 with no advisories
- 3,757 miles on last MOT test and now showing 4,408 miles in photos
- Extensive upgrades which are listed below
The Condition
- Fully body restoration around five years ago with very sparing use since
- Finished in smart light blue with classic Mexico decals as shown
- Paintwork is highly presented with few indications of age or use visible in photos
- Bodywork presents very well with straight panels, no accident damage
- Well kept arches, sills and base of doors and screens
- Underside is in similar order with no reported structural issues by seller
- Very well detailed car with smart gold genuine Minilite 13in alloys fitted
- Also features classic quartet of CIBIE driving lights, two with covers
- These are in very good order with no reported damage or kerbing
- There is a matching spare wheel in the boot
- Fitted with quality matching Toyo Proxes all round which are in good condition with plenty of remaining tread
- Retrimmed and upgraded interior with RS dashboard and wheel and other period features
- ‘Fish net’ sports front seats retrimmed in leather with pattern to match rear bench
- Rear bench in fabric looks barely used
- Door cards, carpets and switchgear in very good order for a car of this age
- No reported lighting, electrical, dial or switchgear malfunctions
Specification:
- Spare wheel post in the boot – with spare Minilite
- Facet silver top fuel pump
- Leather seat covers for the ‘fish net’ Recaro’s
- Betacloth for rear seats
- New door cards
- New headlining fitted
- Inertia reel seatbelts in front (super modern!)
- New windscreen
- 2 up, 2 down Cibie Super Oscars (driving and long range)
The Mechanics
- 2.1L 4cyl Pinto engine built by Vulcan Engineering
- High engine specification summarised below
- Upgraded suspension with adjustable shocks and polybushing
- 4spd manual gearbox with close ration ‘Rocket’ specification
- Upgraded braking system detailed below
- Extensive history file with details shown in photos
- Mechanicals overhauled and improved professionally
- No reported running or driving issues
Specification:
- 2. 1 pinto by Vulcan Engineering
- Twin 45 Weber DCOE’s
- Fully mapped Weber ignition system
- Stage 1 Maxi-flow cylinder head (compression set at 11. 5:1)
- Kent FR32 camshaft with Vernier
- Simpson 4-2-1 stainless manifold and single box system fitted
- Forged pistons
- Flywheel lightened and dowelled to crank
- HP/ HC oil pump
- 13 row oil cooler
- Heavy duty clutch
- Hi-Torque starter
- Genuine ‘Rocket’ close ratio gearbox (4 speed)
- Burton quick shift kit
- High capacity aluminium radiator by Ralloy
- Gartrac strut brace
- 2. 75 turn to turn quick rack
- World cup crossmember
- Supaflex bushes throughout
- 260mm ventilated discs on alloy hubs
- Hi-Spec 4 pot front callipers
- Bias pedal box
- Adjustable TCA’s
- 2 ¼” coilover front suspension (145llb – 1”)
- Anti-dive kit fitted
- Twin cam anti roll bar fitted
- Grp 1 single piece prop-shaft
- Grp 1 half-shafts
- Bilstein rear dampers
- 116llb rear leaf springs
- Quaife alloy diff housing
- Quaife ATB LSD
- Shell fully seam welded and gusseted
- Panhard rod tower fitted
- 12 gallon tank in the boot
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