Highlights

Well detailed older Mk1 restoration
Finished in stand-out orange with Mexico decals
Dry stored and sparingly used in recent years
Perfect to use and show
Rebuilt mechanicals with Burton upgrades

The Appeal

If you knew, you knew. In 1969 Ford’s latest fast Escort wasn’t named for a celebration of Mexican culture. Instead, it was all about rallying and success. And what success - in the '60s and '70s the Escort was all but unbeatable on gravel.

The road-going Mexico wasn’t just a shallow showroom showstar. Each one was specially built by Ford’s AVO division using strengthened Type 49 shells and tuned Crossflow 1600s.

These cars are so good that values of genuine Mexicos have skyrocketed. For those with less deep pockets it is possible to create a Mexico evocation with some informed restoration work. Do it well and only the eagle-eyed will know. But to drive and enjoy, you’ve got much the same experience.

This pretty orange ‘74 Escort was extensively restored in the early Noughties and refinished as a Mexico with good attention to detail. There is little paperwork so we make no claims to authenticity - for example, the chassis number is BBAT, rather than the Aveley-built BFAT prefix of a genuine Mexico. Sparingly used since completed, and dry stored when not in use, it remains in great order.

If, for you, looks and drivability trump the premium paid for originality, this very tidy car is for you. It is ready to drive and show.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 26th June 1974
18 registered keepers from new
Current keeper since April 2022
Enthusiast owned as part of a classic car collection
Sparingly used according to vendor and MOTs
Dry stored when not in use
Likely restored in early Noughties based on DVLA and MOT history
Previously painted white which was changed and registered to orange in September 2007
Has covered only less than 1,500 miles since 2008
Registered as a Historic Vehicle so MOT, tax and LEZ exempt
Last MOT expired October 2018 with 22,436 miles showing and no advisories
Now displayingh 22,764 miles on a five digit odo so likely to have been round the clock
No prior history unfortunately but V5 provided in seller’s name
VIN plate BBATPU indicates a Halewood-built 2 door Escort built in June 1974
Genuine Mexicos have chassis prefixes BFAT, the ‘F’ showing built at Aveley by AVO

The Condition

Restored around 16 years ago in Mexico-correct orange to good standard
Extensive restoration work covering body and running gear as seen in photos
Paintwork remains in good order with only minor marks to note, including scratch on wing
Bodywork presents to similar standard with some signs of deterioration shown in photos
These include some bubbling to the bottom and top of the driver’s door and offside A post
Underside is very clean showing extensive new running gear and solid structure
Engine bay shows some replating work around the strut tops which are well kept
Sits on very well kept four spoke RS alloy wheels with quality Yokohama rubber
Mexico decals appear to be factory correct and remain in good condition
Well detailed Mexico exterior including aforementioned features and split front bumper
Well kept black fabric interior features many Mexico elements
These include six dial dashboard, RS wheel and black headlining
Cabin is in good order with well kept fittings and trim showing little wear

The Mechanics

1,599cc Kent ‘Crossflow’ 4cyl Ford Engine
Appears to have some Burton upgrades as shown in photographs
Extensively refurbished and replaced running gear to engine bay and underside
Suspension appears to have been rebuilt and upgraded as shown in photos
Runs on twin Dell’Orto carburettors
Electric fuel pump and electric brake servo pump
Battery relocated to boot as with AVO Mexico cars
Vendor reports that the car starts quickly and idles well
No reported running or driving issues

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 deposit. 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.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]