The Ford Escort was launched at the 1968 Brussels Motor Show. Acutely aware that the Cortina was in the autumn of its competition career, Ford's competition department had been developing a race/rally version of the newcomer throughout 1967, and had the Twin-Cam ready to roll at the same time its standard siblings were finding their way onto the public roads. One of the Escort's most memorable early competition wins, was Hannu Mikkola's victory on the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally, to capitalise on which Ford created the limited edition, AVO-built Escort Mexico in time for the 1971 season. Its specially strengthened shell was fitted with Rallye Sport suspension and brakes and powered by a 1600cc 'Kent' engine.

This right-hand drive MKI Mexico is a 1973 example that was thoroughly restored last year and converted into a classic rally car. Very smartly presented in White with Blue side stripes and matching upholstery, 'OKU 440M' reportedly comprises a genuine Type 49 shell modified to Group 4 specification and repainted inside and out. It is understood to be powered by a 1760cc 711 Crossflow engine fed by twin 40DCOE Weber carburetters and reputedly features: a stage three cylinder head; Kent camshaft; lightened and balanced crankshaft, con rods and flywheel; big wing sump; Janpseed exhaust and Samco hoses. The unit is mated to a four-speed, three-rail Rocket gearbox that drives through a limited slip differential. The Mexico has lowered (by 2 inches), uprated suspension with Bilstein dampers all round; an adjustable, bias pedal box, vented front discs, 9-inch rear drums and re-routed brake lines; custom-made adjustable rear tie bars and Panhard rod; quick ratio steering rack; rollcage, bucket seats and full harness seat belts; RS four-spoke alloy wheels shod with 205/60x13 tyres. The vendor regards this fast Ford as having "excellent" bodywork, paintwork, interior trim, engine and transmission.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an MOT until Jan 2013.