Highlights

Original Works Mexico
Retains its original body shell and engine
PR car used in advertising literature of the time
AVO Experimental Vehicle used as a ‘recce’ car for the 1973 East Africa Safari Rally
Subject to a seven-year restoration
Original Cross-flow engine rebuilt and enlarged by CTM Performance in Dagenham
Featured in several classic car/Ford magazines
signed by Tony Mason, Roger Clark’s co-driver on the ’73 Safari, as well as Ex-AVO men Mick Jones and Bill Meade

The Appeal

Car & Classic is delighted to offer this very special fast Ford—a genuine ex-Works Escort Mexico that retains its original three-door shell and Crossflow engine. This Escort was one of Ford’s original PR cars and was later prepared by AVO as a ‘recce’ vehicle for the 1973 East Africa Safari Rally. The car then dodged the scrapyard when it was bought by Ford employee John Aedy. He was permitted to buy the car on the proviso he returned it to factory specifications—so that’s exactly what Aedy did, continuing to use ‘RWC 483K’ as his daily driver for many years,

‘RWC 483K’ has been well-known in Ford/AVO circles ever since it was re-discovered in 1998. Over seven years, the Escort was restored to its former glory. It is presented in utterly superb condition and is regularly serviced by a specialist at Bicester Heritage. In late 2005, the original Cross-flow engine was sent to CTM Performance in Dagenham, where it was rebuilt, retaining the original block and enlarged to 1,760cc. Now unleaded compatible, it boasts dual Weber 40DCOE carburettors and produces around 150bhp.

‘RWC 483K’ has taken part in (and won) numerous awards at multiple shows since the completion of the restoration, as well as appearing in several magazine publications. Notably, the car has also been signed by rally legend Tony Mason, Roger Clark’s co-driver on the ’73 Safari, who recalled driving ‘RWC 483K’ from Dar Es Salaam to Nairobi at night. Ex-AVO employees Mick Jones and Bill Meade added their signatures at the AVO National Day in 2007.

If you’re a Ford collector with a passion for the Escort Mexico, this car is surely a find of Holy Grail proportions. An original Mexico with its factory shell and engine block is ultra-rare in itself, but a car with such incredible provenance as ‘RWC 483K’ surely represents an unmissable opportunity.

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The History and Paperwork

Exempt from road tax and MOT
Eight former registered keepers
25,146 miles indicated
Box file of invoices, pictures and magazine features accompanies the car
Retains its original UK registration: ‘RWC 483K’
Built in May 1972 and first registered as a Mexico by the Ford Motor Company, Warley
The bodyshell is a Type 49 Twin-Cam built to export specification (left-hand drive, battery under bonnet, opening quarter lights)
Used in Sweden as a ‘PR’ car and is pictured in advertising literature of the time
Returned to Ford’s Advanced Vehicles Operation (AVO) and prepared as an experimental ‘recce’ vehicle for the 1973 East Africa Safari Rally
1,840cc cross-flow Kent engine installed by AVO and later equipped with a BDA engine at some point
The entire Ford Works team retired from that year’s Safari Rally and out of the six red back-up cars, only two returned
After returning to AVO, the cars were scheduled for decommissioning, although company employee John Aedy was permitted to buy ‘RWC 483K’, together with an RS2000 bodyshell, provided that the car was returned to standard Mexico specification
The original 1,600cc Cross-flow engine was refitted and the shell was converted to right-hand drive
Aedy also installed the seats from the RS’ shell and used ‘RWC 483K’ as his daily driver for many years
Aedy eventually sold the car in 1988
The penultimate keeper acquired ‘RWC 483K’ in 1998, and recognising its significance, set about restoring the car over eight years with the aid of former keeper John Aedy who also supplied several rare original parts
Returned to the road and MOT tested in 2005
Copies of the aforementioned magazine articles listing this car’s most impressive build specification are included in the sale
Signed by Tony Mason at the Classic Ford Show in 2006
Signed by Mick Jones and Bill Meade at the AVO National Day in 2007

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The Condition

Original Sunset Red, refinished during the restoration process
The original body shell still has a little of the original crash damage from the rally, underneath of the arches; it was decided to leave these for their historic significance
Retains the original rally specifications, including the twin dashboards for the co-pilot, digital timer and reading light for night racing; all works perfectly according to the vendor

As the photographs attest, the Escort has been restored to a superlative standard. As the vendor notes, “The finish is so as it should be, and the look is just awesome!” The Escort really does look just like the press photos of the Works cars in period, with those iconic Mexico stripes, quad Cibie spot lamps, and lightweight alloy wheels. The cabin still boasts its rally appointments, too, notably the dual dashboard design incorporating timing equipment and a map light for the co-pilot.

The Escort is beautifully presented throughout and in superb overall condition.

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The Mechanics

1.7-litre (1,760cc) Cross-flow inline-four
Twin Weber 40DCOE carburettors
Four-speed manual gearbox
Impeccably presented engine bay
Tool kit present
Retains its right-hand drive configuration, following conversion by John Aedy

In late 2005, the original Cross-flow engine was sent to CTM Performance in Dagenham, where it was rebuilt and enlarged to 1,760cc. As a result, the engine now reportedly produces around 150 bhp. Subsequently, a specialist at Bicester Heritage serviced and inspected the car, which is said to be in excellent mechanical health and ready to be enjoyed.

We cannot emphasise enough the rarity of this car as an original Mexico retaining the factory shell and engine block. Be sure not to miss this unrepeatable opportunity to add RWC 483K’ to your collection.

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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.

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