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.”

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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

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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)

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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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BEFORE YOU BUY

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