1974 Ford Escort Mk1 1600 ‘Mexico’
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]
Vehicle specification
- Year 1974
- Make Ford
- Model Escort
- Colour Orange
- Odometer 22,764 Miles
- Engine size 1599
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Innerleithen
- Location Scotland
- Country United Kingdom
The Gallery
Popular questions about make an offer
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To take the hassle out of the whole process and to prevent any unnecessary squabbling we'll automatically decline anything less than 70% of the asking price so only offers that are worth considering will be accepted.
Make an offer listings include a “Make an offer” button. Simply click on this and enter the amount you’d like to offer and the seller will either accept, decline or counter. Easy peasy.
If you don’t have a Car & Classic account with a registered bank card you’ll be prompted to set one up at this point.
If your offer is accepted, you’ll be charged a service fee. The amount depends on the cost of the vehicle and is an additional cost on top of the offer amount. Starting from as little as £/€300, it covers the cost of our various auction and escrow services, but rest assured, we're not in the woollen eyewear business and so the exact amount is always displayed upfront before you place your bid. You will only be charged if your offer is accepted.
The service fee is a charge in addition to any accepted offer amount that varies depending on the cost of the vehicle. Starting from as little as £/€300, the exact fee is clearly displayed upfront before any offer is placed so you always know exactly how much you'll be charged. It covers the cost of our various auction and escrow services and allows us to continue to provide a secure and professional platform from which to transact safely.
If you've ever squeezed a lemon then this'll be a doddle. Firstly you'll need to be logged in to your Car & Classic account and have added a valid payment card to your profile. Once these steps have been completed you can then make an offer by clicking on the "Make an offer" button on the listing page and entering your offer amount before clicking on the “Submit Offer” button underneath.
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