1971 Ford Escort Mk1 Mexico 1,700cc Crossflow

The Background.

It seems likely that Ford already had plans to produce a high performance Escort to fit in the range between the 1300GT and the Twin-Cam/RS1600, but their victory in the World Cup Rally, finishing in Mexico, provided an ideal platform to launch such a model. The engineers at the newly formed AVO (Advanced Vehicles Operations) quickly developed the Mexico, marrying the Type 49 bodyshell, as used in the Twin-Cam and RS1600, with the 1,600cc Kent 'crossflow' engine and 2000E gearbox. So effectively, the Mexico was basically a re-engined Twin-Cam/RS1600. The Mexico became AVO's most successful and numerous of the 'Rally Sport Escorts' and had a number of advantages on the road in that it had excellent performance, was easy to maintain, relatively easy to insure and above all, it was great to drive, something which is still true today. Mk1 Escort Mexico production ended in January 1975 when Ford closed its AVO plant at Aveley.

The Car.

During the 1970s, Ray Vale became a familiar figure on the Rallycross and Hot Rod scene across the South East particularly at Lydden Hill. He was a friend of Status Quo drummer, John Coghlan, who generously agreed to sponsor Ray’s Escort race car and also talked Premier Drums into contributing a similar amount. With its 'Glam Rock' and Quo associations, the car became a well-known sight during the period. The original car enjoyed considerable success and remains documented through period photographs, newspaper features and references in one of the Status Quo autobiographies.

This unique Ford Escort Mexico was built by Ray Vale’s son, Dean Vale, as a tribute to his father’s original race car and motorsport success. Starting with a suitable Mexico shell, the car was restored and rebuilt between 2005 and 2007 to an exceptionally high standard, with extensive fabrication work carried out as part of the transformation. Finished in factory black with a Monza Blue roof and side stripe, the car has been recreated with close attention to period competition styling and specification and in particular Ray Vale's original car. Modified wheel arches were incorporated during the restoration, while the interior was purposefully upgraded with aluminium door panels, Corbeau GT8 seats, period Britax racing harnesses and a full roll-cage.

Mechanically, the Escort has received substantial investment and performance upgrades. The Kent engine has been enlarged to 1700cc and features a big-valve cylinder head, Cosworth flat-top pistons, dry sump lubrication system, twin Weber 45 DCOE carburettors and Micro Dynamics electronic ignition. Power is transmitted through a Type 9 five-speed gearbox, connected via a one-piece RS propshaft to a Quaife automatic torque biasing differential. The suspension has also been extensively upgraded, with adjustable Gaz coilovers to the front, concentric top mounts, poly-bushed suspension, a World Cup crossmember and lowered rear suspension fitted with decambered single-leaf springs and adjustable Spax dampers.

Further specification highlights include:

• Bubble arches
• Fibreglass bonnet with bulge
• One-off aluminium front spoiler
• One-off Fibresports rear spoiler
• Shaved door handles with remote electronic opening
• M16 front brake calipers
• Complete upgraded brake system with copper brake lines
• 9 x 13 Revolution four-spoke alloy wheels with 215/50 x 13 tyres
• Original Mexico Beta cloth rear seat

The car is accompanied by a fascinating photograph album documenting the restoration, alongside period images of Ray Vale racing the original Escort and photographs featuring members of Status Quo alongside the car. The original race car itself has an extensive period history and was featured in numerous newspaper articles and publications during the 1970s and 1980s. This Escort was also featured in Classic Ford magazine in February 2008 and remains a distinctive and highly individual tribute to a well-known period competition car.

The car is road legal but should its new owner wish to use it for competition, it's important to check the suitability and currency of any safety related equipment (seats, belts, cage, fuel tank, extinguishers, cut-offs etc.

Location: Leicestershire
Seller: Trade
Photography: Professional