Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
An iconic, very rare Mk2 Ford Escort RS Mexico in spotless condition.
EQUIPMENT
Two circular halogen headlights, front air dam, rubberised tail spoiler, unique bodyside stripes, ‘Mexico’ decals, two black door mirrors, laminated windscreen, simulated leather covered sports steering wheel, hazard warning flashers, heated rear window, separate fuel, water temperature and oil pressure gauges, padded sun visors, two-speed heater, aeroflow ventilation with eye ball vents. Optional Equipment: Vinyl roof, alloy wheels. Accessories: Easysteer, Retrosound radio.
EXTERIOR
The exterior of this RS Mexico is stunning in every respect and not for the discreet! Finished in optional and striking Signal Green it has a deep, gloss shine which is amazing and an absolute pleasure to polish. An incredible photographic album revealing the painstaking works carried out to this former white example and an invoice for £26,500 for the privilege, helps explain the level of all-round detail. A five-page feature in the September 2017 Classic Ford Magazine tells the story of one owners desire to create a tribute to his first car and makes fascinating reading. The distinctive squared-up nose styling and front air dam has no stone chips and informs knowledgeable onlookers to the scarcity of this model only built between January 1976 and July 1978. All the trim is perfect, window rubbers are black and all decals are correct and present. The underside is body coloured and fully detailed for the show circuit. Utterly gorgeous and a real show stopper.
INTERIOR
The interior of this RS Mexico offers simple sporting pleasure. The twin high-back reclining Scheel front seats in Black fabric with head restraints are as new and offer incredible support. The carpets, washable black headlining and door cards are all unmarked with many invoices from Aldridge Trimming Ltd. All the gauges and warning lights function correctly with the ‘RS’ logo within the five white needle instrument cluster reminding the driver how special this Ford is. The RS dished leather steering wheel is a desirable Rallye Sport accessory and convenience features have been fitted such as the centre console, glovebox and Retrosound radio.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The Cologne-built 1593cc Pinto engine with a single overhead camshaft has been rebuilt by Toovey Race Engines with new pistons, polished crank and a big-valve unleaded head. The invoice in the history file for this work in January 2017 is £2,256. Aldon Automotive supplied, fitted and rolling road tuned Weber Twin Dual 44 IDF Carburettors for the perfect soundtrack at a further cost of £1,796.61. A top speed of 108mph and 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds can be expected. For real enjoyable use, a Type-9 5-speed Ford gearbox is fitted.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
This vehicle it fitted with the optional, genuine and desirable Ronal 7X13in Ford RS alloys in immaculate condition shod in new 185/60 R13 Yokohama A539 tyres. Vacuum servo assisted front disc brakes are ventilated with 4-pot callipers restored by Bigg Red. Standard rear drum brakes all renewed complete the package.
HISTORY FILE
In 1979 the current owner of this spectacular car, Mr Alan Bradshaw, bought his first Mk2 Escort, a year-old 1978 1600 Sport in Signal Green with a Black vinyl roof from Billinhams Ford in Wolverhampton. It was his first proper car and although always envious of his friends better spec Mexico, in 1981 the trusty Sport was traded-in for a brand new XR3. It was more than 30 years before a Mk2 was thought of again and after three decades of business success he allowed himself to relieve his youth and buy the Mexico he had always dreamt of. This example was registered on the 27th April 1978 and has had just five former keepers. With only around 2,500 Mk2 Ford Mexico’s made, (source Ford RS Owners Club), this car represents a rare breed! Positioned awkwardly in price and specification between a 1600 Sport and an RS2000 when new, the Mexico had a very short production run and therefore is now a highly sought after model amongst collectors. Mr Bradshaw outsourced the restoration of this example and the accompanying invoices for works carried out are eye wateringly expensive with a photographic album as evidence. Some of the photos also include his original 1600 Sport! The vehicle is registered with the RS Owners Club and a comprehensive history file of all works will reassure the next owner.
HPI Clear.
