A1970 Ford Escort Mexico, purportedly the oldest known surviving Ford Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO) car, is slated for auction by H&H Classics. This rare piece of automotive history is expected to command between GBP 60,000 and GBP 70,000 when it goes under the hammer at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford on Wednesday, October 9th.
The Ford Escort Mexico in question holds a unique place in automotive history as one of a handful of ‘launch’ models constructed in October 1970, just one month before official production commenced. This particular vehicle bears an ‘LVX’ Ford press registration plate, further emphasising its historical significance.
Ford’s Advanced Vehicle Operations, responsible for producing high-performance road cars, garnered immense popularity during its operational years and continues to captivate automotive enthusiasts today. The auction of this early AVO model presents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a piece of Ford’s performance heritage.
Between 2006 and 2017, the Escort Mexico underwent a comprehensive restoration to exacting original specifications. The meticulous process reportedly incurred costs exceeding GBP 60,000, underlining the commitment to preserving the vehicle’s authenticity. The restoration team prioritised retaining as many original parts as possible, replacing components only when necessary and exclusively with genuine Ford parts.
Paul Cheetham, a motor car specialist at H&H Classics, expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming auction: “It’s a privilege to offer this 1970 Ford Escort Mexico AVO car for auction. It is an unmissable opportunity for any fast Ford fanatic as opportunities to acquire AVO cars with such provenance are truly unrepeatable.”
The vehicle’s provenance adds another layer of intrigue to its already impressive history. During its time with Ford, the Escort Mexico was loaned to Hendon police college, where it was used to test against trainee pursuit drivers. Subsequently, a police officer from the driving school purchased the car, further enhancing its unique backstory.
Accompanying the vehicle is an extensive history file, including several items of particular interest to collectors and enthusiasts. Among these are a rare Escort Mexico sales brochure, a feature article about the car in ‘Classic Ford’ magazine, and copies of the original buff logbook and DVLA ownership history. These documents provide valuable insight into the car’s journey through the decades and substantiate its historical significance.
Cheetham further elaborated on the car’s rarity: “This Mexico is one of the first handful of Escort Mexico’s produced, believed to be one of four, before official production began. It is also the joint second Mexico registered, being registered new to Ford Motor Company on December 4th 1970. We expect there to be strong interest in this very special model at our auction in October.”
The Ford Escort Mexico model itself holds a special place in automotive history. Named after the car’s victory in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally, the Escort Mexico was designed to offer the looks and some of the performance of the legendary Escort RS1600 at a more accessible price point. Its combination of performance, practicality, and affordability made it a popular choice among driving enthusiasts of the era.
For those interested in bidding on this remarkable piece of automotive history, H&H Classics offers multiple options. Potential buyers can participate in person at the auction, place bids online or via telephone, or submit a commission bid prior to the event. This flexibility ensures that enthusiasts from around the world have the opportunity to vie for ownership of this exceptional vehicle.
As the auction date approaches, anticipation continues to build within the classic car community. The sale of this 1970 Ford Escort Mexico not only represents a chance to own a beautifully restored piece of automotive history but also offers a tangible connection to the golden era of Ford’s performance car production. Whether it finds a home in a private collection or a museum, this Escort Mexico is sure to be appreciated as a significant artefact of 20th-century automotive engineering and design.