This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2025 on Saturday the 8th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. 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. On offer here is a well-known right-hand drive example that was first registered in the UK on the 31st May 1974. Finished in a striking shade of Le Mans Green, the Escort has formed part of our vendor’s stable since 2014 and during his ownership it has attended every AVO National Day since his purchase. The car has graced the AVO stand at the NEC, has been featured many times in articles in the AVO magazine (HAVOC), appeared on the Wheeler Dealer stand with Ant and Mike B, and has been a regular Sporting Bears attendee, one of the most popular rides. In August of this year its was subject to an amount of mechanical expenditure, including reconditioning the engine, to ensure that it’s ready for the next owner and there are invoices from MGA Autos detailing the work that was carried out within the Mexico’s history file. The current MOT is valid until the 5th September 2026. The car is guided very competitively when you consider what is on offer here. Interest in Performance Fords from the 1970s and 1980s shows no signs of abating and this example would be a source of pride for any enthusiast of these era-defining, characterful, sporting icons.