The best Ford Escort Mexico available on the planet

It’s an indisputable fact that the (now) classic cars we loved as kids are often the ones we want to own as adults, especially if we harbour fond memories of favourite toy/model versions.

In my case, there was nothing better in the toy box than my Scalextric Ford Escort Mexico, a purchase made with hard-saved pocket money and inspired by Roger Clark’s epic performances behind the wheel of an RS1600 in events such as the Acropolis, East African Safari and RAC rallies.

I loved the red ‘Mexico’ stripes running along the sides of my white car – although my dream was to own one of the much harder-to-find yellow versions.

And yes, I’d buy this real one in a heartbeat if funds permitted.

But not only because it would realise a childhood dream, but because it’s very likely the best example of a Mark 1 Mexico available in the UK, if not Europe, if not the world.

Steve De’Ath, operations manager at KGF Classic Cars, explained that it joined the Peterborough firm’s inventory after 25 years in the ownership of a die-hard Ford AVO fan who had it restored to the superb, period correct condition that it remains in today.

According to De’Ath, the only reason the car’s long-standing custodian parted with it was to acquire his true dream machine, a Mark 1 RS1600 (just like Roger Clark drove).

During his ownership, however, the Daytona Yellow car became celebrated in ‘fast Ford’ circles and scooped numerous awards at shows around the country – including at the prestigious Ford AVO National Day – despite his insistence on driving to the events, regardless of weather.

The resulting two boxes of trophies will be sold with the Escort, which was built at Ford’s Advanced Vehicle Operations factory in Aveley, Essex in July 1974 and supplied to its original owner by the TC Harrison car dealership of Sheffield.

Official period extras fitted include a quartet of Cibie Oscar fog and spotlights (with stone guards), reversing lights, hazard warning flashers, brake warning light, wiper arm spoiler and the RS Custom Pack comprising reclining seats, sound deadening, RS centre console with clock, varnished wood trim panels and a heated rear window.

In a world populated by numerous ‘tribute’, ‘continuation’ and ‘homage’ Mexicos (plus plenty of blatant fakes) this one is as genuine and honest as they come, with a bulging history file that includes details of the Ziebart rust proofing treatment it received in 1975, reams of old MOT certificates confirming its mileage, all relevant handbooks and a spare set of keys.

There is even a photograph of the car taken outside the AVO plant, which was ceremoniously opened by Graham Hill in 1970, but knocked flat almost a decade ago.

It only takes a cursory glance at photographs of this car to see just how good it is – the only problem is, would you want to use it to try to emulate Clark on a gravel-strewn stage in Hamsterley Forest? Not with that gleaming undercarriage, surely.

1974 Ford Escort Mexico
On sale with KGF Classic Cars, Peterborough, £54,995. kgfclassiccars.co.uk

Gammon Special is a sizzler on the track

• A 1949 MG TC ‘Gammon Special’, below, from the collection of Dave Saunders is on sale for the first time in 50 years. In the ’50s Peter Gammon took the MG to a slew of wins before Saunders bought it in 1975 and returned it to Gammon-era spec. It’s on sale at Classic Motor Hub in Bibury for £95,000.

• More than 200 VIPs and customers attended the official opening of the world’s largest McLaren showroom. The new 10,000 sq ft space in Dubai, below, saw the regional unveiling of the 750S. The facility also has a McLaren Special Operations department for “virtually limitless” customisation.

• If you missed out on Princess Diana’s Escort last year but still hanker for royal wheels, you’re in luck. A 1954 Aston Martin db2/4 Vignale at Aston Workshop in Stanley was commissioned by King Baudouin of Belgium, who wanted a fastback designed by Turin’s Carrozzeria Alfredo Vignale on an Aston Martin chassis. It’s fully restored, with a regal price: £3.65m.
• West Midlands car dealer Brindley Group has closed its 13 showrooms on Sundays to promote a healthier work/life balance. “We want our employees and customers to relish their weekends,” said Che Watson, MD of Brindley Group. Digital teams will be available 9am-7pm.
• Average used car prices have fallen for the first time in three and a half years, according to the Auto Trader Retail Price Index – down 0.4% to £17,736. The Porsche Taycan’s year-on-year price plummeted 23.3% to £89,992, but the feisty SUV Suzuki Jimny, the hairdressers’ favourite, rose by 20.3% to £12,488. LG