There was, in the early days of the Ford Escort, a higher performance version for rallying and racing. The Mk. I Escorts became very successful as a rally car and eventually went on to become one of the most successful rally cars of all time. The Ford works team was practically unbeatable in the late 1960's and early 1970's; arguably the Escort's greatest victory was in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally being driven by Finnish legend, Hannu Mikkola. This gave rise to the famous Escort Mexico special edition road versions in honour of the rally car. The Mexico was built at Ford's Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO) facility located at the Aveley Plant in South Essex. As well as higher performance engines and sports suspension, these models featured strengthened bodyshells, making them an ideal model for rallying. Today, Mk. I Escorts are still popular in the amateur rally scene.

OMC 346L was dubbed the 'Old Mans Car' by the Ford factory workers that built it. This one-off, unrestored, and number three off the production line example was ordered by Mr Paul Deavin, the owner of Rye House Karting. Paul was one of the greats of karting. He and his brothers formed Deavinsons Karts and for many years they made the fastest karts in the world. They were so good that world champions drove them and drove for them. Paul was also a great driver himself.

In 1973, he specified this special order with the Custom Pack, which included a centre consul and map light, and in black (believed to be the only Mk. I Mexico in ever finished black). Paul was a cherished customer of Ford which also accounted for this being the only Mk. I Mexico factory fitted with a Webasto sunroof, this was confirmed in the 90's by the factory worker by the name of Popplewell who riveted his details to the roof in 1973. Immediately after Paul had taken delivery he ushered off his brand-new Mexico to Mike Young of Super Speed where the engine was uprated to a 2 litre Super Speed. The car remained with Paul until 1975 when Ray Burgess of Paul Raymond Cars promised his son, Paul, (another Paul) that if he achieved a good ranking in the British Kart Championship, he would purchase the car from his friend, he proceeded to win the British Kart Championship and thus Ray stepped up and purchased the car in 1975. Paul who was 'the driver' was aware the new RS2000 was due and decided that to ensure he still had the quicker car opted to return the car to Mike Young at Super Speed who was working on a 3.0 litre Super Speed engine, in a crate and ready to go, they shook hands and Paul became the owner of not only a rare black Escort Mexico but one boasting the high performance Super Speed 3.0 litre conversion. Paul was the second owner of the car and later sold it to his dad Ray who kept it until 1990.

The car had been wax oiled from new and then again every five years. Whilst predominantly dry stored and only used on dry days while Paul had pursued his race career, very few miles were added and importantly only a front right-side wing and front flitch panel have ever been replaced, the rest of the cars bodywork is completely original which is a rarity in Mexico terms. In 1990 our vendors good friend Vince purchased the car after many years of courting it from Paul, he noted the new wing and front flitch, no rust or welding to be found and the engine bay covered in wax oil which took a fair bit of effort to clean off but uncovered a fantastically kept original engine bay. Our vendor knew of the car from his childhood and the moment he learnt Vince had purchased it, he insisted Vince sold it to him. It took a bit of persuading as Vince had been chasing the car for some time but in 1995, he took ownership in exchange for £4,000 and in 1998 he gave the car to his now wife as a wedding present.

Today, the car presents exceptionally, showing a mere 11,300 miles since its 3.0 litre engine conversion and with all but two panels being original. The vendors also added a stainless steel exhaust and we are informed the car starts and runs fabulously but this only happens on dry days. Fitted with the Super Speed mirrors from 1973, badges and upgraded rear headrests with stereo speakers all fitted when new, this would have been a luxury Mexico capable of giving any supercar of the time a bloody nose.

In the early 2000's, our vendor Chris wanted to renew the Webasto material, forums and the club insisted that no Mexico came with these contrary to what he had been told by Paul in the 70's. Upon inspection he found a riveted plaque from the gentleman that installed it, Chris gave him a call and upon detailing the car he instantly said, 'ah the old man's car!', to the amazement of Chris he remembered the car and this being one of his last jobs at the Ford factory in Dagenham. He recalled it was a special order and the only one he knew of in black, Chris asked him to renew the Webasto but now in his 80's couldn't travel so Chris offered to pick him up, they spent the day with the car as he replaced the ash frame and canvas with Chris promising to take him up for a drive in the summer, sadly when Chris called in a few months later his daughter informed him that he had passed just three weeks prior to. Chris therefore offered to take her and her son for a spin in what was a nice way to round off the history in the 'old man's car'.

This continuous known ownership is a sought-after piece of provenance alongside files of history from a well-documented car with the AVO club. A rare example of a very desirable car which can be rightfully described as unique, original and at the same time very capable even by modern day standards. Consigned by Mathew Priddy

Lot details
Year: 1973
Make: Ford
Model: Escort Mk. I Mexico Super Speed
Registration: OMC 346L
Chassis No: BFATM00003
Odometer: 11,300

* Super Speed 3.0 litre upgrade
* The only Black Mk.I Mexico
* Escort Custom specification
* Factory fitted Webasto