The Escort Mk. II Mexico was the successor to the original Mk. I Mexico, continuing Ford's tradition of offering a rally-inspired performance version of its popular Escort. Launched in 1975 and produced until 1978, the Mk. II Mexico retained the spirit of its predecessor but featured the updated styling and improved build quality of the second-generation Escort. Under the bonnet, the Mk. II Mexico was powered by the same trusty 1600cc Kent crossflow engine, producing around 84bhp. It wasn't the fastest model in the range (the RS2000 took that title), but the Mexico was designed for durability, balance, and fun, making it a favourite for club-level motorsport and rallying. It had upgraded suspension, reinforced chassis components, and sportier interior and exterior details, including bold decals and unique badging.

This, however is no normal Mexico. The car is understood to have been upgraded around 2003/2004 and we are told didn't see much use after that. It was clearly built with fast road driving enjoyment in mind, the 1600cc Kent crossflow engine has been replaced by a much more ferocious Cosworth YB from a Sierra Cosworth, with an uprated Garrett turbocharger producing 250bhp. Handling has been vastly improved with the front suspension towers being turreted, six link rear end with adjustable Bilstein coilovers all round, a world cup cross member, GP4 steering joint, quicker steering rack, Cosworth brake calipers, Atlas rear axle and safety devices roll cage. A pair of Sparco bucket seats with harnesses have also been fitted. The car has clearly been built to a very high standard and had a huge amount of money spent on it and weighing only circa 1000kg, it is sure to be a very capable machine. Supplied to auction with a V5C registration document, MoT test certificate valid until April 2026 and a history file with plenty of invoices from early 2000 and some bills from 2022 and 2023 showing recent works. Recent work includes a billet fuel pressure regulator, stainless braided fuel lines with a Braze fuel rail, cleaning of the fuel injectors and a full set-up on the dyno. Consigned by Fraser Smith

Lot details
Year: 1978
Make: Ford
Model: Escort Mk. II (Cosworth powered)
Registration: PAS 462S
Chassis No: GCATTCO1493
Engine No: TE26742
Mileage: 64,985

* Powered by a Cosworth YB Turbo producing 250bhp
* Genuine Mexico
* Highly modified with many tasteful fast road upgrades