Year: 1971
Make: Ford
Model: Escort Mexico
Registration: HLA 216K
Chassis No: BFATLS 11747
Odometer: 92,617
• Raced by Max Mosley in the Jack Brabham Trophy Race at Brands Hatch, 1971
• One of only 17 built by Ford's Advanced Vehicle Operations
• One of only a handful of survivors
Completed in July 1971 and first registered on 1st August that year, this Ford Escort Mexico is one of only 17 competition-prepared cars built by Ford's Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO). Prepared at Boreham Wood, the fleet was supplied to Ford France for the 1971 Tour de France Automobile, with this distinctive yellow example campaigned by Jose Albertini alongside co-driver Rene Cipriani.
Following the Tour, the cars returned to Britain for the renowned Jack Brabham Trophy for Formula 1 Team Managers, held at Brands Hatch on 24th October 1971. On this occasion, the Escort was entrusted to March Engineering founder and future FIA President Max Mosley, who lined up against an exceptional field that included Jack Brabham, John Surtees, Colin Chapman, Frank Williams and Ken Tyrrell.
Adding to the occasion, several Formula One stars took on pit signalling duties for the competing team managers. Mosley's pit board was handled by none other than Ronnie Peterson, while Mosley himself drove impressively to fifth place, finishing behind only Brabham, Surtees, Chapman and Williams, respectively.
Following Brands Hatch, the Escort Mexico fleet was dispersed, with many examples going on to compete in the 1972 Mexico Challenge and various rally events. As a result, remarkably few survive today, with this car believed to be one of only four remaining. Accompanying the Escort is an extensive history file containing original entry lists, race reports and supporting documentation from Alain Beauchef, all confirming its exceptional provenance.
Presented in outstanding condition and offered from private ownership, this is far more than an early Escort Mexico. Combining documented factory competition history, participation in the 1971 Tour de France Automobile and an indisputable connection to Max Mosley, it stands among the most historically significant Escort Mexico's in existence and would be a worthy addition to any serious collection. Consigned by Charlie McCreery
- Fuel
- Body Types
- Transmission
- Exterior Colour
- Number of doors
