Registration – NET 42M

Chassis No. – BFATNB00402

M.O.T. – Exempt

Odometer – NA

An incredibly rare barn-find example, this classic Ford Escort MkI Mexico is offered at no reserve, and will garner plenty of interest, for those wanting to put their own stamp on a restoration project. Now presented in red, ‘NET 42M’ was originally registered as Blue recorded colour change. As for the Escort’s interior, little is known of its colour scheme or trim, as it is no longer fitted, except for wooden panels across the dashboard and instrument surround. Under the bonnet is a ‘1600 GT’ unit, prepared by Paul Gardner Racing Services according to the labelling - specialists in rally car preparation and engines. It must be noted that ‘NET 42M’ is described by the vendor however as a rolling shell.

Despite some of the Escort’s features having been removed and either stored in the cabin, or lost for good, the fact that it is a Mk1 Mexico is recognised by the car’s logbook. Having been stored for a number of years, the last recorded DVLA mileage is 42,000 miles in 1993, with the odometer currently displaying a little over 44,700 miles and in the same ownership for 22years. Though it must be stressed that this is offered as a rolling shell in need of restoration, and currently in ‘barn find’ condition.

· Offered at no reserve

· Change to bid for a true barn find Escort Mk1 Mexico

· In need of comprehensive restoration

Ford replaced its popular but aging Anglia in 1967 with the Escort, but it didn’t suffer from following in the footsteps of such a successful car. If anything, it quickly made the market its own. The first passenger car to be developed by Ford of Europe – merging the British, Irish, and German divisions of the US car giant – the premise was simple; create a stylish, practical family car. Based on a front-engine, rear-wheel drive platform, the Escort MkI went on to sell more than two million units in just six years. Available as either two- or four-door saloon, three-door estate, or van, the Escort was also raced successfully, taking rally and touring car titles, thanks in part to Ford’s continued work with Lotus. The now famous Mexico models came about to mark the Escort’s success in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally, won by Hannu Mikkola and Gunnar Palm in an Excort.