Ford Escort Mexico Mk1
The road-going celebration of Ford's historic 16,000-mile rally victory.
- Power
- 86 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 10.7 s
- Top speed
- 100 mph
- Est. value
- $20k–$65k
About the Ford Escort Mexico Mk1
Launched to commemorate Hannu Mikkola’s victory in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally, the Mexico is one of the most celebrated 'Fast Fords'. It utilised the reinforced 'Type 49' bodyshell from the RS1600 but swapped the complex BDA engine for a robust 1.6-litre Kent Crossflow unit, making it more affordable and easier to maintain. Built by Ford’s Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO) in Aveley, it features flared wheel arches and a stiffened chassis that delivers legendary handling balance. Today, it is a blue-chip collector car, prized for its direct steering and significant motorsport heritage.
Ford Escort Mexico Mk1 specs
The Ford Escort Mexico Mk1 produces 86 bhp (64 kW) and 125 Nm (92 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 10.7 seconds and has a top speed of 100 mph (161 km/h).
| Make | Ford |
|---|---|
| Model | Escort Mexico |
| Generation | Mk1 |
| Trim | Mexico |
| Years | 1970–1975 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 10,352 built |
| Engine | 1.6-litre Kent Crossflow inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,601 cc (1.6 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 86 bhp (64 kW) at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 125 Nm (92 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 10.7 s |
| Top speed | 100 mph (161 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 851 kg (1,876 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 101 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Ford Escort Mexico Mk1 worth?
A typical Ford Escort Mexico Mk1 is estimated to be worth $20,000 – $65,000 (about £15,000 – £48,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Ford Escort Mexico Mk1 rarity in CarSpot
The Ford Escort Mexico Mk1 is an Epic card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 65 out of 100. Supercars and serious performance cars, typically worth around £100,000 to £250,000. An Epic card is worth 80 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Ford Escort Mexico Mk1 fun facts
- The Mexico was built at Ford's dedicated AVO (Advanced Vehicle Operations) plant in Aveley, Essex, rather than the standard Halewood production line.
- Though officially 1599cc, many Mexicos were homologated at 1601cc to allow for over-boring in competitive racing classes.
- Standard equipment included a six-dial instrument cluster and a foot-operated button for the windscreen washers so the driver's hands could stay on the wheel.
