Ultra-Rare Ford Escort MKII Mexico with 450HP Cosworth Turbo Heads to Bonhams Auction

If you're on the hunt for an exceptional Ford Escort MKII Mexico, the example currently offered at Bonhams Cars is one you don't want to miss. Verified by its GCAT chassis number prefix, this stunning MKII Mexico is the real deal. By the time this car was produced, all Mexico manufacturing had shifted to Ford’s Saarlouis plant in West Germany. Between November 1975 and July 1978, just 2,500 units of the MKII Mexico were built, making authentic survivors like this one incredibly rare.

An Extensive Restoration and Serious Upgrades

Throughout its life, this Escort Mexico has passed through twelve previous owners before finding a long-term home with its current (thirteenth) custodian in 2015. The car’s history is a testament to meticulous care, passionate restoration, and thoughtfully executed performance upgrades. Restoration records suggest that work on the car spanned several years and involved multiple dedicated owners and specialists.

One of the most significant milestones came in 2005 when Sall Motorsports installed a fully rebuilt 450bhp Cosworth turbocharged engine under the hood. Fast-forward to 2013, and the previous owner embarked on a comprehensive body restoration, replacing significant sections of the shell to ensure long-term solidity. Additional mechanical improvements included a new set of Cosworth pistons, an uprated radiator equipped with twin cooling fans, and a suite of performance-enhancing ancillaries. The result is a thrilling, fast Ford that’s sure to get any enthusiast’s heart racing.

Exterior: A Rally-Bred Reimagination

At first glance, this Escort Mexico looks every bit the rally legend it aspires to be. Finished in an eye-catching Ford Signal Orange, the paintwork appears fresh and vibrant, likely stemming from the same period as the extensive body restoration. It’s clear the quality of workmanship was top-notch, with panel fit and finish that's hard to fault.

True to its rally inspiration, the exterior features bold, externally riveted wheel arches, carbon fiber protective panels over the rear arches, and rugged, rally-spec gravel flaps. A carbon fiber-clad front chin spoiler, rear bumper, and boot lid spoiler further enhance the aggressive look. Period-correct Mexico decals and a Lombard RAC Rally sunstrip tie everything back to the Escort's iconic motorsport heritage.

Completing the aggressive stance are 16-inch split-rim alloy wheels, featuring polished rims and color-matched five-spoke centers. Wrapped in fresh Toyo Proxes tires (225/45), the setup looks fantastic and promises excellent grip and handling.

Interior: Purposeful and Rally-Ready

Step inside, and you’re immediately immersed in a motorsport environment. The front occupants are treated to a pair of Cobra Suzuka Pro FIA-approved racing seats, finished in durable black mesh fabric with vinyl inserts, and secured with OMP six-point harnesses for ultimate safety.

The original Escort MKII dash layout remains, but it's enhanced with a deep-dish Motacorsa three-spoke steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara. A driver-focused center console houses six Pro-Comp Ultra-Lite gauges for vital engine stats, with a digital multi-functional display perched above them.

Further rally-spec equipment includes a professional-grade Equip fire extinguisher, an exposed fuse box for easy access, and a full welded-in roll cage for added rigidity and safety. In the stripped-back boot area, you'll find an alloy racing fuel cell, a high-flow fuel pump, and a relocated battery, all installed with an eye for competitive use.

Mechanical: Serious Firepower Under the Hood

At the heart of this Escort MKII Mexico lies a beastly 2.0-liter Cosworth 16-valve turbocharged engine, originally built to deliver a monstrous 450 horsepower. This isn’t just a cosmetic makeover—this car offers serious performance that would make rally legends like Hannu Mikkola jealous.

In 2015, further refinements were undertaken by Tony Mannock, formerly of Turbo Technics, who installed a new fueling system, ECU, wiring loom, custom engine mapping, and a digital dash to keep the car operating at its peak.

Lifting the bonnet reveals a professionally detailed engine bay brimming with high-spec components: braided lines, silicone hoses, a heavy-duty strut brace, separate fluid reservoirs, and competition-grade fittings throughout. Underneath, the body is protected by a textured underseal finished in body color, and a stainless steel performance exhaust system rounds out the high-quality mechanical package.

History and Documentation

True to its enthusiast-oriented life, this Escort Mexico comes with a rich and detailed history file. The car is registered as a Historic Vehicle, meaning it's exempt from vehicle excise duty and MOT testing. Nevertheless, the car boasts a clean MOT certificate valid until April 2026, offering additional peace of mind.

The paperwork includes a V5 registration document in the current owner's name, a folder brimming with invoices detailing restoration work, upgrades, and maintenance, and even magazine features showcasing this specific Escort Mexico. It’s clear that this isn’t just another classic Ford Escort—it’s a carefully nurtured and extensively documented piece of Ford performance history.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Auction

With its genuine GCAT chassis, extensive rally-inspired upgrades, and a monstrous Cosworth turbo engine under the hood, this Ford Escort MKII Mexico represents an extraordinary opportunity for collectors and driving enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking for a fast road toy, a motorsport-ready classic, or simply a show-stopping piece of Ford history, this car ticks all the right boxes.

Don't miss your chance to own this fully restored, Cosworth-powered MKII Escort Mexico, now up for grabs at Bonhams Cars!