Car & Classic Dealer

Castelos Motorsport, SL

C/ de Toraldo 15570 – NARON Spain

1970 Escort MK1 AVO Mexico - Lotus Twin Cam engine For Sale

* Genuine AVO Mexico with original Type 49 shell
* Lotus Twin Cam engine fitted
* old FIA HTP from 2009 (actually out of date)

AVO (Advanced Vehicle Operations) was the operation stablished within the Ford organisation to manufacture the special series of sporting Ford’s back in 1970. The first cars produced by AVO were the Escort Mexico and the Escort RS1600.
Both cars were fitted with special reinforced bodyshells, called Type 49, and the same kind of suspension. The Mexico had the 1. 6 Kent engine (that was the same engine type used in the London-Mexico rally) and it was the perfect clubman’s rally car, combining bomb proof reliability with excellent handling and low running costs.
The car we are offering for sale here is one of the Mexico cars built by AVO. At some point it was fitted with a Lotus Twin Cam engine and converted to rally specification, but with occasional regularity/ classic rally in mind.
It retains the original Type 49 bodyshell that hasn’t been modified or seam welded (so it wouldn’t be difficult to convert it back to original spec if required). Only a 6 point bolt in roll cage was fitted, as well as the usual rally equipment like Sparco bucket seats, Sabelt belts, extinguisher, etc (seats/ belts actually out of date).
Externally, the desirable bubble arches were fitted and combined with a set of 7x13 Minilite style wheels and the additional 4 rally lamps makes the car looks as a proper rally/ sporting Escort Mk1 should look.
Rear axle/ suspension retains the original Mexico trailing arms and a set of special competition dampers were fitted in all 4 corners.
Brakes were upgraded with the installation of a pedal box but front and rear brakes retain the original configuration with 2 pot calipers at front and drums at the rear.
Rear diff has a LSD fitted. The Lotus Twin Cam engine has a pair of Weber 45’s and it sounds really nice but specification is unknown.
Two fuel tanks were fitted in the boot, the original one and one more std type tank in the other side, so it could be run in long distances without worrying about having to refuel during many miles.
Overall condition is good, it seems it hasn’t seen much action. It hasn’t been used during last 3-4 years so it would need a service before being used in anger. However the car runs, drives and sounds really nice.
In summary, this is not the usual highly modified Escort based on a 1. 1 shell to win historic rallying. This is an original AVO Escort Mexico prepared in the old clubman spirit, adding the neccesary equipment to go rallying and being upgraded with the desirable Lotus Twin Cam engine that sounds and performs so well. And all these modifications have been done under FIA rules, getting the FIA HTP in 2009. So this would be a nice car to use in regularity rallyes or demonstration events, as well as the occasional competition rally use, while benefiting from having a genuine AVO Escort and being different from most Escort’s with the Twin Cam Lotus specification, rather than the usual Pinto or the so expensive BDA. Also it wouldn’t be difficult to convert it back to road spec, something to consider by anybody as Mexico prices nowadays use to be around 50k!
Some more detailed photos are available on request.
A video call can be arranged to see the car on detail. It can be put on a ramp too to see the underneath, as well as hear the engine, etc.
Of course, it can be seen in person in our base too.
Transport to UK and most EU countries can be arranged at buyer’s expense.
We will help as much as possible in the sales proccess, as we have always done but now even further considering actual situation.

This advert has now been removed through sale or otherwise.
Please see the list below for similar live adverts.

Similar Adverts

Engine manufactured for Formula 3 cars and Sport (Two-Seater Racing Cars) Group 6 998 cc 4 cylinder / 2 valves (STR 4 OHV); 130 Hp Stroke 48,40 mm / Bore 81,00 mm Block 3 supports; 4-cylinder OHV pushrod Crankshaft with 8 counterweights. Holbay vertical manifold and carburetor Weber 48 IDA (used one-piece) Aluminum ...

13 Mar 2024
Italy
Verified Dealer (see stock)

Car prepared at the time; he has raced in the Swedish Rally Championship for SMK Arboga since 1978. Original RS 2000 body. Engine Ford Pinto, OHC 1993cc; 200 HP, Dell'Orto DHLA 40 carburettors, overhauled. Gearbox ZF 5-speed close ratio Car completely repainted in 2016. New electrical system 2023. Aluminum water radiator. ...

9 Mar 2024
Italy
Verified Dealer (see stock)

Designed by Sergio Rinland the well respected designer, the GR02 was designed and built in only 4 months at the beginning of 1992. Rinland was contracted by Gabriele Rumi, the owner of the Fondmetal insustrial group in Italy to design a new F1 car for 1992 following the disappointing performance of his first stand alone ...

2 Mar 2024
Yorkshire

Ric Wood is currently finishing building this Cologne Capri which is eligible for Peter Auto and Motor Racing Legends races as well as many other Historic Race series in the UK, Europe and USA. Built completely new with new engine, gearbox, drive train, suspension and brakes the car includes new FIA HTP papers. Build ...

1 Mar 2024
Yorkshire

Ford Escort RS1800 2.0 BDG Built in 2015. This car is in great condition and serviced regularly. Engine serviced September 2022, renewed pistons, bearings, valves and guides, valve pressure cups, clutch AP double plate, after which approx. 230 km were driven. ZF gearbox with new bearings in September 2022 driven ...

29 Feb 2024
Finland
13
Picture of 1972 Ford Capri RS 2600 Group 2 - For Sale

1972 Ford Capri RS 2600 Group 2 (Ford Italia) Presenting a period RS2600 owned by Ford Italia and entered for the 1973 Imola Autosprint 500 driven by “Il Ragno”. Fully documented. Prolifically campaigned and developed from 1972 through 1978 by “Il Ragno” competing in both the European and Italian Touring ...

28 Feb 2024
Oxfordshire
Premium Verified Dealer (see stock)

Ford Lotus Cortina Built Historic Racing, this car has been raced by its curent owner for the last few years in Masters / U2TC / HSCC / MRL events. Maintained by Alan Henderson Racing for the last few years and well maintained using all the usual AHR components including A Frame and rear roll bar that are now de-rigeur ...

26 Feb 2024
Yorkshire

Originally built as a works car (chassis number 1978-20-15) and driven by Paul Gibson. Subsequently used in hillclimbs before returning to the circuits to be raced by Robert Manson. Updated to Mk 21 specification and fully rebuilt for the 2017 season with relocated side fuel tanks and a Mallock certified rollover bar. ...

16 Feb 2024
Cheshire

1998 Formula Ford Van Diemen. Excellent car for doing some races and track days. Trailer included, but not registered. To be ready to race, you just need to do a review and install both rear transmissions. It has a new radiator, ready to install. MORE INFORMATIONS PLEASE CONTACT OUR BROKER: VASCO - Phone ...

9 Feb 2024
Portugal

Ford Escort Cosworth Mk3 2.2l Cosworth turbo engine with 4wd drive system! Warrior body kit and fiberglass bonnet. It was converted to 4wd in 2020, all mechanical parts were either renewed or fully serviced. Since the conversion it has driven 6 sprints and 3 training sessions, the car performs extremely well and ...

26 Jan 2024
Finland