Corgi: 1:43 Ford Escort Mk1 Mexico Sebring Red
“Ford produced 10,352 Mexicos at their ‘Advanced Vehicle Operations’ (A.V.O.) facility in Aveley, Essex, between late 1970 and early 1975. It utilised the heavy-duty Type 49 bodyshell of the Boreham-built works rally car but substituted their powerful, complex, and expensive engine with the simple, reliable ‘Kent’ unit. Mexico was named in tribute to Ford's win on the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally with an Escort of that specification. Few have survived in original condition because many were used for motorsport however, the custodian of the immaculate car modelled, Emma Balaam (Secretary of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs), believes it's never been comprehensively restored or seriously damaged; a rare survivor.
The car was first registered in October 1973 and Ford enthusiast Emma, whose Dad Norman Saitch worked at the Dagenham Plant, purchased it in October 2000. She admits it was ‘love at first sight’, although viewing it with husband Paul (an Mk2 RS2000 owner) and well-known marque authority Kerry Sealey meant she was assured it was a very sound car; both were impressed by its originality, especially the Clubman Pack interior in very rare, 1973 model year only, grey Beta cloth. Unfortunately, an alternator failure led to a fraught trip home from Warwickshire to Essex and a 4.30am arrival. Emma has since had the original engine rebuilt to factory specification and was thrilled to receive 5, gift-wrapped, correct Ford RS 4-spoke alloys for Christmas!
Car Specifications:
- Engine: 1599cc 4IL
- OHV Power: 86bhp@5500rpm
- Torque: 92lb.ft@4000rpm
- Maximum speed: 99mph
- 0–60mph: 10.7secs
- Weight: 1965lbs
Technical Specification's:
- Scale: 1:43
- Length: 95mm
- Limited Edition of 1,000 pcs
- Age Suitability: 14+
Vanguards by Corgi: A series of die-cast 1:43 scale model automobiles spanning half a century of motoring in Britain. Each model carries a detailed, authentic livery and comes complete with a certificate detailing the history of the vehicle.
***Please note that colours may differ with this series.**