Makes › Ford › Escort › Escort RS Mexico (Mk1) · Rare specification · 1970–1974 Limited Production
Ford
Escort RS Mexico (Mk1)
AVO-built Kent-engined RS Escort Mk1 commemorating the 1970 London–Mexico World Cup Rally win
Contents
01Overview
At a glance
- Built
- 9,382 Built
- Years
- 1970–1974
- Engine
- 1,599 cc / 1.6 LFactory: 1,599 cc
- Power
- 64.1 kW / 87.2 PSFactory: 86 hp · converted
- Top speed
- 159 km/hFactory: 99 mph · converted
- Body
- Not yet verified
- Designer
- Not yet verified
- In this archive
- Not yet verified
- Surviving
- Not yet verified
Sources and any conflicting figures are in the sections below.
Why it matters
The Mexico was the lower-cost relative of the RS1600, offering the RS1600's look with an overhead-valve Kent engine instead of the Cosworth BDA 16-valve unit. It was aimed at buyers who wanted that style but did not need the RS1600's performance.
How rare is it?
Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.
Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.
02Production & history
Production
Every figure says what it counts.
| What is counted | Figure | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Factory package productionMexicos built | 9,3821 | Factory production | Independently researched |
Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.
History
The Mexico and RS1600 were closely related and were manufactured at Ford's Advanced Vehicles Operations plant. The Mexico was considered not fast enough by many buyers, while the RS1600 was quick but expensive to produce and needed careful maintenance; the RS2000 followed as the answer to both.
Variants
How each version differs from the standard Escort RS Mexico (Mk1).
No variants documented yet. Have a source? Contribute it.
03Specifications
Technical specifications
Engine
| Engine family | Not yet verified |
|---|---|
| Engine code | Not yet verified |
| Layout | Not yet verified |
| Displacement | 1,599 cc / 1.6 LFactory: 1,599 cc2 Registry reported |
| Bore | 80.98 mmFactory: 80.98 mm3,4 Independently researchedS1: some cars had an 81.07 mm bore and 77.62 mm stroke (1601 cc) per Ford's homologation application. |
| Stroke | 77.72 mmFactory: 77.72 mm4 Independently researched |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:13,4 Independently researched |
| Valvetrain | Overhead valve (Kent engine)5 Independently researched |
| Fuel system | Single twin-choke downdraught Weber 32/36 DGV carburettor3 Independently researched |
| Power | 64.1 kW / 87.2 PSFactory: 86 hp · converted2 Registry reportedSource states bhp. |
| Power at | 5,500 rpm3 Independently researchedS2 gives 86 PS (DIN) at 5500 rpm. |
| Torque | 125 NmFactory: 92 lb-ft · converted3,4 Independently researched |
| Torque at | 4,000 rpm3 Independently researched |
Transmission & drivetrain
| Gearbox | Not yet verified |
|---|---|
| Gears | 44 Independently researched |
| Final drive | 3.77:14 Independently researched |
| Driven wheels | RWD3 Independently researched |
Chassis, body & dimensions
| Chassis | Not yet verified |
|---|---|
| Front suspension | Independent, coil springs, MacPherson struts, anti-roll bar4 Independently researched |
| Rear suspension | Live axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs, radius arms, telescopic dampers4 Independently researched |
| Brakes | Front discs 244 mm, rear drums 229 mm, servo assisted3 Independently researched |
| Steering | Rack and pinion4 Independently researched |
| Body construction | Steel integral, Type 49 shell4,3 Independently researched |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mmFactory: 2,400 mm3 Independently researched |
| Length | Not yet verified |
| Width | Not yet verified |
| Height | Not yet verified |
| Front track | Not yet verified |
| Rear track | Not yet verified |
| Kerb weight | Not yet verified |
| Dry weight | Not yet verified |
Performance
| Maximum speed | 159 km/hFactory: 99 mph · converted2 Registry reported |
|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | Not yet verified |
| 0–60 mph | 10.7 s2 Registry reported |
| Fuel tank | 40.9 LFactory: 40.9 L3,4 Independently researched |
“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.
04Colours & options
Factory colours & interiors
Original paint and trim, with the number of cars in each where a source gives it.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
Factory options & codes
Codes are shown exactly as written by the manufacturer.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
05Individual cars
Chassis register
Every documented car, with its colours, history and where it is now. Open a row for the full record. Known chassis are not automatically authenticated originals.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
Competition history
Every race result of the individual cars, in date order. Click a chassis number to open its full record in the register.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
Auction & sale history
Documented public sales of the individual cars. Click a chassis number to open its full record in the register.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
See one in person
Museums where an example of this car can be seen.
No example is documented on public display yet. Have a source? Contribute it.
06Reference
Identification guide
How to tell an original from a replica or later conversion.
The Mexico was built on Ford's strengthened Type 49 two-door shell (shared with the Twin Cam and RS1600), with strut-top reinforcements, rear axle tramp bars, an offset engine mount and the battery relocated to the rear left fender. Outside it looks like a normal Mk1 Escort apart from a two-piece front bumper, a black front grille, subtly flared wheelarches and Mexico badges on the boot lid and front wings. Inside there are a 7000 rpm rev counter and 130 mph speedometer instead of the RS1600's 8000 rpm and 140 mph dials, and a 40.9 litre tank in the right rear fender.
Sources
Each number links to the exact facts it supports.
- 1
-
2
Ford RS Owners Club, RS models overview Level B The Ford RS Owners Club
- Escort Mk1 Mexico Engine cc: 1599 (RS models overview)
- Escort Mk1 Mexico Engine bhp: 86 (RS models overview)
- Escort Mk1 Mexico Top Speed: 99mph (RS models overview)
- Escort Mk1 Mexico 0-60mph: 10.7s (RS models overview)
-
3
Guide: Ford Escort Mk1 Mexico Level A Supercar Nostalgia
- bore and stroke of 80.98mm and 77.72mm
- compression ratio was always 9.0:1
- single twin-choke downdraught Weber 32/36 DGV carburettor
- peak output was 85bhp at 5500rpm
- 92lb-ft at 4000rpm
- 2400mm wheelbase and rear-wheel drive layout
- 244mm discs up front and 229mm drums at the rear
- Type 49 pressed steel bodyshell
- 2400mm wheelbase
- 9 gallon (40.9-litre) fuel tank
-
4
Mk1 Escort Mexico Specification Level A Ford RS Owners Club UK
- Bore 80.98mm
- Stroke 77.72mm
- Compression ratio 9:1
- Torque 92lb/ft at 4000rpm
- four speed synchromesh gearbox
- Final drive 3.77:1
- Independent coil springs, McPherson struts with integral dampers and stabiliser bar
- Live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and radius arms
- Steering Rack and pinion
- Body Steel integral construction
- Tank capacity 9.0 gallons (40.9 litres)
-
5
1971 Ford Escort RS1600 Mexico Sports Saloon, chassis BFATLU17106 Level C Bonhams · 2013-04-29
- overhead-valve Kent-engined Mexico
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