1975 FORD CORTINA 1600 XL

The Ford Escort Mexico (1970-1974) celebrated the 1970 London-Mexico World Cup Rally win. 1.6 Kent with 86hp, lowered suspension, strengthened bodyshell. Around 10,000 built. Iconic nameplate. Values from £25k.

Escort Mk1: Engine - Kent crossflow robust with excellent parts. BDA twin-cam (RS1600/Twin Cam) needs specialist care, expensive to rebuild. Pinto (RS2000) - timing belt. Gearbox - 4-speed, ok. Body - RUST is critical. Sills are structural, floors, inner wings, front crossmember, rear arches, boot floor. Restoration panels available. Suspension - leaf spring rear. Values rising steadily, especially RS models. Budget £1-4k annually.

RS1600 (holy grail), Twin Cam (rare), RS2000, Mexico, Good bodywork critical, Matching numbers