Lot 243: 1971 Ford Escort Mexico MK I Competition Ex-Jack Brabham

Ford announced an additional model to its Escort range in 1970, the Escort Mexico. Intended to cash-in on Ford's success in the London-to-Mexico Rally, which had been won by a works Escort, the Mexico had a specially strengthened two door saloon body shell as well as RS (Rally Sport) suspension and brakes. The Jack Brabham 1971 Trophy Race was a race for Formula One team managers and former drivers, the latter all racing legends and driving Ford Escort Mexico cars with open exhausts which were running on standard Dunlop radial road tyres. Some apparently tried to sneak in some sticky Goodyear Super Vee covers but they were gently reminded of the rules! Lining up on the grid alongside Brabham was Ken Tyrrell, Colin Chapman, Frank Williams, John Surtees and Max Mosley to name but a few. Pounding through Clearways on the final lap, Chapman tried to grab top gear, only to find that there was nothing there - "absolutely nothing," he said, "not a gear of any sort" - and Brabham scrambled past on the outside, having lost only a couple of seconds in the excitement. So Jack Brabham won the race which had been named after him and earned a great round of applause. But what a disappointment for Chapman! Television viewers across the country caught a glimpse of Chapman moments after he had seized the lead, with a grin from ear to ear which was to be dashed from his face so soon afterwards. Brabham, however, generously handed over the winner's trophy, which carried his name, to Chapman. The race, incidentally, was broadcast in the late '80s/early '90s in the well known television programme 100 Greatest Sporting Moments. After the race the car was sent back to Ford and used in local and national rallies. For the last 23 years it has been with the same owner and stored privately all of this time. The car, now restored to its former glory, is described as being in excellent condition all round and ready to be used in a variety of historic races and rallies. Representing a unique opportunity to purchase an historic competition car with a well documented history, this Escort Mexico is supplied with a V5 registration document and a MoT test certificate valid until January 2009.