1971 Ford Escort RS Mexico 'World Cup Rally' Specification
A 1971 Ford Escort RS Mexico with a documented history of serious endurance rallying. Originally finished in Monza Blue, the car underwent a bare-shell restoration in 2003–2004 before being rebuilt to World Cup Rally specification in 2013–2015 with guidance from Philip Young of the Endurance Rally Association. The car has since competed in multiple demanding international endurance events including the 2015 Sahara Challenge, the Peking to Paris Motor Challenge, and events in New Zealand and Alaska, demonstrating consistent reliability and competitiveness over many thousands of kilometres.
Ownership
- 2026-02-20Auction saleSold £37,000 (≈ $46K)
- → 2004Acquisition unknownRS Owners Club memberpartial documentation
Undertook a complete bare-shell restoration, repainting the car from its factory Monza Blue to Diamond White. Work concluded in 2004.
- 2004 → 2013Private saleSubsequent enthusiast ownerpartial documentation
Purchased the car after its restoration and display at shows. Tenure ended when the car was acquired in 2013.
- 2013 →Private saleEndurance competition-focused ownerpartial documentation
Rebuilt the car to full World Cup Rally specification over two years with Philip Young's guidance, then campaigned it in multiple major international endurance events.
Competition
- 20152015 Sahara Challenge1st in class, 5th overall
Competed in a field of 40 cars; the Escort's first major event following its World Cup Rally specification rebuild.
- —Peking to Paris Motor ChallengeDNF — hub spline failure
Led its class and was third overall after covering more than 7,000 km before a mechanical failure ended the run.
- —New Zealand Classic
Contested under later ownership; described as successful participation.
- —Alaska to Mexico Marathon
Contested under later ownership; described as successful participation.
- —Highland Thistle
Contested under later ownership; described as successful participation.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2003RestorationRS Owners Club member
Full bare-shell strip and rebuild carried out by a member of the RS Owners Club. The bodywork was refinished from original Monza Blue to Diamond White.
Restoration completed in 2004; car was subsequently shown at several events.
- 2013Restoration
Second complete strip to bare shell and ground-up rebuild to World Cup Rally specification, aimed at creating a durable and competitive endurance rally car. Two-year preparation with input from Philip Young, founder of the Endurance Rally Association.
Build concluded approximately 2015 in time for the Sahara Challenge.
- —ModificationSherwood
Fitted with a Sherwood-built 2.0-litre Pinto engine mated to a Tractive Type 9 gearbox, along with long-range fuel tank, roll cage, competition seating, trip meters, and auxiliary lighting.
Exact date of drivetrain fitment not stated; car presented in this configuration at time of sale.
Are you the owner of this car?
This car's public record is built from its auction and competition history. Register your ownership and privately add your own records to make it a verified Legacy Metrics passport — provenance that backs your car's value at sale and gives your insurer evidence to price against. Roy reviews and verifies every registration personally.