OneMoreFord One is Never Enough!
A very special and exceptionally rare Ford is coming up for auction: a 1972 Ford Escort Mk1 Mexico Estate Prototype. The Escort Mexico is already one of the most desirable classic Fords, but this unusual estate version takes rarity to another level. Developed by Ford’s Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO), only three Mexico estate prototypes are understood to have been built, making this an extremely unusual piece of Ford’s motorsport and production history. Even more remarkably, only two are believed to survive in their original Mexico specification.
This particular example, registered PGU 97K, has an interesting history and is believed to have been used by Peter Jopp, a well-known figure in Ford and motorsport circles, from new until 1982. The car comes with an extensive history file containing original registration documentation, period correspondence and a remarkable collection of MOT certificates dating back to 1975. The Escort underwent an extensive restoration during the 1990s by Philip Elby and went on to win several awards. Its current owner acquired the car in 2005 and has continued to maintain and show this unusual Ford over the last 21 years.
According to the auction description, the car remains in excellent condition, with particularly impressive paintwork, a smart engine bay and interior trim understood to be original. It has also benefited from extensive recommissioning in recent years. The car’s story is just as fascinating as its rarity, with an interesting connection to the original AVO estate programme. The project was ultimately abandoned, with the oil crisis and concerns over demand for a high-performance estate contributing to Ford’s decision not to put the model into production.
The Escort Mexico Estate Prototype is being offered by Historics Auctioneers, with an estimate of £50,000–£60,000. It is scheduled to go under the hammer on 28th November 2026 at Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands, Surrey.
To see the photographs, read the full history and find out more about the car, visit the Historics auction listing here.
