The Mexico modelled was first registered on 6th March 1972, making it one of the last to have the rear under-floor stone guard, boot-mounted battery and remote brake servo. It was part of a batch of ten cars registered in sequence and then retained by Ford for publicity work and carries a 'PVX' number plate; initials which appeared on many AVO or Boreham-built competition and press cars as PV was the identification code for the East Ipswich registration office. It featured the 'Custom Pack' which included, carpet, centre console and Contour bucket seats. Unusually it was also fitted from new with expensive optional Minilite wheels and the Cibie lamp pack, both of which are reproduced here.
Current owner Ken Skillern, an electrical engineer from Worcestershire, bought the car in 1990 after seeing an advert in his local paper and immediately embarked on concours standard restoration to original specification which took three years. He started by stripping the bodyshell and having it blasted which revealed that it needed new floorpans, new front wings, new valances and some welding to the boot floor, all of which he undertook himself. The engine was rebuilt professionally and the original matching numbers gearbox and axle were retained. Since being completed Ken's Mexico has covered nearly 9,000 dry miles attending shows and rallies, been featured in Practical Classics magazine, exhibited on the AVO Club stand at the NEC Classic Car Show and won many concours trophies.
Engine: 1599cc 4IL OHV
Power: 86bhp@5500rpm
Torque: 92lb.ft@4000rpm
Maximum speed: 99mph
0-60mph: 10.7secs
Produced: 10,352 (Mexico Mk1)