The Mk2 Escort RS Mexico was produced between November 1975 and July 1978, all the UK models were built in Saarlouis, the West Germany. Only around 2500 Mk2 Mexicos were sold over this period. The Mk2 was a replacement for the successful Mk1 Mexico.
The Mk2 Mexico was produced at the same time as both the Escort 1600 Sport and the Escort Mk2 RS2000.
Available colours were:
- Diamond White
- Daytona Yellow
- Signal Yellow
- Signal Amber
- Signal Orange
- Carnival Red
- Venetian Red
- Calypso Green
- Peppermint Green
- Signal Green
The interior was available only in black.
Engine
The engine was a 1600cc overhead cam Pinto unit producing 95bhp at 5750 rpm.
To fit the unit into the standard Escort Mk2 bodyshell a number of components needed modification:
- Aluminium alloy sump
- Aluminium alloy engine mounts
- Aluminium alloy alternator bracket
- Cast iron exhaust manifold
Gearbox and Transmission
The gearbox was a 4 speed Type-B unit featuring a quick shift action. The rear axle is known as a Timken (or English) type, this was mounted using forward facing radius arms bolted to the chassis rail.
Steering was non power-assisted and used a rack and pinion. Front suspension was via independent MacPherson struts and Sachs dampers. The rear also used Sachs dampers with multi-leaf springs.
The Mk2 Mexico ran either steel 5.5 x 13-inch wheels or optionally 6J x 13 inch four spoke alloy sports wheels. Standard tyres were Pirelli 175/70 x 13 CN36′s.
Interior
The front seats were ‘Recaro’ style made by Scheel and were the same as those fitted to the early Mk2 RS2000 . Competition front bucket seats were listed as an optional extra. A sports steering wheel was fitted with a five white needle instrument cluster.