A striking Mk2 Escort benefiting from a bare-shell restoration and comprehensive rebuil to upgraded ‘restomod’ specification. It is fitted with a modified 2.0-litre Pinto inline-four engine breathing through a pair of Weber 45 DCOE carburettors, feeding power to the Quaife LSD equipped live rear axle through a strong Toyota W57 steel-case five-speed manual gearbox. This is an impressive Mexico tribute based on an ‘import spec’ Australian 1979 GL rust-free bodyshell. The no-expense-spared retro performance build features Wilwood brakes, Quaife differential, uprated engine and running gear, brand new Koya alloy wheels, Cibie rally style spotlights, new alloy fuel tank, uprated fuel system and performance suspension. Full bare-shell restoration based on a 1979 Australian-delivered two-door Mk2 Escort 2.0 GL bodyshell. All original panels with the exception of the ‘beaver’ rear panel that has been changed for a European item to delete the rear fuel filler access point. Finished in Signal Yellow, which was one of the Mexico colour choices with the correct black pinstripes, badging, front bib spoiler and RS rubber decklid spoiler. This high-quality build was treated to all-new rubbers and seals and boasts matching factory-etched green tinted glass plus a brand-new windscreen. New tail lights, headlights and bumpers were also fitted. It is also fitted with four Cibie spotlights (correctly wired and working). The underside of this Mk2 has enjoyed the same attention to detail as the rest of the car and has been finished in durable tinted Raptor coating in matching yellow. It is fitted with a ‘Damien Moore’ 2.0-litre inline-four Pinto engine, steel big wing sump, ‘world cup’ crossmember, ported big valve cylinder head, Piper fast road camshaft, ACL pistons and rods, and a ported and polished inlet manifold that breathes through a pair of matched Weber DCOE 45 carburettors with K&N filters. A 4-2-1 Pacemaker manifold connects to a performance exhaust. A Burton cam cover is another period touch. The gearbox is a famously robust Toyota W57 steel case five-speed which fits perfectly (no cutting of the tunnel), with exact location for the original rear mount and gear lever. Cooling is taken care of via an uprated alloy radiator. Everything under the bonnet is well-presented from the silicone hosing, through to the blue anodised adjustable vernier pulley, to the custom alloy bonnet hinges. All suspension components have been either replaced or refurbished, and the steering rack is a new 2.4 quick rack. The running gear has been uprated to deal with the increase in power. A strong steel case Toyota W57 five-speed manual gearbox is an upgrade that caters for spirited driving but also allows for more pleasant cruising over the standard four-speed item. It rides on a set of new 15-inch Koya alloy wheels with new tyres. The car is fitted with a matching spare. The Mk2 is fitted with Gaz adjustable front coilovers, rear lowering blocks and uprated Gaz shock absorbers. A new rally fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines and fuel pressure regulator have been installed. The Escort has a new battery that is located on the factory boot mount. Inside, period-correct Recaro seats have been fitted. These seats and the rear bench have been trimmed in period-correct black cloth. There is a new headlining, carpets, door panels and flocked dash top. Rare factory air conditioning keeps the occupants cool in the Australian sun and an RS 2000 instrument cluster allows the driver to monitor the engine status. A genuine RS three-spoke steering wheel is fitted and in immaculate condition. The ‘MEX100’ registration is not included in the sale. The seller notes that this Escort is in excellent order throughout following an extensive rebuild. As can be appreciated in the photo gallery, it is said to be in show-quality condition. The seller is not aware of any mechanical or electrical faults. The car has been completely overhauled and serviced, and most components have been restored, uprated or replaced using sought-after originals or trusted aftermarket parts. Ford Escort Mk2 builds completed to this standard are a rare find, not only benefiting from comprehensive cosmetic refurbishment but also a raft of high-quality upgrades to deliver an enhanced driving experience. This impressive Mexico tribute represents a very versatile classic car, equally suited to use as a show car, or to enjoy on track, or even for longer distance classic tours. The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.