Today we reveal the second of four famous Ford Escorts that will grace our show stand at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show from Friday to Sunday 7-9 November as we showcase the most demanding Marathon Rally ever known.
It’s Sunday 19th April 1970 and Poland’s Sobieslaw Zasada and co-driver Marek Wachoski leave the start ramp at London’s Wembley Stadium and navigate the streets of the Capital en-route for Mexico City, some 39 days and over 16,000 miles away.
The Daily Mirror ‘London to Mexico’ World Cup Rally is on, and Ford of Britain has built seven identical Ford Escort 1850GTs in an attempt to win this, the longest, toughest and most gruelling rally in history.
Zasada and Machowski would go on to finish 8th place in the event whilst fellow Ford Works drivers Hannu Mikkola and Gunnar Palm would take victory in Mexico.
Zasada’s car was sold off after the event and went through a series of private owners until David Aldridge acquired the car in 2009 and realising its history, made the decision to return the car to its original specification and condition.
Come and see this famous motor car on Stand 595, Hall 3 at the NEC this weekend as we reunite four 1970 World Cup Rally Escorts for the first time in 55 years!