An auction taking place on Wednesday, 9th October, is offering car enthusiasts and collectors the chance to own two very special cars. The auction, hosted by H&H Classics at the Imperial War Museum Duxford, will feature the oldest known surviving Ford AVO Car, a 1970 Ford Escort Mexico and a 1967 Jaguar Mark X 4.2, once owned by pop legend Madonna.
The Oldest Known Ford AVO Car – Ford Escort Mexico
Believed to be the oldest surviving model from Ford’s Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO), the 1970 Ford Escort Mexico was one of the few “launch” models built in October 1970, just before official production began.
Expected to sell for between £60,000-£70,000, this car holds a special place in Ford’s history. It carries a unique ‘LVX’ press registration plate, indicating its use for promotional purposes by Ford. The Escort Mexico has been fully restored between 2006 and 2017, with over £60,000 invested to bring it back to its factory-original specification. The restoration was focused on preserving as many original parts as possible while using genuine replacements when needed.
This specific example was also lent to Hendon Police College and tested against trainee pursuit drivers before later being purchased by a police officer from the same driving school. The Escort is accompanied by a detailed history file, which includes a rare sales brochure, a feature in Classic Ford magazine, and the original logbook.
“It’s a privilege to offer this 1970 Ford Escort Mexico AVO car for auction.
It is an unmissable opportunity for any fast Ford fanatic as opportunities to acquire AVO cars with such provenance are truly unrepeatable.”
This Mexico is one of the first handful of Escort Mexico’s produced, believed to be one of four, before official production began. It is also the joint second Mexico registered, being registered new to Ford Motor Company on December 4th 1970.
We expect there to be strong interest in this very special model at our auction in October.”
– Paul Cheetham, motor car specialist at H&H Classics
A Celebrity Connection – Madonna’s 1967 Jaguar Mark X 4.2
In addition to the Ford Mexico, the auction will also feature a 1967 Jaguar Mark X 4.2 that was once owned by global music superstar Madonna. Purchased by Madonna in 2021 for her son Rocco Ritchie, it is now being offered at no reserve!
The Jaguar Mark X 4.2 is a special model in its own right. Known for its large, luxurious design, the Mark X was primarily targeted at the North American market, appealing to high-profile buyers such as diplomats and film stars. The 4.2-litre version, produced for just two years, had impressive features for its time, including independent rear suspension and a top speed of 120mph, making it a more affordable alternative to the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud.
The car has recently undergone a full repaint in Opalescent Maroon and comes with its original green logbook.
“It’s incredible to be offering a Jaguar for sale with such close connections to Madonna and I’m sure fans and classic car collectors will be hung up on this Mark X.
“Putting aside its famous celebrity connection, this Big Cat is a rare 4.2 litre example that was only in production for two years, and I’m sure Rocco would have enjoyed driving it.
There were only 5,137 Jaguar Mark X 4.2 litre models ever built. Our auction offers the chance to own an important piece of British motoring history that has also been bought by one of the most famous people on the planet. It’s a car that will always remain in vogue.”
– Lucas Gomersall, motor car specialist at H&H Classics
H&H Classics
Both of these cars will be available to bid on in person, online, or via telephone at the auction on 9th October. For more information or to register to bid, visit the H&H Classics website at www.handh.co.uk.
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