Barn Find 1 owner mk1 Escort Mexico - Will it run?

[@r0ndema]

The stars aligned to make this video happen, Dan and I nearly didn’t make it past Wigan on the northbound journey. A long day but thanks to Jonnys singular persistence it ended in combustion! This is a fitting tribute to Dad and the efforts of TLBS team are very much appreciated by the family. Next weekend I’ll be driving the now recommissioned Mexico with Mum and Dan to take Dad’s ashes to his favourite fell for one last time. Oh and Mum - it’s pronounced Modena, not Modena x

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

It was a wonderful day, and I couldn't have got the car to strike up without the agony uncle phone help of my big brother Greg, plus a bootful of WD40. Thanks for inviting me to come and tell the story. Jonny

[@samholdsworth420]

Cheers!

[@angeloah]

Fantastic!

[@davidhitchen7122]

Absolutely fantastic ❤️

[@mikaeldinoto]

This was a great episode, a wonderful story. This is the quintessential barn find; one owner car, every service record, every invoice, still in solid form. Mrs Cradock even remembers without hesitation how much they paid for it. It’s a part of the family’s history. I had a great time watching, thank you for sharing your story. Cheers from Toronto 🇨🇦

[@reidster87]

Gosh this one had me all misty eyed. Well done all. Thank you to Anne, Ben, and Dan for sharing their stories of Tim and the car with Jonny and the rest of us!

[@pault949]

What a sweet, warm lady. This is legit heart warming to see a family care so much for a car... Jonny was right when he said it was a part of the family.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Really chuffed you enjoyed this one.

[@ramalama9650]

That lady loves that car it just shows the way she speaks so passionately about it. It was hard to find one in that condition, even back in the day. They were heavily abused by wannabe rally drivers. I remember the adverts in the motor magazines for used ones, 'Never raced or rallied'! Excellent find and video!

[@BR702702]

That was more emotional than any barn find has any right to be. What a privilege, and hope it goes on to be used by an appreciative new owner!

[@final_mile_music9713]

💯

[@rustybearden1800]

You were right when you started this post with the comments about cars being more than mechanical boxes, that they have memories and life events tied to them. I got a lump in my throat when it cranked over and seeing mother and son sharing a moment and surely thinking about a father and spouse. Jonny, you're really the only presenter/car journalist that I see regularly getting your hands dirty, trouble shooting until the cars come back to life. And relating one on one with the owners and the stories. Just fantastic - nothing else like it anywhere. Thank you! WHAT'S NEXT?!?

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

That's really kind. Thank you so much. These videos are popular because folks like you keep watching, subscribing and liking. Cheers!

[@theforester3426]

That's not a barn find what an insult its a gift from God.

[@fastEdCanuck]

What a lovely family, you made their day with your persistence and Greg’s help so they could hear it running again. Another great episode Jonny.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you. Really glad you enjoyed coming along for the ride. Couldn't have done it without Greg and WD40!

[@davidgalea6113]

​@@TheLateBrakeShowhope the car stays in the family..

[@neilperry2224]

Spent my early car life learning about these and MK2 Escorts from the local Bristol Street Motors, and the old boys immaculate estate two tone paint scheme Mk 2 , always washed on the weekend never put away wet. A friend of my brothers who restored a mk1 1300E vinyl roof dark blue paint, and the same steel wheels, and this was in the mid eighties, and honing round the country lanes and flipped into a farmers field, luckily freshly ploughed. Landed on its wheels , but was stuck in the mud up past the sump!! And had to ask the farmer to pull him out, no damage to his car but his reputation as a good driver slipped. But the stories a good one, also sat 8n a rather ropey Mk1 R/S rally car the my older brother wanted to buy for 1600£ but mom said No! So he got a Fiesta Mk 3 pop plus 950cc.

[@ChishanFipz]

I pined and wished so much my mum would drop the clutch against boy racers - Absolutely no chance, she stuck to the speed limit like her life depended on it, even in an Uno turbo! What a lady! Love to of met the owner - an inspiration and legend.

[@kieranwhite6647]

The reaction from everybody when the car started was priceless. You can tell how much it means to them all

[@martycrush6412]

Here here 👌🏼

[@JazzFunkNobby1964]

They're selling it...

[@paulsanders4929]

I love seeing these old British cars being revealed. I do wish you would take a skilled mechanic with you to get these cars started, they are so simple but you make it look so difficult to get them going! Clearly an old mechanic would have them going in no time.

[@NZbird]

As a 75 year old MGB GT owner in NZ, I found this episode really emotional and I couldn't keep the smile off my face. You're right about cars having an emotional connection. Our GT was manufactured the same year that my wife and I got married - 1972. It isn't going anywhere! 🙂

[@kiwiwifi]

it'll be going to the tip, just like all the other MGs

[@ianunwin]

An amazing story of a man who loved his car and a family who loved the man, R.I.P. sir knowing that the car is running and hopefully will move to someone who also cares for it as you all do

[@gro9465]

@@stevie46 I am probably not alone in thinking your comment is in bad taste. Shame on you.

[@taff4379]

What a lovely lady, and the memories she has with this car and her late husband Tim, made me feel quite emotional. The stories of their camping trips with the two lads sat in the back in their designated seats, one on the left, one on the right is more than special. I'm of an age where I can remember my Dad buying brand new Escorts, a MK1 (NAX 820M) in 74, then a MK2 (MCJ 256P) in 76, then changing it for another MK2 (BHB 639T) in 79, made me an Escort fan ever since, and I've also owned a MK1 Mexico myself. If I had storage I would love to buy this. Thanks Jonny for another excellent video, and thanks to the lovely family for letting us share their personal journey too.

[@davidevans7643]

Her love for her husband and the car is beautiful ❤

[@VesaGuardian]

Had to pause at 9:25, just to admire the politeness of the letter sent by service manager Neate. Very difficult to see that such a sophisticated reply would ever appear in my e-mail... I think we have lost something along the way.

[@999hireactionvehicles9]

What a great story and i recognise all those trappings of Cornwall trips

[@robertovers1863]

i like the way they talk about the car for ages without saying what it is and show little bits of it hidden under sheets .... and then put it in the title !!!

[@johngregory5280]

I lost my own father in October 2021. He was a big escort fan and would have loved this episode. For people of his generation, this and the RS were the stuff of dreams. I hope that they don't regret parting with it. It cannot be replaced.

[@CrossGuitarWorks]

Listen to that starting motor crying for a good minute while everyone enjoys the engine 😅

[@PaulabJohnson]

What a lovely family. I love the fact they've had it all that time - it really is a part of the family

[@fatwalletboy2]

2 things. Spritely lady Anne saying "madina green" and "dropping the clutch" to beat a few boy racers..... Straight away you knew she had petrol in her veins.... 2nd thing. Ben mentioning " The Collector Road" If youre over 40 and lived around the North Solihull area you know the road decades before todays miserly 50mph limit.....many a lad took his car down that 4 mile stretch of dual to open the taps on their mini escort capri etc..... Love it and the photo at the end suggests that Tim was winding on a tiny bit of opposite lock. Fantastic stuff. Got me choked up a bit to be honest. Car needs to be protected from that bowing shelf and dodgy roof though.

[@davemellor4697]

I had 2 of these back in 1979 and 1982 and i would give big money to own this car its just so lovely!

[@shsh-he5qg]

Suggest you quickly get in touch with Jonny and try and beat anyone to seeing it first, first person to see it will take it !

[@nigelbowler1601]

A great story to the history of the car & owner Tim and his family i hope the car will live on for many more years.

[@scottlp2323]

Making car content they just don't make anymore. Thanks Jonny. Superb as always. :)

[@pauldavies6037]

Another lovely story car mother and the late husband would be so proud

[@joffff]

Jonny bears incredible responsibility on these barn/garage finds, unlocking shared memories for families. Where other channels are all about hooning around, the LBS is heartwarming at it's finest 👏

[@ynothump2566]

My dad had one and he used to let me 'steer' it into the garage whilst sat on his lap when I was a nipper... I am sat here blubing like a baby watching this. Brings back so many memories 💔

[@EnemyDwarf-TTV]

Hands down the late brake show is my favourite car show. Jonny is so chilled out and likeable the people are relatable As always enjoyed the video,. Lovely car.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you so much, this is really kind to hear. 👍🏽✊🏽

[@RobertSmith-di5ll]

I almost bought one from new - my father objected so it didn't happen - regret it to this day so seeing this is fantastic What an inheritance.

[@ionutdincu2577]

The family's reaction when the Ford finally started is priceless. Well done!!

[@ukqwerty999]

i just wanted Johnny to take the jump lead off the poor old starter motor

[@ChemiiOneLegacy]

I absolutely loved this car as a kid and I was born in 85. I know people will probably crucify me but I'd still love a modded one now. Great vehicle!

[@mattstell1656]

You made her day Jonny, great barn find

[@MrGraminou]

I just had an epiphany, cars are just lumps of metal...we love some, they are emotion feeling and memory, you are resurrecting those, the lumps of metal come along for the ride

[@josh_bfc_2769]

Brilliant episode. I personally wouldn't let the car go anywhere. One of the sons looked emotional when it fired up. Keep these episodes coming Johnny 👍

[@dpheaslip]

Absolutely. That’s a family heirloom. Selling it will be something I think they’ll regret.

[@timsaxon5825]

Easily one of the best ever barn find episodes. What a happy ending.

[@Jay-B1750]

What a lovely story/family, really hope whoever takes it on next cherished it as much as they have, R.I.P Mr Craddock

[@josephkelly4893]

Had me dancing along with mum when it fired up!! Lovely episode

[@munnsie100]

What a special story, and a special car. This family heirloom was clearly loved, and the respect and interest you have shown to the family is so evident.

[@James-semaJ]

What a lady, what a car, what a story! Lovely Jonny.

[@ash_mk1_escort]

Reminds me of the first start of my mk1 escort I rebuilt with my dad! Love my old girl! Such a heart warming story about how it’s been in the family for so long

[@chazsach6594]

This is the final nail in terrestrial TVs coffin.

[@rufusharbud3673]

The Late Brake Show barn find episode + a Ford Escort Mk1 Mexico + a family who cherish the car = Happy smiles through damp teary eyes... Well done again Johnny, for bringing the cars of the people to show them alive again for their next adventures.

[@23hublock1]

Blimey, I've never shed a tear before watching one of your barn find videos....until today that is. That meant so much to the whole family, nice one Jonny.

[@DestroyerWill]

Jonny these episode just keep getting better. RIP Tim and thank you for your México legacy

[@karter5351]

What a great story of a much cherished car. The Escorts of this era have much charm.

[@justsomebloke6784]

What an emotional rollercoaster. Great editing, that told the story such that I was convinced that it would be a turnkey start and then had hopes dashed and then raised again until the eventual sweetly revving engine. As a viewer, the stories are so enthralling that whether there is exhaust fumes or not it's never a disappointment. And that entire family adored each other as well as the car.

[@daystatesniper01]

Best episode you have ever done....conversation over .

[@Harley-ir4er]

This was my favorite Escort of the 70's, The wheels, The decals, The front flared arches, the four clocks and 3 spoke steering wheel a true Gem. Where less is more.

[@theunemployedtrucker]

What a lovely bubbly lady who really loves this amazing car , i have to admit i had a few tears in my eyes at the end knowing the car has to find a new home ❤

[@mikejba]

This is one of those episodes that every non-car lover should watch. It's such a lovely episode full of such warm and fond memories of Tim and the family, and the Escort made many of them possible. A lovely episode Jonny & team, thank you very much.

[@johnbrown3951]

This episode had special memories of two men and a Ford Escort in my village in the North East of Scotland where I grew up. My Dad and my mates Dad who sold us the 1st Escort in the North East of Scotland from his Ford Dealership at the end of our garden. It was grey, Registration JAV 479F sadly both men died in the last two years but the memories of all 3 will live on in my memories. I just wish my Dad had put his car away in storage but other than washing it he had no love of cars unlike me who is car daft.

[@spotty_cat26]

Absolute classic! And a racing go faster stripe. Where would you be without a big brother? Glad you got it going.

[@Stoobers]

What a lovely Mexico, and what a lovely lady :) This is why your channel will always be the best Jonny :)

[@AnthonyRBlacker]

I love the fact that even though you really aren't a seasoned mechanic at all Jonny, you STILL get in there with a little phone a brother and have the tenacity to get that thing running. The family, all three, were just ecstatic to hear those memories come roaring back through the exhaust note of that little (worked up) 1600cc motor. Wonderful!

[@mickmcc2158]

Good man, Jonny. Your escapades with that little Mexico just made my day. What a wee charmer

[@davidf2281]

Ah, magnificent episode. Think I've got something in my eye though; back in a minute.

[@tallblokesam]

Somebody is definitely chopping onions nearby..

[@kevinmatthews2620]

@@tallblokesam same problem here :)

[@D-Man666]

My first car was an Escort 1300GT with a 1600GT Mexico engine installed in 1988, a few years later i managed to get a good loking but very rusty Mexico, I couldn't afford to get the work that was needed done, but to this day, a MK1 Mexico with a 4 pack of Cibies is still my favourite car ever.. Thank you to everyone for this video, that car really was one of the family!

[@stevereddish6901]

Fantastic. My first car was a mk1 1300gt. Same colour Reg BWB 777M. wished I still owned it now

[@alecbell5453]

I purchased a new red Mexico in the early 1970s. Loved it.

[@grahamshelton6759]

Great video! My first car in 1977 was a ford Escort GT. I was a player in a band and we transported most of our equipment in that car. Brings back really good memories. Thanks again.

[@harpersneil]

God Bless Tim Cradock. What a fabulous car and an beautiful family.

[@eddytheviper]

Absolute cracker of an episode, can't quite believe 30 mins went that fast. Loving the car history and genealogy which makes it all the more wholesome. Here's to the best car channel and the continued successful future of the LBS

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

This is the best compliment we could wish for - the 30 min episodes should fly by.

[@Oyvind88]

Amazing car and family, R.I.P to the sad😍♥️

[@rupertknight7763]

What a great video, I felt excitement and anticipation that you could get that engine started for this lovely family. Well done, you clearly brought a little happiness to them after the loss of their father/husband…just remember to disconnect the starter motor next time 😅

[@allthingsadventurous6568]

What a genuinely nice lad Jonny is.

[@sirrevalot2543]

This show stands out from all other barn find shows because of the people and stories that you manage to locate who own such cool cars! Keep up the awesome content, thanks. Throttle down from Chicago. ✌️

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

A fantastic episode, brought a tear to the eye when it started, a well loved Escort kept in the family from new. RIP Tim.

[@theloneranger2101]

What a Wonderful Wonderful Lady and her two Sons, petrol heads would love a wife and who kept their memory alive with the car they owned by remembering and keeping everything about their pride and joy. This Car is Dripping with their families history, I must admit it brought a tear to my eye when it started, well done Jonny and of course your Brother Greg, you are now part of this Cars history forever. It's such a shame it has to be sold on, the new owner will be the Custodian of a Wonderful car, let all hope this car has many more years still left in it, and many more memories for the new owner. Jonny, I really don't know how you manage to surpass yourself each week with these truly wonderful video's, but you do, thank you Jonny and the Mexico family for sharing this with us, it was a lovely story of one families car history.

[@pdtech4524]

That was quite emotional, what a fantastic car and what a great family for sharing this very sentimental moment with us.....😊

[@waynephillip5621]

No way would i let it leave the family . Just beautiful and mum and dads . What a lovely story and family . Please don't sell her and keep it ❤

[@base7022]

Thanks for your wonderful report! By the end of the video I had tears in my eyes. In 1988 I bought an Escort MK1 RS2000, which I had been looking for 2 years, it was partially dismantled but in the same condition as the Mexico here in the video. It was already difficult to find an original back then, with the beautiful steel drop center rims without conversion. I was looking for parts here in Germany, but they didn't fit, even though they were parts for the RS2000. It wasn't until 10 years later that I knew why! I had bought one of only 134 left hand drive (LHD) Escort MK1 RS2000 AVO, Type 49. This was only built in England. It was converted as one of the first presentation escort RS for Germany, because the German factory (Sarlouis) was only able to present the modified German body of the RS000 from January 1974. It's sad, I'm 53 years old now and I've captured many other projects. Many health problems and other events the car has been standing around unchanged for 35 years. That hurts a lot in my heart and in my dream car. It can soon be back on the road, there is now a new workshop and the remaining years to fulfill the dream! Thank you and cheeRS Klaus from Düsseldorf

[@paulw103]

What an absolutely fabulous and heartwarming video that was, the joy on Tim’s family’s faces was priceless when the Mexico’s heart started beating after all those years. Another triumph TLBS 🙏🏻

[@chrisbanks5925]

In 1974 my father taught me to drive in his Medina Green Ford Escort MkI and seeing this episode brought back such great memories . . thanks Jonny and the Cradock Family.

[@arthurdardalis]

What a charming lady, fabulous car!

[@GuyBelcher-m1l]

My dream car, not my perfect colour but still absolutely beautiful and what a clean example!

[@AnagramAutoclassics]

Phwooaar! It's got a go-faster stripe! Just so sad you didn't get to meet the owner. Thanks for another great episode - it's cheered me up after a very wet day watching Ford Escort rally cars at Shelsley Walsh hillclimb.

[@levelcrossing150]

We did love our cars and RS cars were stuff of our dreams. During the mid 70's I used to travel miles to Welshpool were WR Davies, a Ford RS dealer sold these cars, and around the back there were lines of them all in different specs and colours. For me those times have never been repeated. Looks like this car has been saved just in time before the rust takes a hold. It's a lovely honest car and has been well loved, all appears to be there to make it a real beauty.

[@christophermccallion8377]

Think these episodes just makes everyone's day, honestly there is nothing like this out there. Cannot wait for each video, have followed you from your 5th gear days absolutely amazing

[@Boomboom-ox9hn]

The only family member we ever get the chance of bring back to life after being dormant for decades is that family member that gave us all our childhood memories... The family car 🚘 What a great show... Keep up the great work

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Great comment - and it's the truth. Thanks for watching.

[@DPcar-mania-65]

Bloody great video ! What a story & history ! Fantastic. 👍 I love Escort Mk1s/MK2s. First car at 17 was a 1970 MK1, 2nd car was a MK1 Mexico, had a MK1 RS2000 in my early 20's. Had a MK2 RS 2000 early 90's which was concourse & still out there doing the circuit GUF 215V. Now at 58 own a MK2 again, only a mongruel / modified. Prices now compared to 40 yrs ago limits me. But hey it's an Escort !

[@93455Driver]

Great episode, the Ford Escort such a part of growing up in the 70's in the UK.

[@RRAAAAAWWWWWWWR]

This is an incredibly gorgeous car and an interesting history to go with it. Amazing find!

[@ernievan7745]

W❤W, what a beauty. My brother owned a 71 Escort. We had great fun in it. Would love one of these beauties. But for affordabilty. 😮. Worked on his car many times , when needed. 😂

[@MrChunkymunky1988]

What a beautiful car! It's been looked after so well. I hope it finds someone that cares about it just as much as the dad did 👍

[@kevinworrall1346]

I actually welled up when it fired up, so happy for this lady the memories of her and her hubby ❤️ hope it goes to enthusiast and raises obscene amount of money for the family, what a car

[@rmhodv6932]

Another great barn find Jonny. The joy on everyone's face when the Mexico fired up was priceless. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@peterwallbank7303]

Jonny's Barn Finds are the most wholesome stories. Keep them coming.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Many thanks, will do 👍🏽

[@mikebull1972]

Aw Jonny, that was fabulous! It's not just the cars themselves- it's your love for them all and the lovely manner you have with the owners too. Really enjoyed this one- thanks to all involved in the making of it.

[@Musketeer009]

Memories of my late mother's Escort Mk1 1300 Sport PNO 528M which she had from new.

[@alfarks1]

What a great watch, and an even more lovely story shared by the family.. Epitomises exactly what cars can mean to people, so much than just a lump of metal.. watching the family's reaction when it fired up was priceless! 😁 Top job Jonny! 👍

[@alanpengo3335]

So lovely seeing your beautiful mother smiling when the car started,may you all have many happy years together before your mum is reunited with her sweetheart, God bless you all🙏👏❤❤

[@davidjowett8195]

An amazing car, and amazing family. I hope that they can see a way to keep that car in the family, it deserves it.

[@johnbevan7157]

What an awesome story on a car and the fact it’s belonged to the same family all this time. I hope whoever buys this car at some point can give this car the same level of love

[@deanholmes3343]

What a brilliant episode, had me in tears, brought back memories of my mum's first car, a Daytona yellow,1.1 GLS with a chrome Passenger side mirror,which was an optional extra, and a full length black vinyl roof, I believe it was an L registration, this car brought the memories flooding back, maybe because my mum died recently, Brilliant work Johnny 😊

[@joebadger]

This one was just brilliant Jonny. I may have shed a tear or two.

[@ChishanFipz]

There are still thousands of these beauties waiting to be discovered by a guy in a BFF - Exquisite wonderful content, and it's not just the car, it's the stories and people that have made this the best Barn Find edition of LBS so far. Thankyou for this perfect Sunday night content - Hats off to you, Jonny & the production team.

[@brickrightbuildinglandscaping]

What a story a man's true pride and joe shame the family can't keep it my uncle had escorts mk 1 orange well all of em I then had a mark 3 they all had magic about them until the mark 5 .👍

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Probably your most heartwarming Barnfind episode yet. The car looked so good from the start that I thought it would be an easy start. What a cliffhanger this turned into!

[@davejenvey3598]

Watch the volvo one

[@normanstephens5391]

Many Thanks to the family getting in touch with you. To bring this classic back to life. 👍👍

[@kilotangosierra]

you're a real legend with these barn find videos Jonny. hope you know this. 👍 amazing episode yet again.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you ✊🏽

[@patrickhostler5939]

A beautiful touching film… deserves the recognition it’s clearly receiving ❤

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you so much