Old Soul, New Tech: The Boreham Motorworks Ford Mk1 Escort RS is a Blueprint-Accurate Revival

The new Ford Mk1 Escort RS “Continumod” is a new, blueprint-accurate vehicle built as an authentic continuation of the car’s first run through a licensing agreement between Ford Motor Company and U.K.-based Boreham Motorworks. It is so true to the car’s original era that it lacks modern features like power steering, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. It does, however, deliver the same visceral driving experience as its predecessor, along with contemporary touches throughout.

Honoring Escort’s legacy

Ford’s Escort Rally Sport lineup was known for having exceptional performance and handling and each new RS variant pushed the boundaries on the road, track, and rally stage. The Mk1 Escort, one of two such continued production vehicles announced earlier this year along with the return of the legendary RS200, will be a continuation of the lightweight car introduced in the 1960s, which was known for its advanced suspension setup and exceptional handling and agility on- and off-road. Other vehicle continuations are expected to be announced in the future.

Just 150 of the Escort cars, which are being issued a continuation of the original chassis numbers, are being produced. The car, available in both left-hand and right-hand drive configurations, will be revealed next summer, and production begins in the third quarter of 2025. Applications from prospective owners are now being accepted. Click here to apply. 

The Mk1 Escort is offered with two engine options, the first being a twin-cam 1.8-liter engine capable of delivering more than 180 horsepower and paired with a four-speed manual “Ford bullet” transmission. The other engine option is a 2.1-liter powerplant capable of producing nearly 300 horsepower mated with a five-speed dogleg gearbox.

A modern machine

While the Mk1 Escort shares the same DNA as the cars from more than 60 years ago, Boreham Motorworks used today’s technology, including laser scanning, to help build the car from the ground-up. The car was reengineered using computer-aided design (CAD), while the company created new manufacturing jigs and fixtures for body assembly, allowing for fitment not possible during the heyday of the Mk1 Escort. The result is a car with period-accurate dimensions and the fit and finish of a modern vehicle. The Boreham team also used computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis to identify various areas on the car where structural improvements could be made. 

Another modern approach to the new Escort is the use of lightweighting. The car, which has an all-steel body and a full roll cage, features a carbon-fiber hood, trunk lid, and various internal components. It also includes other lightweight materials used in the rear axle and the optional forged magnesium wheels.

More to come

Boreham Motorworks, a division of DRVN Automotive Group, has signed a brand license agreement with Ford Motor Company to produce the Mk1 Escort and RS200 and at least five additional vehicles in the coming years. Reservations for the limited production number of these iconic Ford cars are now being accepted at www.borehammotorworks.com.