Renault has remade the original 5 as an electric car, while Singer has surely perfected the art of re-making classic Porsche 911s. Now it’s the turn of the classic Mk1 Ford Escort RS.
Proper Ford chassis numbers
This delectable-looking machine, produced by UK-based Boreham Motorworks, is no ordinary restomod. In fact, Boreham prefers to think of it as a ‘Continumod’ because this Escort is a brand new car, officially approved of by Ford, and carrying a Ford chassis plate.
Based on the Escort Mk1 RS2000, this modern-day recreation has seen Boreham throw out the pencil and paper used to design the original and bring in modern CAD and laser-scanning techniques to take the classic road and rally original and bring its quality, fit and finish into the modern world.
’Peak Analogue’ performance
While the Escort looks very much original, it has actually been carefully tweaked and touched up by former Jaguar and Aston Martin designer Wayne Burgess, who has given it a mean motorsports look and added in nicely integrated modern LED lighting. “From the very beginning, our goal was to honour the simplicity and purity of the original design; while ensuring it met the expectations of a modern performance car. Every detail, from the minimalism of the exterior to the thoughtful functionality inside, is about distilling the essence of what made the Mk1 so special. It's about creating a car that not only looks back at its heritage but also drives forward into a new era of ‘Peak Analogue’ performance” said Burgess.
The Escort’s structure has been discreetly beefed up, and to keep the weight to an impressively low 800kg, the bonnet, wings, and boot have been made from carbon fibre, while the bespoke 15-inch wheels are made from cast magnesium.
Rally-style roll-cage
To ensure some serious safety — and stiffen everything up — there’s a full roll cage (with removable door bars to make getting in and out rather easier) and a seriously modernised braking system, too.
Inside, the style of the dash is basically identical to that of the original, but there has been some sympathetic updates, such as a proper air conditioning system, heated screens, and even a tiny screen which runs Apple Car Play.
Not that you’ll have much time to listen to your podcasts — you’ll be too busy revelling in the snorting sounds of one of the two engines.
Twin-cam or 2.1 screamer
The entry-level engine is a reworked Lotus Twin Cam unit, bored out to 1,845cc from its original 1.6-litre capacity. This now develops a heady 185hp (up by 79hp from the original) and drives the rear wheels through a four-speed Ford gearbox. It also benefits from modern fuel injection.
There’s a far more potent engine available, though — a Ford four-cylinder unit bored out to 2.1 litres and developing a whopping 300hp at an ear-piercing 10,000rpm. This engine gets a five-speed gearbox with first off on a dogleg for that true motorsports feel.
The suspension has also been suitably upgraded with aluminium and titanium components, and coil-over-damper struts.
How much for all this? £295,000, which equates to €357,000 before taxes. Only 150 will be built, with the first cars coming out of production towards the end of 2025. They’ll even come with a two-year, 30,000km warranty, and you can choose between left- or right-hand drive.
Iain Muir, CEO of Boreham Motorworks, said, “Recreating the Ford Escort Mk1 RS for a new generation is not just about building a car; it’s about honouring a legacy that has inspired driving enthusiasts for over half a century. At Boreham Motorworks, we’ve committed ourselves to not only staying true to the essence of the original, but also to bringing it into the modern age with cutting-edge engineering, precision design, and unparalleled craftsmanship. Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of this car, from its dynamics to its structure, is meticulously engineered to deliver the purest driving experience possible. This is an embodiment of what Boreham stands for – a seamless blend of heritage and innovation. We’re proud to bring the Escort Mk1 RS back to life and thrilled for the driving enthusiasts who will experience its iconic performance. We look forward to showing the car to the public and Ford enthusiasts alike in the summer.”