The iconic Mk1 Ford Escort RS is making a comeback with 296bhp and state-of-the-art upgrades, brought to life by UK-based Boreham Motorworks. With Ford's official approval, this isn’t just another modified classic—it’s an entirely new car built from scratch. Each example receives an official chassis number, continuing the sequence of the original production run.
Boreham Motorworks digitally recreated the two-door body of the original Escort RS, first produced at Ford’s Advanced Vehicle Operations in Aveley, Essex, before the plant’s closure in 1975. The new design includes structural reinforcements for improved handling, additional bracing, and widened wheel arches. A lightweight rear axle made of aluminium and titanium has been developed, and the rear dampers have been repositioned from their original slanted setup to a more modern vertical configuration.
Two engine options are available. The first is a re-engineered version of the classic 1.6-litre Twin Cam engine, now expanded to 1.8 litres and upgraded from carburettors to fuel injection, boosting power to 182bhp. This engine is paired with a straight-cut four-speed gearbox featuring close-ratio gears. The alternative is a modern 2.1-litre engine that revs up to 10,000rpm, delivering 296bhp. This unit comes with a five-speed dog-leg gearbox designed for versatility on both road and track.
To retain the driving experience of the original, the car does not include power steering, ABS, or traction control. However, it benefits from modern enhancements like coilover suspension and a torque-biasing limited-slip differential, providing precise handling and predictable oversteer.
Boreham Motorworks has worked with Wayne Burgess, formerly of Jaguar SVR, to modernise the Escort’s design while preserving its heritage. Chrome bumpers and indicators have been removed for a race-inspired look, while the LED headlights replicate the cross-shaped tape used on competition cars in the 1960s to prevent shattering. Inside, the cabin combines retro styling with modern features. The six-clock instrument panel and twin air vents echo the original design, while modern touches such as climate control and a small Apple CarPlay touchscreen add contemporary convenience.
Production is set to begin in late 2025, with only 150 examples being built. Each car will be sold by application only, starting at £295,000, following a sales approach similar to the Ford GT and Mustang GTD. Boreham Motorworks also plans to revive the Ford RS200, applying the same meticulous approach to this new creation.
