The Ford Escort Mk1 is back – sort of

By Lizzie Pope

| 12 Dec 2024

Classic & Sports Car – The Ford Escort Mk1 is back – sort of

Once again, you can buy a brand-new Mk1 Ford Escort.

No, it is not 1967, when right-hand-drive production of the original began, it is 2024 and Boreham Motorworks has announced it is going to produce 150 continuation versions of the model.

The firm is an official brand license partner of the Ford Motor Company and these cars will have approved chassis numbers from Ford.

The new Ford Escort Mk1 RS will be built in a limited run of 150 cars

Boreham Motorworks, based in County Durham, uses the word ‘Continumod’ to describe these cars, defining that as ‘A blueprint-accurate, period-sympathetic vehicle built new’.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the value of Mk1 Ford Escorts, no classic cars will be sacrificed in the creation of the 150 continuation models.

Instead, via a combination of laser scanning an original car and referencing Ford’s Mk1 Escort blueprints, the model has been re-engineered using computer-aided design, so while it will be true to the 1960s model, it will be built to 21st-century tolerances, with modern technology and quality control.

And with an 800kg (1764lb) target weight, while what is being called the Ford Escort Mk1 RS will have an all-steel body, its bonnet, bootlid and other items will be carbonfibre, plus forged magnesium wheels will be available as an option.

The team behind the Ford Escort Mk1 RS promises a driver-focused cabin, blending classic style with select creature comforts

Just as important as what is there is what isn’t: these cars will have no power steering, no ABS, no traction control and no brake servo.

Two engine choices will be offered for the Ford Escort Mk1 RS, the Twin Cam and the Boreham Motorworks Bespoke.

The former, available as standard, extracts 182bhp from a version of the famous Twin Cam motor, that’s now 1845cc and with fuel injection, and paired with a straight-cut, four-speed manual gearbox.

For the latter, a five-speed, dogleg manual accompanies the 2100cc, double-overhead camshaft, four-cylinder engine that revs to 10,000rpm and kicks out 296bhp.

The new Ford Escort Mk1 RS wears bespoke, four-spoke 15in x 7in front and 15in x 8in rear wheels

The new Ford Escort Mk1 RS will be available as a left- or right-hand-drive car, with MacPherson front struts, coil-over dampers, a limited-slip differential and 260mm x 25mm vented front discs with four-piston calipers, 264mm x 11mm solid discs with two-piston calipers at the rear.

There is lots of leather and Alcantara inside, heated ’screens and air conditioning, while the standard three-point seatbelts can be upgraded to four-point harnesses, plus there’s a rollcage with removable door bars.

“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,” said design director Wayne Burgess.

Entry into the exclusive club of Ford Escort Mk1 RS owners starts at an eye-watering £295,000

“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,” added Iain Muir, CEO of Boreham Motorworks.

“We’re proud to bring the Escort Mk1 RS back to life and thrilled for the driving enthusiasts who will experience its iconic performance.”

Production starts in the third quarter of 2025 and the new Ford Escort Mk1 RS is priced from £295,000, each car coming with a two-year, 20,000-mile warranty. Prospective customers can apply here.

And there is more to come: Boreham Motorworks is set to reveal its take on the Ford RS 200 in the second quarter of 2025.

Enjoy more of the world’s best classic car content every month when you subscribe to C&SC – get our latest deals here

Buyer’s guide: Ford Escort Mk1

Renault 17 returns as 270bhp electric restomod