Ford Escort Mk1 RS by Boreham Motorworks: A Modern Classic Reimagined

After months of teasing, the covers are finally off, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. This isn’t just another restomod it’s a Continumod, as Boreham likes to call it, and it’s rewriting the rulebook for modern classics.

Here’s the kicker, Boreham is an official Ford brand license partner, which means every one of the 150 planned examples gets an approved chassis number from Ford itself. These aren’t salvaged rust buckets; they’re brand-new builds from the ground up, blending old-school charm with cutting-edge engineering. That pedigree comes at a price, though £295,000 before VAT. Pricey? Sure. Worth it? You bet, especially with a proper two-year, 20,000-mile warranty.

Modern Engineering Meets Timeless Design

Boreham’s design team started with the original blueprints and reimagined them using state-of-the-art CAD technology. The result? A car that’s faithful to its roots but with modern precision no dodgy gaps or questionable panel alignment here. The steel body gets a carbon-fiber bonnet and bootlid to hit a featherweight 800kg kerb weight, split 55:45 for perfect balance. Beneath that retro skin lies a chassis built for serious handling, tougher and stronger than the original ever dreamed.

Power Options to Suit Every Petrolhead

Under the bonnet, you’ve got options. Purists will swoon over the 1,845cc Twin Cam, a modern take on the legendary Lotus engine. With 185hp on tap and a screaming 9,000rpm redline, it’s paired with a four-speed straight-cut gearbox to deliver proper old-school thrills.

Want more punch? Opt for the all-new 2,100cc unit. It’s a beast, cranking out 300hp and revving to 10,000rpm. With forged steel conrods, a billet crankshaft, and a five-speed dog-leg manual, it’s engineered for the ultimate driving experience. The titanium exhaust isn’t just about performance it’s a symphony of petrolhead nirvana, ready to echo through the nearest rally stage.

Built to Handle Like a Dream

Handling? Oh, it’s sorted. MacPherson struts up front, a titanium and aluminum fully floating rear axle, and an ATB limited-slip diff ensure this Escort stays glued to the road. Coilovers add adjustability, while the omission of ABS, power steering, and traction control keeps the experience raw and visceral. Boreham promises "controllable oversteer" that’ll have you grinning ear to ear as you drift through corners.

Braking comes courtesy of 260mm vented discs with four-piston calipers up front and 264mm solid discs with two-piston calipers at the rear. And those 15-inch wheels? A nod to its motorsport heritage.

Retro Vibes with Modern Comforts

Inside, it’s the perfect blend of old and new. Heated screens, air conditioning, and Apple CarPlay bring modern convenience, while leather and Alcantara trim add a touch of luxury. The deep-dish steering wheel and anodized switches scream vintage cool. Safety-wise, you can swap the standard three-point belts for a four-point harness, and a full cage with removable door bars is available for the hardcore crowd.

Honoring a Legacy

"Recreating the Ford Escort Mk1 RS for a new generation is not just about building a car; it’s about honoring a legacy that has inspired driving enthusiasts for over half a century," says Boreham Motorworks CEO Iain Muir. Mission accomplished, we’d say.

Ready to Join the Legacy?

The public unveiling is set for summer 2025, with production kicking off in Q3. Left- and right-hand drive markets are covered, so start dreaming about your spec now. How would you have yours? Classic rally vibes or modern performance beast? Either way, this Ford Escort Mk1 RS is a once-in-a-lifetime ride that’s worth every penny.