Boreham Motorworks has confirmed the return of an icon. Fifty years have passed since the last limited edition high-performance version of the Ford Escort Mk1 RS line, the Mk1 RS2000. Boreham Motorworks has been taking pre-orders for one of the limited series of just 150 units worldwide, with chassis numbering, since last December.

The Escort Rallye Sport range has earned a reputation for exceptional performance and handling, setting a new standard for high-performance driving. Boreham Motorworks proudly honours this heritage, combining modern developments with the raw driving experience that made the RS Escort a performance icon. This is the ‘One True Descendant’ of the Mk1 and RS line, a machine for driving enthusiasts.

A true-to-design, period-accurate vehicle, newly built, no donor car, just an authentic continuation with the original manufacturer's approved chassis numbers. Combining the timeless spirit of classic cars with modern engineering, design and advanced manufacturing, Continumod™ redefines heritage with cutting-edge innovation.

As an official brand license partner of Ford Motor Company, Boreham Motorworks is committed to preserving and further developing the legacy of Ford vehicles. This is the motto of Wayne Burgess, Director of Design. Unlike traditional restomods, the Continumod™ does not require a donor vehicle. It is produced under an official brand contract with Ford Motor Company and has been built from the ground up using modern materials and advanced manufacturing techniques. Limited to 150 cars, prices start from 150.000.000.- HUF. A 32.000 km warranty also ensures that customers can use and drive with confidence.

Boreham Motorworks offers customers two distinct engine choices that celebrate the Ford RS heritage while integrating modern engineering. The first option, available on the Mk1 RS, is a re-engineered Twin Cam engine, expanded to 1845cc, delivering 185PS with precision fuel injection. Paired with a four-speed manual ‘Ford bullet’ spur gearbox, it echoes the spirit of the original Boreham-built Escort Mk1 Twin Cam, delivering exceptional performance for today’s roads.

For those looking for an engine with motorsport DNA, an all-new 2,1-liter powerplant awaits. Weighing just 85 kilograms, the engine produces an astonishing 10.000 horsepower at 300 rpm. Other features include forged steel chains and crankshaft, advanced fuel injection, electronic throttle control and a unique titanium exhaust system. This engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox for perfectly balanced gear ratios. Together, this combination delivers impressive performance, bridging the gap between racetrack experience and road usability, while creating a symphony of sound and speed.

Paying homage to the legendary Alan Mann Racing Mk1 Group 5 car, the Boreham Motorworks Ford Escort Mk1 RS retains the exact body dimensions that defined the Escort Mk1's most famous details. Every curve, line and angle has been meticulously crafted to replicate the profile of the original Mk1 using scan data and original blueprints, while employing advanced materials and modern tolerances and millimetre-to-millimeter fitments to create a structure that is as robust as it is faithful to history.

Other motorsport-inspired features include Alan Mann Racing radiator grilles, rectangular LED headlights and Boreham-designed reinforcements to the bodywork to improve torsional rigidity. A lightweight carbon-fibre bonnet and boot lid with struts complete the design, as does the option of tinted glass with heated front and rear windows. A meticulous blend of period aesthetics and modern design preserves the spirit of the original while meeting today’s performance standards. Part two is coming soon, so stay tuned on social media!

With a target weight of just 800kg, the new Mk1 RS incorporates advanced materials such as carbon fibre to deliver a lightweight yet robust design. A commitment to minimalism and driving pleasure is combined with meticulously tuned suspension and handling dynamics to honour its motorsport roots.

The Mk1 RS is the first of its kind to undergo a comprehensive CAD engineering programme, combining laser-scanned original blueprints with advanced digital modelling. This process allowed Boreham Motorworks to redesign the car’s all-steel bodywork with improved structural bracing, optimised chassis dynamics and improved torsional rigidity. Using CAE ‘Computer-Aided Engineering’ analysis, the engineering team identified areas of structural improvement, ensuring the Mk1 RS delivers exceptional handling, performance and durability, whilst retaining its precise size and shape. Every detail has been crafted to meet modern tolerances, a seamless blend of heritage and innovation.

The interior of the new Ford Escort Mk1 RS combines classic design with modern functionality, creating a driver-focused space that celebrates the car’s heritage while meeting contemporary standards. The three-spoke steering wheel provides tactile feedback, promoting a direct connection between driver and machine. Retaining its analogue charm, the instrument panel has been updated for modern usability, balancing vintage appeal with modern convenience.

Designed with meticulous attention to detail, the interior features premium materials such as Alcantara, fine leather and anodized components that provide a luxurious feel. Features include a sophisticated air conditioning system, a dedicated screen with defogger function, which balance comfort without compromising the car's light weight. There is also an optional four-point harness, a racing helmet storage compartment in the carbon rear compartment, and a roll cage with removable door grilles that highlight the vehicle's performance-focused design.

The Ford Escort Mk1 RS is designed for precision and performance, embodying its RS heritage with an uncompromising focus on dynamic driving and handling. Built with a 55:45 weight distribution and MacPherson strut front suspension, it delivers exceptional steering response and front-end traction. The suspension geometry, meticulously optimised within the Escort Mk1’s original hardpoint casing, enhances stability and control for a confident and engaging driving experience. The balance of precision and responsiveness ensures the new Mk1 RS remains true to its motorsport heritage while excelling on modern roads.

At the rear, a lightweight aluminium and titanium full floating axle, coupled with a state-of-the-art ATB partial self-locking or Sperr differential and coil-over shock absorbers, provide a direct connection to the car's lines. Without modern driving aids such as power steering, ABS or traction control, the Mk1 RS offers an unfiltered, analogue experience that focuses on driver engagement. Its predictable handling dynamics, along with its ability to maintain controlled slips, make it an exciting companion both on the track and in the open, embodying the visceral essence of high-performance driving.

The Ford Escort Mk1 RS pays homage to its roots with four-spoke wheels that enhance both performance and aesthetics. At the front, 15″ x 7″ four-spoke wheels are shod with 205/50×15 tyres, while at the rear, 15×8″ wheels are shod with 225/50×15 tyres. These dimensions strike the perfect balance between respecting the original design ethos and meeting modern performance standards. The wheels not only provide excellent grip and handling, but also reinforce the car’s period visual identity, combining vintage style with cutting-edge functionality.

Braking performance is equally exceptional, designed to match the car's high-speed capabilities. The Mk1 RS features 260mm x 25mm discs with four-piston calipers at the front, providing powerful and reliable stopping power. At the rear, 264mm x 11mm solid discs with two-piston calipers provide balanced and smooth deceleration. This braking system ensures that the Escort Mk1 RS delivers precise control and confidence-inspiring performance, whether navigating the track or winding roads.

Reimagining an icon for the modern age means staying true to the authentic aesthetic that defined the original while subtly integrating advanced design and materials. This two-door limousine with 2 seats and a full roll cage strikes the perfect balance between vintage character and contemporary standards.

The new Escort Mk1 RS captures the unmistakable spirit of the past, perfected for the present with sophisticated features that enhance performance and reliability. Every detail has been carefully considered, yet it retains the form and feel of this iconic design, while incorporating high-quality technological advancements that pay homage to its heritage.

Source: https://borehammotorworks.com/ford-escort-mk1-rs/