First announced in 2024, the Boreham Motorworks Ford Escort Mk1 RS felt almost too good to be true. Now, after months of anticipation, the project is finally ready as a faithful continuation of one of Ford’s most celebrated performance icons. With fresh photography and a detailed technical breakdown now revealed, it is even more tempting than when first unveiled.
It’s important to remember this is not a restomod, but a brand-new car built by Boreham Motorworks under official licence from Ford Motor Company. Limited to just 150 commissions worldwide, the Escort Mk1 RS has been engineered from the ground up as what Boreham calls the “One True Descendant” of the RS bloodline. Developed from original Ford blueprints, it blends steel construction with carbon-fibre body components. The car purposefully sits low, with the wheelbase extended by 30mm, drawing inspiration from the 1968 Alan Mann Racing Group 5 Escort, while the unique headlights only add to its charm. A bespoke tubular front subframe, six-link rear suspension, lightweight R53 dampers and an automatic torque-biasing differential work together to deliver balance, grip and communication through every corner.
At its heart lies the Boreham TEN-K, a naturally aspirated 2.1-litre four-cylinder developed specifically for the project. Drawing inspiration from Formula 1 engineering, the lightweight 85 kg engine features belt-driven camshafts, individual throttle bodies, a carbon-fibre airbox and forged internals. Producing 325 hp and revving to 10,000 rpm, it delivers the kind of immediacy and character rarely found in modern road cars. Combined with a kerb weight of just 895 kg, the figures promise a truly exhilarating driving experience.
The same philosophy continues in the cabin. Rather than blending classic styling with modern screens, Boreham has focused on materials, tactility and driver engagement. A six-gauge binnacle inspired by the Escort Mexico sits ahead of the driver, while removable Breitling rally clocks provide a nod to the Escort’s competition heritage. Hand-finished surfaces and billet aluminium switchgear further reinforce the project’s sense of meticulous craftsmanship.
