Boreham Motorworks has announced an exclusive revival of the iconic Ford Escort Mk1 RS. Dubbed a Continumod™, 150 cars will be produced under official licence from Ford, meaning each one will bear a continuation chassis number. This limited series seeks to pay homage to the Mk1’s undisputed status as a rallying legend and cultural icon, blending modern technology and engineering with the Escort’s timeless lines.

The new Mk1 RS offers two engine options. The first is an 1845cc Twin Cam engine that delivers 182bhp and is capable of revving to 9,000rpm. Featuring fuel injection and a dry sump, the engine is mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox featuring straight-cut gears. The second option is a more powerful 2.1-litre four-cylinder engine producing 296bhp at a head-spinning 10,000rpm. Weighing under 85kg, the engine is blueprinted using a combination of billet and forged steel components. It includes electronic throttle control, is managed by an advanced ECU system, and is paired to a 5-speed dogleg gearbox with customised gear ratios.

The Boreham Motorworks Mk1 RS tips the scales at a mere 800kg, thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials. Carbon fibre is used for key components such as the bonnet and boot lid, while titanium features prominently in the exhaust system and rear axle. Buyers can opt for forged magnesium wheels to further reduce weight and unsprung mass.

The suspension has been carefully redesigned to improve handling while maintaining the exploitable, analogue driving experience that defined the original. The car includes MacPherson struts at the front and a lightweight rear axle with coil-over dampers and a limited-slip differential. Modern electronic systems such as power steering, ABS, and traction control have been intentionally omitted to preserve a direct and authentic connection between driver and road.

The exterior retains the classic shape of the original Escort Mk1 but benefits from modern refinements. Boreham Motorworks employed laser scanning and CAD technology to precisely replicate the original dimensions, while implementing the tolerances expected of modern OEM production. The pared-back aesthetic includes the removal of the quarter bumpers, while indicators have been incorporated into the modernised headlight clusters. Compact 15-inch wheels – styled to echo the originals – are paired with modern tyres to improve handling and outright grip. The rear light clusters have also been replaced to align with modern safety requirements, but remain styled in a sympathetic manner that echoes the original.

Inside, the cabin balances retro styling with subtle modern upgrades. All the Escort hallmarks remain – a low dashboard and compact instrument cluster ensure clear visibility, while the deep-dish steering wheel enhances the retro appeal. Carbon fibre and Alcantara feature prominently, with added creature comforts like air conditioning and heated screens discreetly enhancing usability. An integral roll cage is also present, utilising removable cross-members to improve access.

Production of the Mk1 RS is set to begin in late 2025, with public previews scheduled for the summer. Impressively, each car will come with a two-year, 20,000-mile warranty. Boreham Motorworks’ CEO, Iain Muir, expressed his vision for the project as “honouring a legacy while bringing it into the modern age with precision engineering and craftsmanship.”

Such engineering will not come cheap, however, with the Boreham Mk1 RS set to cost from £295,000. Capitalising on the exploding Fast Ford market, Boreham Motorworks will also soon reveal an RS200. Like the Escort, this will not be a restomod but an improved continuation model, for which Boreham Motorworks has somewhat cynically trademarked the term Continumod™.

The original Ford Escort Mk1 RS became synonymous with rallying success, cementing its place in motorsport history and elevating its status beyond the special stages. Its triumphs – including victories in the World Rally Championship and the legendary London to Mexico World Cup Rally in 1970 – showcased its reliability and performance under the toughest conditions. These motorsport accolades, combined with a playful RWD chassis, significantly boosted the Escort's street credibility, transforming it from a practical family car into a symbol of aspiration.

The Escort’s rallying heritage not only bolstered its appeal among enthusiasts but also embedded the Blue Oval into the fabric of British motoring culture, making it a beloved icon for generations – one that is still revered today, and one Boreham Motorworks, trademarks aside, appears to be honouring.