AUTONEWS

Boreham Motorworks Escort Mk1 RS

The first all-new Mk1 Escort RS in 50 years is a dramatic reinterpretation of the automotive icon, developed by Boreham Motorworks with the approval of Ford.

The car was built by Boreham Motorworks, and this reborn sporty Ford is much more than just another restomod project. Instead, Boreham Motorworks has created a true continuation of the original Escort RS, officially licensed by Ford Motor Company.

Unveiled at the 2026 London Concours, which runs until June 11 at the Honourable Artillery Company in London (EC1), the new car has a direct link to the classic Escort Mk1 RS, but also benefits from five decades of development and technological advancements.

As a result, while the Boreham Motorworks Escort looks almost identical to the original, almost every component under the body has been redesigned and improved.

The continuation status means that the Boreham Motorworks Mk1 RS does not require a donor chassis from an existing Ford Escort. Each model is built with a completely new steel body, specifically developed to handle the enormous performance of the new Mk1 RS.

A specially designed chassis subframe has extended the Escort’s wheelbase by 30 millimetres, although the proportions of the two-door saloon remain unchanged.

Lightweight carbon fibre is used for the bonnet and boot lid, while the front and rear lights are upgraded LED versions of the original Ford units. Chrome and metal details are made from CNC-machined aluminium and stainless steel.

Boreham Motorworks developed the Escort’s chassis, which features 15-inch alloy wheels, all-new coil springs and shock absorbers. The braking system has also been significantly upgraded, while the traditional mechanical cable handbrake has been retained.

Customers will be offered two versions of the Boreham Motorworks Escort Mk1 RS, starting with the Twin Cam model, which is a direct homage to the racing engine developed by Alan Mann Racing in 1968.

But the real eye-catcher is Boreham's Ten-K, a completely unique 2.1-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. Developed in-house at Boreham Motorworks, the Ten-K uses a 16-valve cylinder head and Formula 1-inspired intake port and valve geometry, belt-driven camshafts and individual throttle bodies. Also worth noting are the lightweight internal components and the carbon fibre intake manifold.

The result is 335bhp, and the Ten-K revs to an incredible 10,000rpm. In a car that weighs just 895kg, the Boreham Motorworks engine should deliver astonishing performance.

A five-speed manual gearbox with a dog-leg gear arrangement comes standard on the Ten-K. This sends power to a fully floating aluminium and titanium rear axle, equipped with a limited-slip differential.

Designer Wayne Burgess has made sure that the Boreham Motorworks Escort Mk1 RS looks just as special inside, with a philosophy based on "driver involvement and lightweight functionality".

Carbon fibre has been used for the dashboard, door panels and rear panels, which can be combined with an optional racing helmet storage compartment.

New analogue instruments recall the Escort's classic origins, while the rest of the interior can be customised to suit the wishes of each individual buyer. The seats, steering wheel and even the integrated roll cage can be personalised.

The centre console houses a pair of rally chronographs developed in collaboration with Breitling, as a reminder of the Escort's rich rally heritage.

Only 150 examples of the Boreham Motorworks Escort Mk1 RS will be produced, and buyers will be able to choose between left-hand or right-hand drive versions.

Starting price in the UK is £295,000.

Boreham Motorworks says it wants these cars to be driven, which is why each one will come with a two-year warranty.