Boreham Escort RS is an officially licensed reincarnation of a cult classic

No, this is not just another restomod glued together in someone's countryside shed. Boreham Motorworks refers to their latest creation as a Continumod: "A blueprint-accurate, period-sympathetic vehicle built new—no donor car, just an authentic continuation with approved chassis numbers from the original manufacturer".

Boreham has mutated the Escort MK1 RS's DNA to give it superpowers 
Using advanced laser-scanning and original Ford blueprints, Boreham Motorworks recreated the MK1 Escort RS's dimensions with a surgical level of accuracy. Unlike the original Escort, however, the Boreham uses carbon fiber materials for many of its body components and optional magnesium wheels to achieve its target weight of just 800kg (1,763 pounds). Its weight is also predictably well-balanced, considering the car's 55:45 front/rear weight distribution, which will allow for playful cornering. 

Although many body components are made from carbon fiber, the majority are made from tough steel and benefit from reinforced bracing, wider inner arches, and vertical rear dampers. Thanks to the massive efforts made to keep the proportions original and maximize lightness, the Boreham aims to create a driving experience that is as analog and driver-focused as possible.

A 10,000 RPM redline will get your heart racing
Staying on theme by focusing on a raw, analog driving experience, the Boreham Motorworks Escort MK1 RS can be purchased with two different flavors of naturally aspirated straight-four goodness. The standard powertrain is the beloved TwinCam, with a higher displacement of 1.8 liters and equipped with fuel injection, which produces around 182 horsepower. It's paired exclusively with a four-speed manual "Ford bullet" synchromesh straight-cut transmission that directs power to the rear wheels.

The optional 2.1-liter cast and billet engine is where things get really spicy. Here are some basic facts: it has a 10,000 RPM redline, weighs under 188 pounds, makes 296 horsepower without using forced induction, and is mated to a five-speed dogleg gearbox and rear-wheel drive. Its conrods are made from forged steel, and the crankshaft is made from billet steel. Best of all, the sound this engine produces will be like the trumpets of the gods, thanks to its titanium exhaust system. 

Remaining true to the Escort's analog nature, Boreham boasts that the Continumod™ MK1 RS does not come with power steering, anti-lock braking, traction control, or even a brake servo. It's as raw as it can be, and that's exactly how it should be.

Attention to detail is an expense that has not been spared
In order for the Boreham Escort to maximize its vivacious power output, an all-new "lightweight aluminum and titanium fully floating rear axle" is paired with an advanced limited-slip differential and coil-over dampers, allowing drivers full control over the vehicle. The Boreham Escort's bite will match its snarly bark. 

Thanks to advanced modern CAD programs, the Boreham Escort has been fully re-engineered to ensure that body assembly, gap, and flush all conform to modern standards instead of late-70s standards. Boreham Motorworks uses modern technological capabilities to remaster and perfect the cult classic that is the MK1 Escort RS.

Interior space blends authentic heritage with modern necessity
If you look closely at the Boreham MK1 Escort's dashboard, you might notice a very discreet Apple CarPlay app screen. Besides this modern convenience – which has become more of a necessity these days – every other visible detail in the cabin environment is as analog as it gets. Buttons, dials, gauges, and clocks keep you engaged in the present moment so you can toss around your Escort without distraction. 

The Boreham Escort can be had in either a left-hand drive or right-hand drive configuration, depending on your location or preference. Creature comforts like air conditioning and heated screens add more unobtrusive amenities, and materials like Alcantara and fine leather are used for cabin upholstery. Three-point seatbelts come standard, but a four-point harness and visual carbon rear compartment race helmet stowage can be optioned.

Production is scheduled to begin during the second half of 2025
Boreham Motorworks claims that production of the Escort MK1 RS will begin in the third quarter of 2025 and will cost upwards of £295,000 (roughly $375,000 USD). Production will be limited to just 150 units – each with a unique continuation chassis number – and applications to buy are now open. A 2-year, 20,000-mile warranty also comes standard with each purchase. 

The Boreham Escort MK1 RS presents an interesting opportunity to own a truly analog sports coupe from the 1960s that has been stripped down yet optimized for life in the modern world – without sacrificing the rawness of its driving experience. Its asking price is certainly a large one, but compared to other popular resto-mods, it's only a drop in the bucket.

There's even more to come from Boreham Motorworks
Boreham Motorworks also teased an upcoming second model back in June of this year. Employing the same development and production techniques as the Escort MK1 RS, Boreham Motorworks will reincarnate and remaster the legendary Ford RS200, which earned its fame in the infamous Group B rally series.

Final thoughts
Do you see the Boreham Motorworks Ford Escort MK1 RS as the stuff of driving enthusiast dreams? Does the public's excitement about analog cars like this prove that major automakers have gone too far in the other direction? If you had the choice, would you take the Escort MK1 RS or the RS200? Let us know in the comments – we love to hear your thoughts!