The first production-ready example of the Boreham Motorworks Ford Escort Mk1 RS has been unveiled at London Concours. Limited to 150 examples and officially licensed by Ford, the continuation model combines period-inspired styling with a bespoke 330bhp naturally aspirated engine capable of 10,000rpm.
First announced in late 2024, the project has progressed from concept to dynamic development, with test cars now undergoing extensive road and rolling-road evaluation. Boreham is keen to distinguish the Escort from the growing number of restomods, describing it instead as an entirely new car engineered from the ground up and built under licence from Ford Motor Company.
At the heart of the car is the newly developed Boreham TEN-K engine, a naturally aspirated 2152cc four-cylinder unit that was originally conceived to deliver 300bhp – but development work has raised output to 325bhp. As the name suggests, the 16-valve unit will rev to 10,000rpm, and boasts dry-sump lubrication and extensive use of billet and forged components in pursuit of responsiveness. Power is delivered through a bespoke five-speed dog-leg gearbox, while a target dry weight of 895kg will ensure incredible performance.
Although visually faithful to the Escort’s familiar outline, and Boreham has retained the original MacPherson strut and live rear axle layout, the underpinnings are effectively re-developed from the ground-up. A bespoke front subframe and revised geometry incorporate a 30mm wheelbase increase inspired by the Alan Mann Racing Escorts of 1968, while a new aluminium and titanium rear axle assembly reduces unsprung mass by around 40kg compared with period competition cars.
The influence of the Alan Mann cars extends beyond the chassis, as their longer stance and subtly exaggerated arches have informed the design of the Boreham. Inside, the emphasis is on analogue interaction, with conventional instruments, mechanical controls and a lightweight carbon-fibre structure sitting alongside discreet modern conveniences.
Boreham will offer the Escort Mk1 RS with either the new TEN-K engine or a more traditional Twin Cam unit inspired by the Alan Mann racing engines of the late 1960s. Production will be limited to 150 cars worldwide, split between left- and right-hand drive, with prices starting from £295,000 and $400,000 in the USA.
With the RS200 already confirmed as the next project, Boreham Motorworks is positioning itself as a modern custodian of some of Ford’s most celebrated performance machinery. For Escort enthusiasts, however, the sight of a brand-new Mk1 returning to public view after half a century is likely to be the most significant development of all. The car is currently on display at the London Concours.
To find out more, see borehammotorworks.com
