Boreham Motorworks has officially revealed what it calls the ‘Continumod’ Escort Mk1 RS – a limited-run continuation version of the Ford Escort Mk1. Officially licensed by Ford, the project will see 150 brand new vehicles built, each priced from £295,000. Production is set to begin towards the end of 2025.
The company, which recently also announced a continuation RS200, says that the new Escort Mk1 RS is built entirely from scratch – carrying continuation chassis numbers approved by Ford. These cars blend modern engineering and materials with the spirit of the original RS models. At the core of its performance lies a high-revving, 2.1-litre, motorsport-derived engine producing 296bhp and revving to 10,000rpm. This is paired with a bespoke five-speed dogleg gearbox.
Boreham Motorworks has also developed a more traditional engine option – a 1.8-litre fuel-injected Twin Cam producing 182 bhp, mated to a four-speed manual transmission. This configuration offers a more traditional driving experience while maintaining modern reliability and usability.
to get to this stage, the Escort Mk1 RS has undergone an extensive engineering programme, making use of CAD development to ensure period-accurate proportions with improved structural rigidity. ‘Lightweighting’ is a key focus, with carbon-fibre components used for the bonnet, boot lid, and interior elements, keeping weight down to around 800kg. The car’s suspension system features MacPherson struts at the front and a fully floating rear axle with limited-slip differential.
Inside, the Mk1 RS is driver-focused, with Alcantara, leather, and carbon-fibre finishes. Modern comforts such as air conditioning and heated screens have been integrated without detracting from the car’s analogue character. Notably, the Mk1 RS does without power steering, ABS, and traction control.
Design Director Wayne Burgess, whose first car was a Mk2 Escort, has overseen the vehicle’s aesthetic development. The car retains the simplicity and form of the original while incorporating subtle updates like billet-machined aluminium details and modern lighting technology. ‘From the very beginning, our goal was to honour the simplicity and purity of the original design while ensuring it met the expectations of a modern performance car,’ Burgess said.
Iain Muir, CEO of Boreham Motorworks, emphasised the significance of reviving the Mk1 RS for a new generation. ‘Recreating the Ford Escort Mk1 RS is about honouring a legacy that has inspired driving enthusiasts for over half a century,’ Muir said. ‘This car blends heritage and innovation to deliver the purest driving experience possible.’
Cars are available to order now, and interested buyers can visit Boreham Motorworks’ official website to Find out more. The car will make its public debut in summer 2025, with a two-year, 20,000-mile warranty included.
