The Ford Escort has officially returned, and unlike other reborn Blue Oval nameplates, it’s not an electric SUV.
Earlier this month, Boreham Motorworks, Ford’s ‘official brand licensing partner’, unveiled the Escort Mk1 RS, the first time the nameplate has been used in more than two decades.
According to Boreham Motorworks, the Escort Mk1 RS is not a continuation or restomod, but is claiming it as a Continumod after receiving Ford’s blessing.
While other companies have been able to make reproductions of the Escort with period bodies, they have not been able to use the name. This has been the case for MST, which builds the Mk1 and Mk2, based on corresponding generations of the Escort.
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“[Continumod:] A blueprint-accurate, historically sympathetic vehicle that was built new – not a donor car, just an authentic continuation with approved chassis numbers from the original manufacturer,‘, Boreham said in a press release.
“By combining the timeless spirit of classic cars with modern engineering, design and advanced manufacturing, Continumod redefines heritage with groundbreaking innovation.”
Only 150 units will be produced from the third quarter of 2025 (July to September), with prices starting from an eye-watering £295,000 (A$593,185).
Based on the first generation Ford Escort RS1600, Boreham remained largely faithful to the exterior design of the 1960s model, although there are modern touches such as LED headlights (which look as if they are covered with tape, similar to racing cars of that period) and LED taillights.
As with all Escort RSs, the Boreham Continumod features flared wheel arches, under which sit bespoke 15-inch wheels, also inspired by class racers. The front brakes feature four-piston calipers and ventilated discs, while at the rear there are two-piston calipers and solid discs.
Inside, the Mk1 Escort’s design remains largely unchanged, with six meters ahead of the driver – something that was exclusive to the top-spec RS1600s.
The dashboard, steering wheel rim, seats and door cards are covered in Alcantara for a modern touch, while a small screen appears to show Apple CarPlay functionality.
Buyers have a choice of two engines. The first is a 1.8-litre known simply as the Twin Cam – although it is unknown whether this has any relation to the Lotus-developed, Kent-based engine that originally powered the RS1600.
A fuel injection system boosted power to 136 kW, or about 30 kW more than the most powerful Lotus Twin Cams of the period.
This engine is exclusively mated to a four-speed manual gearbox and can spin up to 9,000 rpm.
A second custom engine is also available, with a displacement of 2.1 liters and equipped with an electronic throttle valve. It can produce up to 221 kW at 10,000 rpm and is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, with first gear positioned where second normally is.
Boreham says it is targeting a curb weight of just 800kg, which would give the Escort RS a power-to-weight ratio of 276 kW/tonne.
It can be ordered in right-hand drive or left-hand drive, with MacPherson struts at the front and a floating rear axle at the rear, made of lightweight aluminum. Adjustable coilovers are provided all around.
Boreham claims it has achieved a weight distribution of 55 percent front and 45 percent rear.
The vehicle is covered by a two-year, 32,190 km warranty.
Its debut comes shortly after Ford brought the Capri back to Europe for the first time since 1986, but instead of returning as a coupe like it did during the first three generations, it’s now an electric SUV underpinned by Volkswagen.
Boreham Motorworks will also soon be bringing back the Ford RS200 – a mid-engine, all-wheel drive monster first created for rally racing – and recently announced renowned Ford racing team Alan Mann Racing as its performance division.
MORE: 2025 Ford Capri is an electric SUV from Volkswagen in a new guise, not a reborn coupe
