As an official brand license partner of the Ford Motor Company, Boreham Motorworks is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the legacy of some of Ford’s most iconic models. And one of the most iconic is the high-performance variant of the Ford Escort Mk1 RS-lineage, the Mk1 RS2000.
The Escort Rallye Sport line, in particular, developed a reputation for exceptional performance and handling, setting a new benchmark for what it means to drive a high-performance car. With each new RS variant, Ford refined the formula, pushing the boundaries of what could be achieved on road, track and rally stage.
Continumod – new segment
Taking that DNA and infusing it with modern technology, state of the art materials and bespoke engineering, Boreham Motorworks will produce the ultimate evolution of the Mk1 and its RS lineage from scratch. This will be a Continumod which, unlike traditional restomods, does not require a donor vehicle.
The Continumod, which is a new segment, is built from the ground up using modern materials and advanced manufacturing techniques. Besides being a blueprint-accurate, period-sympathetic car built new, it will be an authentic continuation with approved chassis numbers from the original manufacturer – just as if production had not ceased 50 years ago.
Two engine options
Customers can select from two characterful engine options, each embodying the spirit of the Ford RS legacy while delivering modern performance. The first engine option, available as standard, is the iconic Twin Cam, which has been increased to 1845 cc. Featuring fuel injection delivering 185 ps, this engine is paired with a 4-speed manual ‘Ford bullet’ synchromesh straight cut transmission.
For those seeking the option of something engineered as a modern-day interpretation of classic Ford motorsport DNA, there is the alternative of an all-new motorsport derived 4-cylinder high-revving Ford engine awaits. This road-tuned 2.1-litre cast and billet engine weighing under 85 kgs features double overhead camshaft and chain cam drive and spins up to 10,000 rpm, producing 300 ps at peak.
To handle this extreme performance, the engine has forged steel conrods and billet crankshaft. A motorsport spec loom and connectors are used to connect coil-over plug ignition, advanced fuel injection and ECU management is included along with electronic throttle control.
Customers also get a bespoke titanium exhaust system that has been tuned for performance and exhilarating sound. Power is channelled through a 5-speed dogleg gearbox delivering perfect weight and throw complimented with bespoke gear ratios. This ensures seamless and direct engagement, making this drivetrain as exhilarating on the open road as it is on the track.
Classic handling
At the heart of the new Escort Mk1 RS lies an uncompromising focus on dynamic precision, a hallmark of its RS heritage. The car is available in both LHD and RHD and features optimised weight distribution of 55:45 with MacPherson front struts, providing responsive steering and front-end grip. Including suspension geometry that has been optimised within the existing hardpoint envelope, for enhanced performance.
Preserving the authentic, analogue driving experience of the original high-performance Escorts, the new RS features an all-new lightweight, aluminium and titanium fully floating rear axle, offering predictable handling and a direct connection to the Escort’s motorsport heritage. This is paired with an advanced limited-slip ATB differential and coil-over dampers to enhance balance and stability, engineered for exceptional control under power.
No driver aids
The original MK1 Escort RS had little by way of driver aids that today’s car come standard with. The Continumod likewise has no power steering, no ABS, no traction control and not even a brake servo. But for certain drivers, this is what delivers a visceral driving experience. There is the controllable oversteer that is perfectly balanced, allowing the driver to hold slides while ensuring the car is both controllable and predictable – just like the rally Escorts of the 1970s.
Wayne Burgess, Design Director at Boreham, brings a deep, personal connection to the Escort project, his first car being a Mk2 Escort. His vision for the Escort Mk1 RS is shaped by both his personal experience and a love for the model’s iconic heritage, performance and design.
Purity in exterior design
The philosophy driving the exterior design is one of purity — a celebration of simplicity and form, stripping away any unnecessary ornamentation to leave only what is essential. Key to this is the removal of the quarter bumpers and main direction indicators, offering a sleeker and more purposeful silhouette.
A billet-machined aluminium grille surround introduces a touch of modern craftsmanship, while the headlights are inspired by the classic lights often taped over during racing — a distinctive feature that evokes the motorsport roots of the Escort.
The taillights echo this ethos, a simple and fundamental shape updated with modern technology to ensure superior performance and visibility while retaining the iconic look. Each design choice is made with purpose: the new door handles, mirrors, and billet components add an element of refined elegance without overshadowing the purity of the overall design.
Modern functionality inside
Moving to the cockpit of the Escort Mk1 RS, Boreham have designed a modern, driver-focused interior that balances lightweighting and driver comfort. Modern functionality is woven seamlessly into the interior, including heated screens and air conditioning. Every component in the interior is engineered to the highest standards of craftmanship with a blend of Alcantara, fine leathers, and anodised components with tactile feedback.
3-point inertia reel belts are included as standard, with an optional 4-point harness and visual carbonfibre rear compartment race helmet stowage. A full roll-cage with removable door bars enhances stiffness, maintaining the car’s integrity while ensuring the performance ethos remains uncompromised.
A key feature of the interior is the low, horizontal dashboard that provides a sense of space and openness, while the compact binnacle sits neatly within the steering wheel to ensure a clear, unobstructed view of the road.
The deep-dish, 3-spoke steering wheel with a slim rim is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, offering a direct, tactile connection between driver and machine. The instrument panel retains its analogue appeal, yet has been adapted to meet contemporary standards, ensuring the driver enjoys both classic style and modern convenience.
Boreham Motorworks is now taking applications for each of the 150 cars that will be built. The price of each one starts from £295,000 (about RM1.66 million)… considerably more than what an Escort Mk1 RS cost in the 1970s. The public will get their first chance to see the car in mid-2025, ahead of production starting in the third quarter of the same year.