Icon Reborn – The New Ford Escort Mk1 RS by Boreham Motorworks Unveiled
Buckle up, car enthusiasts: the legend has returned! Boreham Motorworks has officially resurrected one of the most celebrated icons in automotive history—the Ford Escort Mk1 RS. In a groundbreaking move, the Midlands-based company has revealed its highly anticipated Ford Escort Mk1 RS Continumod, a reimagined modern-day continuation of the classic RS.
Set to launch in the third quarter of 2025 and limited to just 150 meticulously crafted units, this groundbreaking creation infuses cutting-edge technology, modern engineering, and motorsport-grade performance into the raw, analogue spirit of the original Escort Mk1 RS—a model that cemented its place in Ford’s history books thanks to an illustrious career on rally stages and race tracks. With a starting price of £295,000, applications are now open to secure one of these masterpieces, and driving enthusiasts around the world are buzzing with excitement.
Heritage Meets Innovation: The Continumod™ Revolution
Unlike restomods that modernize existing donor vehicles, the Continumod™ process does something entirely unique: build brand-new cars from the ground up, with no donor cars required. Licensed directly in partnership with Ford Motor Company, Boreham Motorworks has designed every inch of the new Mk1 RS using factory-issued continuation chassis numbers and cutting-edge 3D scanning and CAD engineering to ensure blueprint-perfect authenticity.
The result? A “Peak Analogue” driving experience that celebrates vintage motorsport heritage while delivering unadulterated thrills harnessed by modern-day precision.
Wayne Burgess, Design Director at Boreham Motorworks, captures the timeless appeal that continues to captivate fans more than half a century later: “The Ford Escort Mk1 RS was more than a car—it was an icon. Reimagining this legend for a new generation gave us an incredible opportunity to honour its heritage, while reinventing it for the modern era.”
Unleashing Motorsport Performance for the Road
At the heart of this reinterpretation of the RS legacy is a choice of two exhilarating engine options.
- The Twin Cam Tribute Engine (Standard):
A direct nod to the original 1969 Mk1 Twin Cam, this engine delivers 185PS from an updated 1.8-litre fuel-injected setup. Paired with a precision 4-speed “bullet” gearbox, this option is a perfect homage to the original RS, offering moderate weight, agility, and response in a true retro-package. - The Motorsport Powerhouse (Optional):
For driving purists seeking a more visceral experience, Boreham offers an ultra-high-revving 2.1-litre engine, delivering a jaw-dropping 300PS at 10,000rpm. Derived from modern motorsport technology but tuned for the road, this powerhouse features a billet crankshaft, forged steel conrods, and chain-driven DOHC. Paired with a bespoke 5-speed dogleg gearbox and titanium exhaust system, it channels the spirit of racing into an analogue driving experience that promises to set pulses racing.
And here’s where it gets even better: with a target weight of just 800kg, this Mk1 RS boasts an extraordinary power-to-weight ratio, rivaling supercars while maintaining razor-sharp handling.
Iain Muir, CEO of Boreham Motorworks, says: “The lightweight construction and focus on simplicity are what make the Mk1 RS Continumod a driver’s dream. It’s pure, raw, and unfiltered fun.”
Driving Purity Reborn
Every detail of the new Mk1 RS has been engineered to deliver maximum driver engagement. From the MacPherson front struts to the lightweight fully-floating rear axle with advanced limited-slip differential, the setup has been tailored for perfect balance and thrilling dynamics. And in line with its analogue ethos, there’s no power steering, no ABS, and no traction control. This car places the driver firmly in control, delivering an excitingly tactile driving experience comparable to nothing else on the road today.
Crafted for Precision, Perfected with Purpose
Boreham Motorworks didn’t just recreate the Escort Mk1 RS—they reinvented it with modern materials and techniques while staying true to its original character. Every body panel has been optimised using technologies like CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) and laser scanning, ensuring gaps and dimensions are more precise than Ford’s 1970s draughtsmen could have imagined.
To keep weight to a minimum, carbon fibre replaces steel for components such as the bonnet, bootlid, and key internal panels, while optional forged magnesium wheels further reduce unsprung weight to razor-sharp levels of performance. The body itself has been stiffened with additional bracing that improves rigidity while maintaining the authentic proportions and lines of the original Mk1 design.
Timeless Design, Redesigned for Today
While honouring the aesthetic purity of the original Mk1 Escort RS, Boreham Motorworks has refined the design with restrained yet impactful updates.
- New billet-aluminium components, including grille surrounds and door handles, reflect the craftsmanship of modern engineering without disrupting the classic simplicity.
- Distinctive four-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels, reminiscent of classic rally designs, now come widened for enhanced grip on modern tyres.
- Iconic design features like taped-look racing headlights and sharp taillight outlines evoke the Mk1’s motorsport DNA with a modern, purposeful aura.
Inside, the cockpit blends retro nostalgia with modern comforts. Lightweight Alcantara and leather adorn the interior, while air conditioning, a demister, and a heated windscreen enhance usability. Even the compact analogue instrument binnacle has been reimagined for precision and clarity.
Exclusive Ownership of an Instant Classic
With production starting in summer 2025, this limited-run Mk1 RS Continumod™ is set to become one of the most exclusive and sought-after vehicles ever crafted. Along with an unparalleled 2-year/20,000-mile warranty, owners gain access to what CEO Iain Muir describes as “not just a car, but a piece of history re-engineered for modern-day enjoyment.”
Applications for this automotive masterpiece are now available via Boreham Motorworks’ website, where interested buyers can stake their claim to an unprecedented union of nostalgic heritage and cutting-edge performance.
Only one question remains: will you seize this opportunity to own a piece of motoring perfection?
