Boreham Motorworks Ford Escort Mk1 RS Revealed with 10,000 RPM Redline and 325 HP
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The Boreham Motorworks Ford Escort Mk1 RS is finally here in a production representative form, and it has turned out to be even more exciting than many enthusiasts expected. First previewed at the end of 2024, the officially licensed modern interpretation of the classic Escort now comes with a naturally aspirated engine that revs all the way to 10,000 rpm and produces 325 horsepower.
Unlike a traditional restomod or continuation car, this model has been developed completely from scratch while staying faithful to the spirit of the original Ford Escort RS.
What Is the Boreham Motorworks Ford Escort Mk1 RS?
Boreham Motorworks describes the new Escort Mk1 RS as a “Continuomod,” meaning it blends classic design with modern engineering while remaining an entirely new vehicle.
The company has received official licensing from Ford to recreate the iconic Escort, but almost every component underneath has been redesigned.
The latest prototype is the closest look yet at the final production model that customers will receive.
Bespoke Chassis Inspired by Racing Heritage
Rather than modifying an original Escort shell, Boreham developed a completely bespoke chassis.
One of the biggest engineering changes is moving the front wheels forward by 1.2 inches, a design inspired by the successful Alan Mann Racing Escorts from the 1960s.
This extended wheelbase also allows the company to retain the classic MacPherson strut suspension layout while integrating modern hardware.
Suspension highlights include:
- Custom front subframe
- Bespoke chassis construction
- MacPherson strut front suspension
- Custom coil springs
- Performance dampers developed with R53
- Improved wheel positioning inspired by historic race cars
The result should offer modern handling without losing the character that made the original Escort famous.
Lightweight Rear Suspension Reduces Unsprung Mass
The rear suspension has also received major attention.
Instead of using the traditional iron axle, Boreham has developed a custom floating rear axle system using an aluminum casting combined with titanium tubing.
According to the company, this setup reduces rear unsprung mass by 50 percent compared with period racing Escorts.
The system features a sophisticated six link arrangement with four radius arms to maintain proper axle positioning during suspension movement.
Rear axle features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Construction | Aluminum casting with titanium tubing |
| Layout | Six-link suspension |
| Radius Arms | Four |
| Weight Saving | 50% lower unsprung mass than historic racing Escorts |
Naturally Aspirated 2.1 Liter Engine Revving to 10,000 RPM
The biggest talking point is undoubtedly the engine.
While Boreham offers an entry level 1.8 liter twin cam engine producing around 180 horsepower, most enthusiasts will likely be interested in the flagship Ten K powerplant.
The naturally aspirated 2.1 liter inline four cylinder generates 325 horsepower and revs all the way to 10,000 rpm, making it one of the highest revving road car engines available.
The engine uses lightweight internal components, individual throttle bodies, and advanced gas flow technology developed through studying Formula One engine designs.
Remarkably, the engine weighs less than 190 pounds, helping keep overall vehicle weight low.
Five Speed Manual Keeps the Driving Experience Pure
Boreham has paired the Ten K engine with a unique five speed manual transmission featuring a classic dog leg first gear layout.
Power is delivered exclusively to the rear wheels through a 5.125 final drive ratio, staying true to the engaging driving experience expected from a lightweight performance car.
For enthusiasts who believe sports cars should involve both hands and both feet, this setup will likely be one of the Escort’s biggest selling points.
Boreham Targets a Weight Below 2,000 Pounds
Although the company has not officially confirmed the final kerb weight, its target remains under 2,000 pounds.
Given the extensive use of lightweight materials throughout the chassis, suspension, and engine, Boreham appears confident it can achieve that goal.
A low curb weight combined with 325 horsepower could make this Escort deliver an outstanding power to weight ratio and an extremely engaging driving experience.
Premium Cabin with Classic Character
Despite focusing heavily on lightweight engineering, Boreham has not stripped away luxury.
The dashboard and door panels use carbon fiber construction but are covered in premium leather and complemented by metal switchgear and trim pieces.
One particularly interesting option is a pair of Breitling dashboard clocks, including a removable stopwatch and pocket watch that fit directly into the dashboard, adding a unique vintage motorsport feel.
Interior highlights
- Carbon fiber dashboard
- Carbon fiber door cards
- Premium leather upholstery
- Metal switchgear
- Optional Breitling dashboard clocks
- Removable stopwatch and pocket watch
Production Limited to Just 150 Units Worldwide
Exclusivity will be one of the biggest attractions of the Boreham Escort Mk1 RS.
Production is limited to just 150 examples globally, with both right hand drive and left hand drive versions available.
The starting price is $400,000, placing it firmly in the collector car segment rather than the traditional sports car market.
Boreham also includes a two year or 20,000 mile warranty, offering buyers additional peace of mind.
Boreham Motorworks Ford Escort Mk1 RS Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.1-litre Naturally Aspirated Inline-Four |
| Power | 325 hp |
| Redline | 10,000 rpm |
| Transmission | Five-Speed Manual |
| Drive Layout | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Target Weight | Under 2,000 pounds |
| Production | 150 units |
| Starting Price | $400,000 |
| Drive Options | Right-Hand Drive and Left-Hand Drive |
| Warranty | Two years or 20,000 miles |
Final Thoughts
The Boreham Motorworks Ford Escort Mk1 RS is more than a tribute to a legendary rally icon. It is a complete reinterpretation built with modern engineering while preserving the raw, analogue driving experience enthusiasts love.
From its bespoke chassis and lightweight construction to its screaming 10,000 rpm engine and manual gearbox, every detail has been designed with driver engagement in mind.
With only 150 examples planned and a price tag of $400,000, it is unlikely to become a common sight on public roads. But for collectors and driving purists, it represents one of the most ambitious recreations of a classic performance car in recent years.
Sources & References
Official Sources
- Boreham Motorworks Official
Official website of Boreham Motorworks with specifications, project details, and official announcements about the Ford Escort Mk1 RS.
Boreham Motorworks Official - Boreham Motorworks Official Press Release
Official press release covering the launch, specifications, production details, and pricing of the Escort Mk1 RS.
Official Press Release
Trusted Automotive References
- Car and Driver
US based automotive publication with detailed coverage of the Boreham Motorworks Ford Escort Mk1 RS and its 10,000 rpm engine.
Car and Driver Article - Top Gear
Well known automotive publication explaining the engineering, performance, and background of the new Escort Mk1 RS.
Top Gear Coverage - PistonHeads
Detailed first look at the officially licensed Ford Escort Mk1 RS with pricing and production information.
PistonHeads Review - Classic & Sports Car
Focuses on the classic car heritage, engineering updates, and driving philosophy behind the new model.
Classic & Sports Car Feature - Auto Express
Covers the Escort Mk1 RS specifications, warranty, production plans, and engineering highlights.
Auto Express Article - Octane Magazine
Provides background on the Continumod concept and official production plans for the limited edition Escort.
Octane Magazine Feature
