Ford Escort Mk1 RS2000 Returns Through Boreham Motorworks

Fifty years after the final Ford Escort Mk1 RS2000 left production, Boreham Motorworks is set to effectively restart its manufacture, with backing from the Ford Motor Company.

This project can certainly be described as a restomod, a field that is steadily becoming one of the most compelling areas of the motoring world. It pairs the appearance of an iconic car with modern technology intended to improve safety and driving enjoyment.

Ford Escort Mk1 RS2000 recreated from scratch

This undertaking goes further, however, as it does not rely on a donor vehicle. This Ford Escort RS, or “Continumod”, will be built entirely from the ground up and receive a new chassis number from Ford itself. Remarkably, that number will directly follow those assigned to the last examples to leave the production line 50 years ago.

Visually, nearly every element has been developed from Ford’s original drawings, so the resemblance is no coincidence. The digital recreation process has nevertheless allowed several revisions aimed at improving dynamic efficiency.

The bodyshell has been strengthened and the wheel arches widened, while further visual upgrades include new LED light units at both the front and rear.

As well as creating a distinctive light signature, they help bring this Ford Escort into the modern era. The contemporary update was designed by Wayne Burgess, Jaguar’s former head of design.

Driving enjoyment takes centre stage

It is easy to imagine that buyers of these 150 Ford Escort Mk1 RS2000 models will be enthusiasts who value an unfiltered driving experience without extensive assistance systems. Consequently, it has neither power steering nor ABS, remaining faithful to the origins of the model.

In return, it receives a newly developed aluminium and titanium rear axle, with the rear dampers positioned more vertically than in the original car. The suspension features a set of coilovers, while a limited-slip differential is also included.

Two engine choices will be offered, each using the traditional inline four-cylinder layout. The first displaces 1845 cm³ and produces 185 bhp through a modern injection system. In this version, the manual gearbox has just four straight-cut ratios.

The alternative is considerably more explosive. Capacity rises to 2.1 litres, while output leaps to a far more substantial 300 bhp, with no turbocharger in sight. It is all about revs: this engine reaches 10,000 rpm (!). Another striking detail is its weight of only 85 kg.

That engine is paired with a five-speed dogleg gearbox and a titanium exhaust system, delivering a more engaging soundtrack.

If 300 bhp sounds modest in a world where cars with 500 bhp appear plentiful, it is worth noting that this Escort Rallye Sport is expected to weigh just 800 kg. Those 300 bhp should feel considerably more potent.

Minimalist cabin with modern connectivity

Inside, there are only two sports seats and a minimalist layout that closely echoes the model from 50 years ago. The centre console does, however, incorporate a small screen, allowing a smartphone to be connected via Apple CarPlay.

When will it arrive and how much will it cost?

The final presentation of Boreham Motorworks’ new Ford Escort Mk1 RS2000 is not scheduled until next summer.

Production is only expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025 and, for now, just 150 examples have been announced. As for pricing, each one will cost slightly less than £300,000 (around €360,000).

Every Mk1 RS2000 will be built to the individual owner’s specification. In fact, construction will not begin unless the car has already been allocated to a customer. Until further details emerge, Boreham Motorworks has released this video of its new project.