Boreham Motorworks Ford Escort Mk1 RS Revs to 10,000 RPM — Nearly $400,000

Boreham Motorworks has just unveiled its officially licensed Ford Escort Mk1 RS, a brand-new car—not a restomod—built with Ford’s blessing to carry forward the Mk1 Escort’s performance legacy into the 2020s. Every example starts as a completely new vehicle with an officially sanctioned Ford chassis number, blending modern engineering with the raw, analog feel of the original. Production is capped at just 150 units worldwide.

The Escort RS is offered with two powertrain options. The headline-grabber is the optional Ten-K engine, a naturally aspirated 2.1-liter four-cylinder that revs to 10,000 rpm and produces 326 HP (330 PS). Weighing only 85 kg (187 lbs), it features race-inspired hardware including individual throttle bodies, forged internals, belt-driven camshafts, and a lightweight flywheel. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed dog-leg manual gearbox. The chassis is equally impressive, with a bespoke front subframe, a lightweight floating rear axle made from aluminum and titanium, revised suspension geometry, and a six-link rear setup. The curb weight is targeted at just 895 kg (1,973 lbs), promising a power-to-weight ratio that should embarrass many modern performance cars—though Boreham has not yet published official acceleration figures.

For purists seeking a closer connection to the original Escort RS, Boreham offers an updated Twin Cam engine. Enlarged to 1.8 liters and fitted with fuel injection, it delivers 182 HP (185 PS) through a straight-cut four-speed manual transmission. The driving experience is intentionally analog: no power steering, no ABS, and no traction control. Instead, drivers get a limited-slip differential and a raw, unfiltered connection to the road. The interior is a blend of modern luxury and classic cues, with bespoke gauges, carbon and leather trim, and a three-spoke steering wheel. Behind the front seats, two dedicated helmet compartments replace the rear seats, underscoring the car’s track-focused intentions without sacrificing everyday usability.

Pricing starts at £295,000 plus taxes, which translates to roughly £354,000 ($474,000) in the UK. With only 150 examples planned, this is no ordinary Escort—it’s a modern continuation of a legend, built for enthusiasts who demand both heritage and cutting-edge performance. Boreham Motorworks has once again proven that the spirit of the original Escort RS is alive and revving well into the future.