The all-new Boreham Motorworks Ford Escort Mk1 RS has been revealed in production-representative form for the first time, making its global public debut at London Concours 2026. More than 50 years after the original road-going Mk1 Escort RS first appeared, this officially licensed continuation model brings the iconic nameplate into the modern era with entirely new engineering beneath its familiar silhouette.
First announced in late 2024, the project has now progressed into its validation and testing phase, with development vehicles undergoing extensive rolling road, dyno and dynamic testing across the UK. Boreham Motorworks’ goal is to create a lightweight, naturally aspirated, rear-wheel-drive driver’s car that delivers the analogue driving experience that made the original Escort RS so popular.
Wayne Burgess, Design Director of Boreham Motorworks
“The challenge was never about redesigning the Escort RS — it was about understanding what
made it so special in the first place. The Alan Mann race cars became an incredibly important
reference because every part of their design came from function and performance.
That philosophy guided the entire programme. The proportions, the stance, the simplicity and the
mechanical honesty all come from engineering purpose. We wanted the car to feel authentic not
just visually, but emotionally and dynamically as well.”
Ford Escort Mk1 RS TEN-K Engine
The new Escort Mk1 RS has the Boreham TEN-K engine. This is a bespoke 2-litre naturally aspirated inline-four developed specifically for the project. Originally targeted to produce 300PS, the latest development work has pushed output to 330PS while maintaining a 10,000rpm capability. Weighing just 85kg, the engine has been engineered around low inertia, fast throttle response and driver engagement.
Alongside the TEN-K, customers will also be able to choose a Twin Cam engine inspired by the original Alan Mann Racing engines of the late 1960s. The TEN-K version is paired to a bespoke five-speed dog-leg manual gearbox designed to keep the engine operating within its optimal power band.
Unlike a restoration or restomod, the Escort Mk1 RS has been built as a completely new vehicle. An all-new steel bodyshell has been developed to accommodate modern systems and the bespoke powertrain, while improving rigidity and overall performance. Carbon fibre bonnet and boot panels help contribute to a target dry weight of 895kg.
Will Ford, General Manager, Ford Racing
“From the first time we met with Boreham Motorworks and the DRVN team, it was clear that they
had an exciting vision for how to bring some of our most iconic historical nameplates to life for the
modern era. It will be exciting to see this relationship flourish and to see how Boreham Motorworks
brings the vision to life at a time when there is so much passion from enthusiasts for great
experiences.”
The chassis has also been comprehensively re-engineered. While retaining the Escort’s MacPherson strut front suspension and live rear axle layout, Boreham Motorworks has introduced entirely new geometry and bespoke components throughout. A newly developed front subframe allows improved steering precision and stability, and a bespoke aluminium and titanium rear axle reduces rear unsprung mass by 50% compared to period competition Escorts.
The design inspiration clearly comes from the Alan Mann Racing Escorts of 1967 and 1968, particularly their longer wheelbase, wider stance and bubble arches. Those influences can be seen throughout the car, which combines period-correct proportions with modern manufacturing standards, LED lighting and engineering.
Inside, there is a lightweight carbon fibre interior, analogue instruments and configurable seats and steering wheel. These aim to preserve the mechanical feel of classic performance cars, but modern conveniences such as climate control, phone connectivity and illuminated switchgear have been discreetly added. An interesting feature is the twin rally chronographs developed with Breitling!
Iain Muir, CEO of Boreham Motorworks
“The public debut of the Escort Mk1 RS marks a hugely important moment for the programme
because it demonstrates how far the engineering and development process has progressed since
the original reveal.
What matters most to us is ensuring the car delivers exactly what enthusiasts expect the moment
they get behind the wheel. Lightweight engineering, immediate response, usable naturally aspirated
performance and genuine driver connection have guided every decision throughout development.
With a programme target weight of 895kg, alongside the achievement of 330PS and a confirmed
10,000rpm capability, the character of the car is captured perfectly. It is focused, mechanical and
engineered to reward the driver in every moment.
Ford Escort Mk1 RS
The Escort Mk1 RS is officially licensed by Ford Motor Company and will be limited to just 150 examples worldwide. Available in both left and right-hand-drive configurations, prices start from £295,000 in the UK and Rest of World markets, and $400,000 in the United States before local taxes and options. Each car will be backed by a two-year, 20,000-mile warranty.
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