2026 Boreham Motorworks Escort Mk1 RS

• The first newly built road going Escort Mk1 RS in more than 50 years has made its public debut.

• A bespoke 2.152 litre naturally aspirated four cylinder produces 330 PS and revs to 10,000 rpm.

• Production is limited to 150 examples worldwide under an official Ford licence.

A Classic Escort Shape Returns

The 2026 Boreham Motorworks Escort Mk1 RS has finally been shown in production representative form, giving enthusiasts their first close look at a project that has been quietly progressing since its announcement in 2024. The car made its public debut at London Concours, carrying one of Ford's most recognizable performance names into a very different era.

At a glance, it looks exactly as an Escort RS should. The compact proportions remain intact, along with the upright greenhouse, flared arches, and short overhangs that helped make the original a motorsport icon. Yet almost everything underneath is new.

Boreham Motorworks describes the car as a continuation model rather than a restoration or restomod. It has been engineered as an entirely new vehicle using modern manufacturing methods while retaining the visual character of the original Mk1 RS. An all new steel body is joined by carbon fibre bonnet and boot panels, while bespoke LED lighting gives the car a contemporary touch without moving too far away from its roots.

Lightweight Engineering Shapes The Package

The engineering story is just as important as the styling. Boreham has targeted a curb weight of only 895 kg, a figure that stands out in an era where performance cars continue to grow larger and heavier.

To achieve that goal, the company developed an entirely bespoke chassis and suspension system. The front suspension retains the Escort's familiar MacPherson strut layout, though the geometry has been thoroughly revised. At the rear sits a newly designed fully floating axle assembly that uses aluminium and titanium components and cuts rear unsprung mass by 50 percent compared with period competition Escorts.

The wheelbase has also been stretched by 30 mm, taking inspiration from the Alan Mann Racing Escorts that competed during the late 1960s.

A Naturally Aspirated Engine Built To Rev

The headline number comes from the new Boreham TEN K engine. Developed specifically for the Escort Mk1 RS, the naturally aspirated 2.152 litre inline four now delivers 330 PS and has been validated to operate at 10,000 rpm. That exceeds the original development target of 300 PS.

Weighing only 85 kg, the engine features individual throttle bodies, a dry sump lubrication system, forged internals, and a lightweight exhaust system. Power reaches the rear wheels through a bespoke five speed manual transmission with a dog leg first gear layout.

Buyers will also have the option of a Twin Cam engine inspired by the original Alan Mann Racing competition powerplant.

Built Around Driver Engagement

The interior follows the same philosophy. Carbon fibre panels, analogue instruments, mechanical switchgear, and configurable seating create a cabin that prioritizes driver interaction rather than digital screens. Heating, ventilation, smartphone connectivity, and a discreet audio system provide modern convenience without dominating the experience.

Production will be capped at 150 examples globally, with both left hand drive and right hand drive versions planned. Pricing starts at £295,000 in the UK and Rest of World markets, while US pricing begins at $400,000 before local taxes and options.

Source