Ford Escort Mk1 RS Continumod
A project officially endorsed by Ford Europe
The Escort, one of Ford’s most iconic European cars, will be re-produced as a new car by Boreham Motor Works, a UK-based company. The project has been officially approved by Ford.
The Ford Escort Mk1, a legendary car that dominated the rally scene in the 1970s, has been reborn as a new car faithful to the original design. Boreham Motor Works will be manufacturing the new Ford Escort Mk1 RS ContinuMod, not a restomod based on a donor car, but a genuine continuation car with a chassis number approved by Ford headquarters.
Combining the timeless spirit of the original Escort with modern engineering, design and advanced manufacturing techniques, Boreham Motor Works has begun accepting orders for the Ford Escort Mk1 RS Continue Mod, limited to 150 units worldwide, which will carry the same chassis number as the original model, to commemorate 50 years since the debut of the RS2000, the final limited edition model of the Ford Escort Mk1 RS.
Recreates the pure driving experience of the original
Ian Muill, CEO of Boreham Motorworks, explains that the aim was to update the car with modern technology without compromising the primitive driving pleasure of the original Escort.
As an official brand licensing partner of Ford Motor Company, Boreham Motor Works is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the heritage of Ford’s most iconic vehicles. Today, they have announced a groundbreaking new project, ContinuMod, which combines the DNA of the original Escort RS with modern technology, cutting-edge materials and bespoke engineering.
Unlike conventional restomods, the ContinuMod does not require a donor car, but is produced from scratch using the latest materials and advanced manufacturing techniques under an official licensing agreement with Ford headquarters. Ian Muill, CEO of Boreham Motorworks, gave the following explanation about the Ford Escort Mk1 RS ContinuMod:
“Recreating the Ford Escort Mk1 RS in this modern era is not just about building a car, it’s about paying homage to an incredible heritage that has inspired enthusiasts for over half a century. Boreham Motor Works has been committed to not only faithfully recreating the essence of the original, but also bringing this classic car to life in the modern era using cutting-edge engineering, precision design and exquisite craftsmanship.”
“Our team knows that every aspect of this car has been meticulously designed to deliver the purest driving experience possible, from driving dynamics to vehicle architecture, and we’ve worked hard to recreate that. We’re proud to have brought the Escort Mk1 RS to life with a seamless blend of tradition and innovation in mind.”
“We are excited to meet driving enthusiasts who will be able to experience this iconic performance vehicle for themselves. We look forward to showing the car to everyone next summer.”
Two types of naturally aspirated DOHC are available
The power unit pays homage to the first-generation Escort RS, and two types of naturally aspirated DOHC units with different displacement and power are available.
The Ford Escort Mk1 RS Continue Mod is available with two engines that deliver modern performance while embodying the driving pleasure of the original. The base model is equipped with an 1845cc inline 4-cylinder twin-cam with fuel injection, producing a maximum output of 185PS.
It is mated to a synchromesh 4-speed manual transmission and is produced as a perfect homage to the DOHC engine of the Escort Mk1 RS1600, which was once manufactured by Ford’s motorsport division, Boreham.
For customers seeking a modern power unit, a 2100cc inline four-cylinder twin-cam engine with motorsport-derived electronic throttle control was available. The specially road-tuned cast billet engine weighed less than 85kg and employed DOHC and chain cam drive. Despite being naturally aspirated, it boasted an astonishing maximum output of 300PS.
The rear drivetrain is driven through a 5-speed manual dog-clutch transmission, and the engine’s forged steel connecting rods and billet crankshaft deliver incredible performance on the track. The car also features a motorsport-spec coil-over plug ignition, advanced fuel injection, and ECU management. It also features a custom titanium exhaust system for enhanced performance and a truly exhilarating engine sound.
Available with left-hand drive or right-hand drive, both specifications achieve an optimal weight distribution of 55:45. The suspension combines MacPherson struts in the front and a lightweight aluminum and titanium full-floating axle in the rear, providing a responsive steering feel and solid grip. Emphasizing the pure driving pleasure of the Escort RS, the car does not come equipped with power steering, ABS, traction control, or brake servo.
Exterior that respects the original
Using archives including the original blueprints, the original Escort Mk1 was laser scanned, and the headlights and other details pay homage to the original while incorporating modern features.
Boreham Motor Works laser scanned the original Escort Mk1 and utilised extensive archives, including original blueprints. The body was completely redesigned using CAD to meet modern tolerances, and new manufacturing jigs and fixtures were installed for body assembly. While remaining faithful to the original blueprints, a new shape and dimensions were developed for the body, enabling it to be manufactured to the finish and quality expected of a modern OEM vehicle.
The exterior design was created by Wayne Burgess, Design Director at Boreham Motor Works, whose first car was the Escort Mk2, and his personal experience and love of the iconic heritage, performance and design of all Escorts has led to the creation of this beautiful form.
The exterior design pursues simplicity, stripping away unnecessary ornamentation and leaving only the essential elements. The quarter bumper and main direction indicators have been removed to create a sleeker, purer silhouette. The billet-machined aluminum grille surround showcases modern craftsmanship.
The headlights pay homage to the classic tape-covered lights seen in touring car races of the time. The taillights are based on the original but have been updated for a more modern look. The aluminum door handles and mirrors retain the look of the first generation while being redesigned to have a more sophisticated look.
A simple cockpit that prioritizes functionality
The cockpit is based on the original but has been updated to a modern style, with the seats and trim combining Alcantara and real leather.
The cockpit balances lightweight design with driver comfort, incorporating modern features such as a heated screen and a four-vent air conditioner.
The interior is designed with the highest standards of craftsmanship, featuring a combination of Alcantara and real leather. Three-point seat belts are standard, with four-point harnesses and a Visual Carbon rear compartment (helmet-compatible) available as options. A full roll cage with removable door bars ensures the vehicle’s integrity and is suitable for demanding driving, such as circuit driving.
Wayne Burgess, who was in charge of design, added the following about the interior and exterior design:
“From the outset, our aim was to respect the purity of the original design while meeting the demands of a modern performance car. From the minimalism of the exterior to the thoughtful functionality of the interior, every detail embodies what made the Escort Mk1 so special. We wanted to create a car that not only looks back to its heritage, but also moves forward into a new era.”
