Officially licenced Escort Mk1 RS reimagining brings bespoke powertrain and motorsport engineering to the road
Boreham Motorworks has revealed the first production-representative prototype of its Ford Escort Mk1 RS at the London Concours 2026. First announced in 2024, Boreham Motorworks’ take on the Escort is being developed under an official licence agreement with Ford Motor Company. Boreham describes the Escort Mk1 RS as an entirely new vehicle rather than a restoration or restomod, complete with a newly engineered structure, chassis and powertrain package.
The prototype shown in London previews a car that combines period-inspired styling with modern engineering, including LED lighting, carbon-fibre interior elements and modern electrical systems, while retaining an analogue, driver-focused layout.
Limited to 150 examples worldwide, the Escort Mk1 RS will start at £295,000 in the UK (and other global markets) and $400,000 in the United States before taxes and options.
Customers will be able to choose between two engines: a modern interpretation of the Twin Cam unit used in period Alan Mann Racing Escorts, or the new Boreham TEN-K, a naturally aspirated 2.152-litre inline-four developed specifically for the car. Originally targeted at 300PS (295bhp), the TEN-K now delivers 330PS (325bhp) and is paired with a bespoke five-speed manual gearbox featuring a dog-leg first gear. Boreham claims that the engine weighs just 85kg and uses lightweight components including billet parts, forged connecting rods and a dry-sump lubrication system.
The car’s chassis has also been extensively reworked. A new front subframe retains the Escort’s MacPherson strut layout while allowing revised suspension geometry and a 30mm wheelbase increase inspired by historic Alan Mann Racing cars. At the rear, a bespoke fully floating axle assembly uses an aluminium centre section and titanium axle tubes; Boreham claims the design cuts rear unsprung mass by 40kg compared with period competition Escorts. Performance figures have not been released but with a claimed overall kerb weight of 895kg, it’s likely to be very impressive.
“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,” said Boreham CEO Ian Muir.
“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.”
For more information, visit borehammotorworks.co.uk
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