This Modern Escort Revs to 10,000 RPM and Has No ABS, No Traction Control

The original Mk1 Escort earned its reputation the hard way, through rally stages, race tracks, and plenty of sideways moments in the 1960s and 1970s. Boreham Motorworks now wants to bring that same spirit into the modern era with something far more serious than a typical restomod.

Called the Escort RS "continumod," this isn’t an old Escort restored and upgraded. Boreham builds every car from scratch as a completely new vehicle carrying an official Ford chassis number. In other words, it’s less a restored classic and more a modern continuation of the Mk1 Escort story using today’s engineering.

Now, let's talk about the optional engine. Boreham developed a naturally aspirated 2.1-liter four-cylinder called the Ten-K, producing 326 hp while revving all the way to 10,000 rpm. In a car weighing just 895 kg (1,973 lbs), that sounds like absolute chaos in the best possible way.

The engine itself weighs only 85 kg (187 lbs) and uses individual throttle bodies, forged internals, belt-driven camshafts, and a lightweight flywheel to make every input feel razor sharp. Power goes to the rear wheels through a five-speed dog-leg manual gearbox.

For buyers wanting something closer to the original Escort formula, there’s also a smaller 1.8-liter Twin Cam engine making 182 hp paired with a straight-cut four-speed manual. Either way, this thing keeps things properly old-school. There’s no ABS, no traction control, and no power steering. Just a lightweight chassis, rear-wheel drive, a limited-slip differential, and whatever talent the driver brings with them.

Boreham also heavily reworked the chassis with a bespoke front subframe, revised suspension geometry, and a lightweight rear axle using aluminum and titanium components. Inside, the cabin mixes retro styling with expensive materials, custom gauges, carbon trim, leather, and even dedicated helmet storage where the rear seats would normally sit.

Only 150 examples will be built worldwide, and the price puts it deep into supercar territory. UK buyers are looking at roughly £354,000 ($474,000) including taxes. That sounds slightly insane for a small old-school Ford, right up until you hear that 10,000-rpm engine for the first time.