Ford Escort RS Reborn: Boreham Motorworks Revives A Rally Icon

Boreham Motorworks, a UK-based engineering firm, is bringing the iconic Ford Escort RS back to life, with full backing from Ford. This isn’t just a restoration or a restomod—it’s a completely new car that proudly wears the Escort name and Ford badges, even continuing the original chassis numbering.

Inspired by the two-door Escort RS models built at Ford’s Advanced Vehicle Operations in Essex before the factory closed in 1975, Boreham digitally recreated the body, strengthening it for improved handling and widening the arches for a more aggressive stance. 

Buyers will have two engine options. One is an updated version of the legendary Twin Cam engine, now upsized to 1.8 liters with fuel injection, producing 182 bhp. A four-speed gearbox with straight-cut, close-ratio gears complements this engine. The second option is a high-revving 2.1-liter engine, making 296 bhp, matched to a five-speed dog-leg gearbox. Staying true to its roots, the car forgoes power steering, ABS, and traction control, offering an unfiltered driving experience.

Former Jaguar SVR chief Wayne Burgess oversees the design, which blends classic and modern elements. The streamlined, race-inspired look pays homage to the legendary Alan Mann Escorts, replacing the chrome bumpers and old-school indicators. The LED headlights even feature a cross pattern, mimicking the taped-up lights from rally days.

Inside, it’s a perfect mix of vintage and modern. The dashboard keeps the original six-gauge layout and air vents but adds contemporary features like Apple CarPlay, climate controls, and a discreet touchscreen. The Boreham Ford Escort Mk1 RS will debut next summer, with production starting in late 2025. Only 150 will be built, sold through an application process similar to the Ford GT. Prices start at £295,000.