Remember the Ford Escort Mk1 RS Continumod by Boreham Motorworks? Well, folks, the first road-going, production-spec example has been publicly revealed—the first in more than 50 years. It debuted at London Concours 2026 (June 09 to 11, 2026). The reveal also nailed down the final specifications, including the bespoke Boreham TEN-K naturally aspirated 2.152cc inline-four, which now delivers 330 PS with a confirmed 10,000 rpm capability, surpassing original performance targets. The lightweight 85-kilogram Boreham TEN-K powertrain was engineered specifically for high-rev response, low inertia, and analogue driver engagement.
The car features a completely bespoke chassis and suspension architecture. Speaking of which, Boreham did not simply dust off the original Escort blueprint and call it a day. That wouldn’t be a Continumod, would it? That will be a restomod, through and through. Anyhoo, the company developed an entirely new front subframe to overcome the geometric limitations of the original Escort front crossmember while retaining the iconic MacPherson strut front suspension layout. The result is improved steering precision, front-end grip, stability, and driver confidence while preserving the character that made the original Escort such a beloved driver’s car.
At the rear, things get even more serious. Boreham created a fully floating rear axle system featuring a bespoke aluminium centre casting and titanium axle tubes. The setup achieves a whopping 50 percent reduction in rear unsprung mass compared to period competition Escorts. That translates to better wheel control, improved ride quality, and sharper dynamic response. In other words, less weight where it matters and more smiles behind the wheel.
The lightweight philosophy extends throughout the car. Boreham is targeting a curb weight of just 895 kilograms (1,973 pounds), which sounds almost unbelievable in an era where many performance cars weigh as much as a small moon. The Escort rides on bespoke 15-inch lightweight wheels wrapped in sticky Yokohama A052 tires measuring 205/50 R15 up front and 225/50 R15 at the rear. Braking is handled by lightweight 300 mm vented front rotors and 260 mm rear rotors with bespoke multi-piston calipers.
The drivetrain is equally old-school in the best possible way. The TEN-K engine is paired to a bespoke five-speed transmission featuring a dog-leg first gear layout and close-ratio gearing. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 5.125 final drive and an automatic torque-biasing differential, ensuring the engine stays right where it wants to be—screaming toward five-digit rpm.
The cabin continues the analogue theme. Carbon-fiber interior panels, bespoke analogue instrumentation, configurable seats and steering wheel, mechanical window mechanisms, and even twin rally chronographs developed with Breitling help create an environment that feels more rally stage than touchscreen showroom. Modern conveniences such as heating, cooling, ventilation, phone connectivity, and a discreet audio system are present too, because not everyone wants to daily-drive a race car from 1968.
Unlike a restoration or a restomod, the Ford Escort Mk1 RS has been engineered as an entirely new vehicle from the ground up under an official license agreement with Ford Motor Company. Production will be limited to 150 examples worldwide in both left- and right-hand-drive configurations. Pricing starts at £295,000 (or US$400,000) before taxes and options.
So yes, it looks like a classic Escort. But underneath, it is a modern, lightweight, naturally aspirated, rear-wheel-drive machine engineered around one very simple goal: making every drive feel special. And judging by the numbers, it appears Boreham Motorworks has taken that mission very seriously indeed.
Images: Boreham Motorworks.
