Boreham Motorworks Revives the Ford Escort Mk1 RS with a 330-Horsepower Engine Built for 10,000 RPM

Ford enthusiasts have waited years for a proper modern take on the Escort Mk1 RS. Boreham Motorworks delivers exactly that through an official partnership with Ford. The result blends the proportions and character of the original rally icon with engineering that meets today’s standards for stiffness, safety, and driver engagement.

Boreham Motorworks calls their vehicle the ContinuMod. Its roots are clear in the usage of Ford blueprints and authentic Ford chassis numbers, but the creators added their own touch with a slew of changes across the board. They were particularly interested in channeling the spirit of the 1968 Alan Mann Racing Escorts, which demonstrated the Escort’s true potential on the track. The goal here is to provide a similar level of thrills on public roadways.


Steel is the foundation of a whole new body shell. They were able to increase torsional stiffness by around 50% above the originals by running the statistics via advanced analysis. Carbon fiber hood and trunk panels, for their part, have reduced mass while maintaining strength. And, let’s be honest, some of us can’t help but be drawn to the flared bubble arches sitting over the wheels, which are classic Alan Mann. The billet-machined aluminum brightwork and custom door handles lend a touch of elegance, and the LED headlights and taillights have a beautiful tossed-off design that pays homage to past race cars while yet providing current performance.


Engineers extended the wheelbase by 30 mils to replicate the geometry that Alan Mann shown worked so well. This adjustment enhances stability and allows the engineers to fine-tune the suspension even further. Up front, MacPherson struts function in tandem with custom springs and dampers designed in collaboration with R53. Plus, the custom subframe aids in achieving the ideal steering geometry. They’ve gone for a unique six-link completely floating live axle at the back, which is quite a mouthful.

Aluminum castings and titanium tubing have reduced unsprung weight at the rear axle by more than half when compared to historical instances, and what about the brakes? They’re large, two-piece front rotors with four-piston calipers. The lightweight 15-inch wheels will be fitted with sticky Yokohama tires designed for traction and feedback.


Buyers can choose between two different powertrains. The base engine is a reliable 1.8-liter fuel-injected twin-cam inline four. It produces approximately 182 horsepower and happily revs up to 8,500 rpm. If you want it to shift gears for you, go for the period-correct four-speed manual. However, for those that want more thrill out of their ContinuMod, the TEN-K engine is an option. This is a 2.1-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder with a 16-valve head based on Formula One technology. Individual throttle bodies and a carbon-fiber airbox provide lots of grunt. Even so, certain of the parts are rather light, such as the billet crankshaft, dry sump lubrication, and forged rods. The engine weighs roughly 85 kg. The peak output is 330 horsepower, and the engine can safely rev up to 10,000 rpm. A handmade five-speed dog-leg manual gearbox with close ratios, together with a 5.125 final drive, completes the drivetrain. Rear-wheel drive and rapid throttle response define the character.


The ContinuMod’s goal curb weight is 895 kilograms, with a front-to-rear split of approximately 55-45. That lightweight design, along with the high-revving TEN-K engine, means it has genuine performance potential and quick handling. The precise steering and dynamic chassis balance ensure a direct connection to the road.


The primary feature of the cabin layout is the driver up front. Carbon fiber is used throughout the vehicle, including the dashboard, door cards, and rear trim panels. When it comes to seats, you may choose between plump, road-trip comfort or very lightweight carbon fiber buckets if you want to go as light as possible. The mechanical window regulators and door latches are a great addition, as they retain the old-school click and clunk that newer powered equivalents lack. The gauges on the dashboard are all traditional analog units, displaying speed, engine revs, oil pressure, water temperature, fuel level, and even battery charge right in front of you. If you want to go all out, you can even get a Breitling chronograph mounted on the dashboard, which has the extra benefit of being removable, allowing you to fit in a rally without worrying about trim.

Power steering kicks in at low speeds but fades away as you accelerate, giving you a good sense for what the car is doing. There’s no sophisticated electronic traction or stability control to muck things up, so it’s just you and the road. The heating and sound system are modest yet effective, providing enough comfort without being overly bothersome. If you want to go all out, there’s even a fantastic place to store your helmets in the back.


Boreham Motorworks will only produce 150 Escort Mk1 RS models. Each comes with either left- or right-hand drive and a two-year or 20,000-mile warranty. Prices start at 295,000 pounds (about 400,000 dollars) before tax and options. If you choose the TEN-K engine, you will have to pay an additional fee.
[Source]