The 2025 Ford Escort Mk1 RS: A Return to Iconic Performance and Design
The Ford Escort Mk1 RS has long been a staple in automotive history, a car revered by enthusiasts and motorsport fans alike. Known for its compact yet powerful design, the Mk1 RS played a significant role in rallying during the 1970s and set the stage for Ford's lasting legacy in motorsport. Now, more than five decades later, the Mk1 Ford Escort RS is making a spectacular return in 2025, not as a restored relic but as a continuation model, built to modern standards while honoring its roots. Boreham Motorworks, the company behind this revival, has taken the iconic vehicle and breathed new life into it, blending classic styling with cutting-edge engineering.
The 2025 Mk1 Ford Escort RS will undoubtedly capture the hearts of driving enthusiasts, collectors, and fans of the original model. This continuation model features updated powertrains, modern materials, and advanced technologies, all while staying true to the spirit of the car. While it may not be a ground-up rebuild of a rusty donor car, it does promise the same visceral driving experience that made the Mk1 Escort RS an icon in the first place. With limited production and a price tag starting at £295,000, this continuation model is an exclusive offering for those who appreciate the marriage of classic design and contemporary performance.
The Mk1 Escort RS Legacy
First launched in the early 1970s, the Ford Escort Mk1 became an instant hit. With its simple yet sporty design, the Mk1 appealed to a wide audience, from budget-conscious families to performance enthusiasts. Ford took advantage of the model’s versatility and success, introducing the high-performance Mk1 RS, which would go on to become one of the most successful rally cars in history. Powered by a range of four-cylinder engines, the Mk1 RS was lightweight, agile, and most importantly, fast.
The Mk1 Escort RS's success in motorsport was undeniable, with notable victories in the World Rally Championship (WRC), particularly its dominance in events like the 1970 and 1971 British Rally Championship. This racing pedigree cemented the Mk1 Escort RS as a serious competitor in the motorsport world, and it quickly became a fan favorite due to its lively handling, compact size, and charismatic engine notes. For many, the Mk1 Escort RS remains the ultimate representation of Ford’s rallying success and the quintessential performance car of the era.
The new 2025 Mk1 Escort RS continuation aims to recapture that magic by staying true to the design ethos of the original, while incorporating modern technology and engineering advancements to ensure a more reliable and exciting driving experience.
Engine and Performance
Boreham Motorworks has carefully crafted a two-engine strategy for the new Mk1 Escort RS, offering a choice of two powerplants that cater to different driving preferences. The first is a motorsport-derived 2.1-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. With a focus on lightweight construction and high-revving performance, this engine produces an impressive 296bhp and can rev to a jaw-dropping 10,000rpm. To achieve these high performance figures, the engine features double overhead cams, forged steel conrods, a billet crank, and motorsport-spec fuel and ignition systems, making it a true racing-inspired unit. At just 85kg, this engine provides an excellent power-to-weight ratio, contributing to the car’s overall low weight of 800kg.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed dogleg gearbox, which is designed for fast, precise shifts. The engine's high-revving nature is complemented by a bespoke titanium exhaust system, tuned to produce an exhilarating sound that is sure to captivate any enthusiast lucky enough to hear it. The combination of a lightweight engine and a high-revving, performance-focused exhaust system ensures that the Mk1 Escort RS will sound as impressive as it looks.
For those seeking a more balanced performance setup, Boreham Motorworks offers a second engine option: a 1.8-litre 'Twin Cam' engine that produces 182bhp and revs to 9,000rpm. This engine is paired with a four-speed manual ‘straight-cut’ gearbox, retaining the raw, old-school charm of the original Mk1 RS. This engine option offers a more accessible level of performance while still delivering the pure, unfiltered driving experience that enthusiasts expect from a car with such a rich motorsport heritage.
Both engines are paired with rear-wheel-drive layouts, ensuring that the Mk1 Escort RS retains its signature driving dynamics. The addition of an ATB limited-slip differential and a fully adjustable suspension system with coilovers provides modern handling capabilities while maintaining the raw, engaging driving experience that made the original Escort RS so beloved.
Design and Build: Classic Looks, Modern Materials
Boreham Motorworks has made sure that the 2025 Mk1 Escort RS retains the timeless appeal of the original. The exterior design stays true to the classic lines of the 1970s Ford Escort, but with subtle modifications to improve performance and durability. The car’s body has been built using a combination of traditional steel and lightweight materials such as carbon fibre and titanium. The bonnet and boot lid are made from carbon fibre, while the main body panels are reinforced steel with wider inner arches, providing the strength needed for modern performance demands.
Boreham Motorworks also employed cutting-edge scanning technology to recreate the original Mk1 Escort RS’s shape and dimensions to an exacting standard. By using lasers to capture the car’s specifications, the company ensured that every detail was preserved, from the curvature of the body panels to the precise dimensions of the chassis. The result is a continuation model that remains true to the original Mk1 Escort’s design but benefits from modern materials and engineering techniques that make the car stronger, stiffer, and more efficient.
The car’s suspension system has also been reworked for improved handling, with a fully adjustable coilover setup that allows drivers to fine-tune the car’s ride height and damping characteristics. This, combined with the addition of the limited-slip differential, ensures that the Mk1 Escort RS will offer handling and cornering performance that exceeds what was possible in the original. However, Boreham Motorworks has kept the driving experience pure by not fitting the Mk1 Escort RS with modern driving aids like power steering, ABS, or traction control, instead opting for a raw, visceral experience with “controllable oversteer” that will undoubtedly delight purists.
Interior: A Modern Take on Retro Styling
Inside the cabin, the 2025 Mk1 Escort RS continues the balance between modern luxury and classic design. Boreham Motorworks has crafted an interior that blends the best of both worlds. The cabin is outfitted with a combination of leather, Alcantara, and carbon fibre, all materials chosen for their durability and performance. Racing harnesses and a full roll cage add to the car’s motorsport pedigree, while modern amenities like air conditioning and heated screens ensure comfort during daily use.
The dashboard features a set of retro-inspired dials that resemble those of the original Mk1, while the overall design of the interior retains the utilitarian, performance-focused approach of the 1970s Escort. The steering wheel and seats are designed with both form and function in mind, with a focus on driver engagement. Every element of the interior is a nod to the past, but with the attention to detail and refinement expected from a modern performance car.
Pricing, Production, and Availability
Given the exclusivity of the 2025 Mk1 Escort RS continuation model, it’s no surprise that pricing starts at 375,000 $ a significant sum for a modern interpretation of a classic car. Boreham Motorworks is limiting production to just 150 units, making this a rare collector’s item for the lucky few who can afford it. Each car will come with a two-year/20,000-mile warranty, and production is expected to commence in Q3 of 2025.
While the Mk1 Escort RS continuation is undoubtedly expensive, it offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history with the performance and reliability of a modern car. For enthusiasts who want to experience the magic of the original Mk1 Escort RS but with the benefits of modern engineering, this continuation model offers an unprecedented driving experience.
Conclusion: A Modern Classic
The 2025 Mk1 Ford Escort RS by Boreham Motorworks is a car that honors a legacy while pushing the boundaries of modern performance. With its blend of classic styling, motorsport-derived engineering, and cutting-edge materials, the Mk1 Escort RS continuation model is a fitting tribute to one of Ford’s most iconic cars. Whether you’re a fan of the original or a newcomer to the world of classic Fords, the Mk1 Escort RS represents the best of both worlds—combining nostalgia with contemporary performance.
As the Mk1 Ford Escort RS makes its return in 2025, it proves that some classics never go out of style. For those lucky enough to experience it, the Mk1 Escort RS continuation will offer the thrill of driving a true performance icon, backed by the precision and reliability of modern engineering. It’s not just a car; it’s a piece of history reborn for a new generation of driving enthusiasts.
