The Ford Escort Mk1 is making a return to British roads after more than fifty years, with a limited production of 150 models priced at £295,000 each. These new versions of the classic Rallye Sport (RS) edition are being built by Boreham Motorworks, a Coventry-based company, under official license from Ford Motor Company.

The revived Escort Mk1 RS is offered in both left- and right-hand drive configurations and features two powertrain options. The more powerful variant is equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.1-litre engine capable of reaching 10,000 rpm, marking a significant performance upgrade compared to the original models.

Boreham Motorworks describes the vehicle not as a traditional restoration or restomod, but as a “continumod,” meaning it is engineered and built entirely from the ground up. Wayne Burgess, the design director at Boreham, emphasized that the project’s focus was not on redesigning the Escort RS but on capturing what made the original so special. "We wanted the car to feel authentic not just visually but emotionally and dynamically as well," he said.

The original Ford Escort, first introduced in 1968, gained widespread popularity in the UK, becoming one of the best-selling cars in Britain at its peak. It was known for its appeal to a broad range of drivers, from family users to the motorsport-inspired rally community. The Mk1 Escort also carried cultural significance, appearing in the 1970s TV series The Professionals and famously being driven by Lady Diana Spencer in the early 1980s.

The Escort line ultimately went through six generations before being discontinued in favor of the Ford Focus in 2004. The current relaunch targets enthusiasts and collectors who value the car’s heritage and performance enhancements, though the high price point marks a stark contrast to the original’s affordability.

While the new Escort Mk1 RS aims to deliver a blend of classic styling and modern engineering, reactions to the steep £295,000 price tag may vary, with some viewing it as a premium opportunity to own a piece of automotive history. The limited edition production underscores the niche appeal of the vehicle, appealing to aficionados seeking an authentic driving experience rooted in the car’s past.