I know this isn’t overlanding… but I couldn’t help myself. This will surely set the hearts of some motoring enthusiasts aflame: Boreham Motorworks has announced the triumphant return of a classic, the Ford Escort Mk1 RS, now reimagined as a Continumod™. With its unveiling timed perfectly before production kicks off in the third quarter of 2025, the Mk1 RS is set to redefine what it means to blend nostalgia with modern engineering excellence.
For the uninitiated, the term Continumod™ represents an ambitious concept—a vehicle that faithfully replicates its original form down to the finest detail, but is constructed afresh using cutting-edge materials and techniques, and a continuance of the original chassis numbers—no donor vehicle required. Imagine the iconic Mk1 RS in all its glory, yet underpinned by 21st-century technology. Boreham Motorworks, acting as an official license partner with Ford, has ensured that this new iteration captures the spirit of its forefather while promising a thrilling drive for today’s enthusiasts.
With only 150 models being crafted, automotive purists can expect something genuinely special. Each car is etched with a continuation chassis number, providing lineage to the original Ford masterpieces. These vehicles are no mere restorations; they are born anew, capturing the raw, undiluted experience that made the RS line a byword for driving excitement.
At the heart of this revival is a motorsport-inspired powerhouse: a high-revving engine that sings beautifully all the way to 10,000rpm and produces as much as 300 BHP. It’s not just fast—at a featherweight 800kg, the Escort Mk1 RS boasts a target weight-to-power ratio that’s as exhilarating as it sounds. The symphony of speed is complemented by a bespoke titanium exhaust system that promises an auditory thrill to match the tactile one.
For the discerning buyer with a penchant for performance, the engine lineup features a meticulously engineered 2.1-litre variant kitted with all the trappings of motorsport excellence—steel conrods, billet crankshaft, and a state-of-the-art electronic control unit, to name but a few.
But don’t let the modern enhancements fool you into thinking this ride sacrifices heritage for headlines. The Mk1 RS remains a testament to analogue purity. In a world dominated by digital interventions, this car demands the kind of driving stamina long forgotten—no electronic nannies to hold your hand, just pure, deliberate connection between driver and machine.
While the outer visage pays homage to its iconic predecessor—complete with billet-machined components and that lovingly maintained compact wheel profile—inside, the narrative is one of minimalist elegance. The dashboard presents itself in a sleek, low profile, echoing past designs yet enriching them with modern sensibilities such as climate control and advanced safety features.
Boreham’s Design Director, Wayne Burgess, imparts his deep-rooted connection with the Escort lineup into this modern marvel, ensuring every line, every detail is crafted with precision and passion. His vision seeks to bridge the gap between heritage and the present, making each car not just a tribute but a testament to ongoing evolution.
Priced at £295,000, the Mk1 RS does not promise mere possession—it offers the chance to become part of history. A 2-year, 20,000-mile warranty is simply Boreham Motorworks’ way of coaxing owners to enjoy their investment, not just garage it.
As the countdown to the public debut begins, set your eyes on summer 2025, where Boreham Motorworks will usher this masterpiece into the light. Whether you’re a seasoned Ford aficionado or a fresh face ready to dive into a pool of petrol-scented nostalgia, the Ford Escort Mk1 RS promises an experience unmatched—a harmonious blend of yesteryear’s charm with tomorrow’s innovation. Keep your applications ready, for the waitlist is bound to be as exclusive as the car itself.
For more information on how to own a piece of this Ford legacy, visit Boreham Motorworks’ application page, and witness the excitement firsthand with their launch reveal video here.