Ford Escort returns - and it’s not an electric SUV

The Ford Escort has made its official return, and unlike other reborn Blue Oval nameplates, it’s not an electric SUV.

Earlier this month, Ford’s “official brand licence partner” Boreham Motorworks unveiled the Escort Mk1 RS, marking the first time the nameplate has been used in more than two decades.

According to Boreham Motorworks, its Escort Mk1 RS isn’t a continuation nor a restomod, instead claiming it as a Continumod, having received the blessing of Ford.

While other companies have been able to make recreations of the Escort with period-correct body shells, they haven’t been able to use the name. This has been the case for MST, who builds the Mk1 and Mk2, based on corresponding generations of the Escort.

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“[Continumod:] A blueprint-accurate, period-sympathetic vehicle built new – no donor car, just an authentic continuation with approved chassis numbers from the original manufacturer,” Boreham said in a media release.

“Combining the timeless spirit of classic cars with modern engineering, design, and advanced manufacturing, a Continumod redefines heritage with cutting-edge innovation.”

Just 150 examples will be produced from the third quarter of 2025 (July to September), with prices starting from an eye-watering £295,000 (A$593,185).

Based on the first-generation Ford Escort RS1600, Boreham stayed largely faithful to the 1960s model’s exterior design, though there are modern touches such as LED headlights (made to look like they’ve been covered in tape, similar to racing cars of the period) and LED tail lights.

As with all Escort RSs, the Boreham Continumod features flared wheel-arches, under which sit bespoke 15-inch wheels, also inspired by classing racers. The front brakes include four-piston calipers and ventilated discs, while there’s two-pot calipers and solid discs at the rear.

Inside, the design of the Mk1 Escort remains largely unchanged, with six gauges sitting in front of the driver – something which was exclusive to the top-spec RS1600s.

The dashboard, steering wheel rim, seats and door cards are upholstered in Alcantara for a modern touch, while a tiny screen appears to show Apple CarPlay functionality.

Buyers have the choice of two engines. The first is a 1.8-litre simply known as the Twin Cam – though it’s unknown if it bears any relation to the Lotus-developed, Kent-based engine originally powering the RS1600.

A fuel injection system has bumped outputs up to 136kW, or about 30kW more than the most potent Lotus Twin Cams in the period.

This engine is exclusively mated to a four-speed manual transmission, and can spin up to 9000rpm.

A second bespoke engine is also available, displacing 2.1 litres, and fitted with an electronic throttle. It can produce up to 221kW at 10,000rpm, and is paired with a five-speed ‘dog leg’ manual transmission, where first gear is placed where second normally is.

Boreham says it’s targeting a kerb weight of just 800kg, which would give the Escort RS a power-to-weight ratio of 276kW/tonne.

Available to order in both right- and left-hand drive, there’s MacPherson struts at the front end and a floating rear axle at the rear, made from lightweight aluminium. Adjustable coilovers feature all round.

Boreham claims it’s achieved a weight distribution of 55 per cent front and 45 per cent rear.

The vehicle is backed by a two-year, 20,000-mile (32,190km) warranty.

Its debut comes shortly after Ford brought the Capri back for the first time in Europe since 1986, however rather than returning as a coupe as it was for its first three generations, it’s now an electric SUV with Volkswagen underpinnings.

Boreham Motorworks is also soon bringing back the Ford RS200 – a mid-engined, all-wheel drive monster first made for rally racing – and has recently announced famed Ford racing team Alan Mann Racing as its performance division.

MORE: 2025 Ford Capri is a Volkswagen electric SUV in a new suit, not a reborn coupe