British company revives Mk1 Ford Escort as high-performance vehicle

Yes, you read that headline correctly.

Boreham Motorworks has been entrusted by Ford Motor Company to revive the Ford Mk1 Escort as an "all-new" car. Due to be revealed on December 12, 2024, this will be a driver-focused performance car and will be equipped exclusively with gasoline engines and manual gearboxes as it should be.

But what’s noteworthy here is that it will take inspiration from the iconic versions of the classic (1967-1975) racecars. These include the RS2000 and the Alan Mann-developed (red and gold colored) touring car that won the 1968 British Saloon Car Championship.

Teaser images released by the company show the familiar plus-shaped, racer’s tape placed on the headlights of the Alan Mann racecar. The Escort Mk1 will be the first in a run of “blueprint-accurate” continuation cars built by Boreham under permission from Ford. These will be made to the same technical specifications as the original cars and will even have period-correct VIN numbers, thanks to Ford's backing.

As well as the Mk1 Escort, Boreham is also developing a “remaster” of the Ford RS200 Group B rally car, which will be built from the ground up as an “entirely new” creation. Ian Muir, CEO of Boreham parent company the DRVN Automotive Group, said: “We understand that true automotive passion comes from the connection between driver and machine – a relationship forged in the sound, feel, and response of a car designed to be driven.” 

Founded and based in the United Kingdom, Boreham Motorworks has been specializing in the design, manufacture, and distribution of iconic Ford Escort, road, race, and rally cars. So much so that they’ve become an official license partner of Ford Motor Company.

Boreham Motorworks is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the legacy of some of Ford’s most iconic vehicles. The company’s ethos is centered around achieving a peak analog driving experience throughout all their vehicles, ensuring that every model delivers stunning performance, authenticity, and driving pleasure.

Now picture yourself zooming at full throttle with opposite lock on the steering wheel as you exit a turn going sideways. Pretty normal stuff for a Mk1 or Mk2 Escort I say.