Boreham Motorworks today unveils the first production representative prototype Ford Escort Mk1 RS to the public at London Concours 2026, marking a major milestone in the development of one of the most focused lightweight performance cars of the modern era.
First announced at the end of 2024, the Boreham Motorworks Ford Escort Mk1 RS programme now enters a new phase — one defined by engineering delivery and dynamic validation using the latest lightweight materials, critical design and engineering tolerances.
Just 150 examples will be built to individual customer orders.
Behind the scenes, the development programme has progressed significantly, with a test vehicle actively undergoing rolling road, dyno and dynamic testing at facilities across the UK.
At the centre of the programme is a simple but uncompromising formula: a target weight of 895kg, combined with the achievement of 330PS and a confirmed 10,000rpm capability. Together, these attributes define the character of the Ford Escort Mk1 RS — a naturally aspirated, rear-wheel-drive driver’s car engineered to deliver immediate response, exceptional agility and genuine driver connection.
The Escort Mk1 RS will continue to offer two distinct powertrain options.
The first is the Twin Cam — a direct homage to the original Alan Mann Racing built motorsport engine of 1968, reimagined with modern reliability and precision while retaining its unmistakably mechanical character.
The second is the brand-new Boreham TEN-K — internally designated BD10-330 — a bespoke high-revving powertrain engineered to deliver a visceral, analogue driving experience through throttle response, rev character and lightweight performance.
This naturally aspirated 2.152-litre inline-four has been engineered specifically for the Ford Escort Mk1 RS and combines motorsport-derived architecture with modern engineering precision. Originally targeted at 300PS, the latest calibration work has already achieved 330PS while achieving and maintaining full 10,000rpm capability.
Pricing for the Ford Escort Mk1 RS starts from £295,000 before taxes.
