If you were to ask any Ford fanatic, or rally follower, what was the most influential car in terms of breaking boundaries for other iconic models and world-class manufacturers to wade in to try and steal the crown, many will correctly guess the Escort as being the machine that started it all. Sure, Ford has the Focus, the RS200, the Sierra, but without the Escort, none of those title-winning car would exist, and it all started with the Mk1. 

Now, fifty years on from the final limited edition, high-performance variant of the Ford Escort Mk1 RS-lineage, the Mk1 RS2000, Boreham Motorworks have just dropped what will likely be one of the hottest ‘continumods’ the world has ever seen, weighing a targeted 800 kilograms and pushing almost 300 horsepower. 

But let’s hold up for a moment. we know what you’re thinking, what even is a ‘Continumod’? Boreham Motorwork describe it as a blueprint-accurate, period-sympathetic vehicle built new, crucially using no donor car. Featuring an approved chassis number from the original manufacturer, and therefore combining the timeless spirit of classic cars with modern engineering, design, and advanced manufacturing, a Continumod™ redefines heritage with cutting-edge innovation.

Now that that’s cleared up, let’s look at what’s on offer. As an official brand license partner of the Ford Motor Company, Boreham Motorworks has been able to study every element of the original car’s design and nuances, creating what they claim to be the ultimate evolution of the Mk1 and its RS lineage, a machine crafted for driving enthusiasts. 

Limited to just 150 examples, clients have the ability to choose from two characterful engine options. The first is the iconic Twin Cam, which has been increased to 1845cc and produces 185 horsepower, paired with a 4-speed manual “Ford bullet” synchromesh straight cut transmission giving the driver plenty of feedback and driving enjoyment through every gear. The second engine in the line-up is for those seeking a little extra and aren’t afraid of a little modernity in their classic car. This road-tuned, 2.1-litre cast and billet engine weighs an astonishing 85 kilograms, featuring a double overhead camshaft and chain cam drive, allowing it to rev freely to up to 10,000 RPM and produces around 300 horsepower. 

At its core, Boreham Motorworks set out to create a car that could be driven exactly the way the driver intends, allowing for an unrivalled analogue feel. Visually, we can thank Mr Wayne Burgess, the company’s design director, who brings a deep, personal connection to the Ford Escort project, with his first car being a Mk2 Escort. A great deal of consideration has been taken to preserve the heritage of the car’s looks, but also to extenuate its performance and design. The result is a purposeful, dynamic and high-revving rip-ride into the world of fast Fords, but one that possesses modern ideas and technology, all working in harmony to celebrate one of the brand’s greatest achievements, both on and off the rally stages and race tracks!