Dubbed a Continumod™, 150 cars will be produced under an official licence from Ford, with each bearing a continuation chassis number. Boreham states the car "blends modern engineering with the Escort’s classic design", paying homage to its rallying heritage.

The Mk1 RS will offer two engine configurations. The first is an 1845cc Twin Cam engine producing 182bhp, capable of revving to 9,000rpm. This engine incorporates fuel injection, a dry sump, and is mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox equipped with straight-cut gears.

For those in search of greater performance – and in possession of deeper pockets – the second option is a 2.1-litre four-cylinder engine producing 296bhp at an impressive 10,000rpm. With a weight of under 85kg, this engine is blueprinted using a combination of billet and forged steel components. It features electronic throttle control and is managed by an advanced ECU system, paired with a 5-speed dogleg gearbox featuring bespoke gear ratios.

Lightweight construction underpins the Mk1 RS’s design, with the car tipping the scales at just 800kg. Extensive use of modern materials includes carbon fibre for components such as the bonnet and boot lid, and titanium in the exhaust system and rear axle. Buyers can further reduce unsprung mass by opting for forged magnesium wheels.

The suspension system is designed to balance modern handling advancements with the analogue driving experience of the original Mk1. It features MacPherson struts at the front, a lightweight live rear axle with coil-over dampers, and a limited-slip differential. Notably, the car omits electronic driver aids such as ABS, traction control, and power steering, aiming to preserve the direct connection between driver and machine.

Externally, the Mk1 RS stays true to its roots while incorporating contemporary refinements. Laser scanning and CAD technology have been used to replicate the original’s shape with modern production tolerances. The aesthetic is subtly updated, with indicators integrated into the headlight clusters, revised rear light designs meeting current safety standards, and quarter bumpers removed for a cleaner look. Compact 15-inch wheels, styled to mirror the originals, are paired with modern tyres to improve grip and handling.

Inside, the Mk1 RS blends retro styling with subtle modern upgrades. The cabin retains hallmark features like the low dashboard and deep-dish steering wheel, complemented by carbon fibre and Alcantara finishes. Functional additions, including air conditioning and heated screens, enhance everyday usability, while an integral roll cage with removable cross-members balances safety and accessibility.

The original Ford Escort Mk1 RS is celebrated for its motorsport pedigree, including victories in the World Rally Championship and the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally. These accolades, combined with a playful RWD chassis, transformed the Escort from a practical family car into a symbol of aspiration. Boreham Motorworks CEO, Iain Muir, described the project as "an opportunity to honour a legacy while employing precision engineering and craftsmanship." The company also plans to expand its Continuation Series, with an RS200 expected to follow.

Production of the Mk1 RS is scheduled to begin in late 2025, with public previews planned for the summer. Each car will come with a two-year, 20,000-mile warranty and a starting price of £295,000.