NEWS
MST Sports – Attainable 180bhp Escort Restomod Announced
Craig Toone
By
Images by
MST Cars
Published
8 Jul 2025
MST Sports – Attainable 180bhp Escort Restomod Announced
MST goes back to basics with its latest Escort-based restomod, promising a “pure analogue driving experience at a cost effective price.”
MST goes back to basics with its latest Escort-based restomod, promising a “pure analogue driving experience at a cost effective price.”
MST goes back to basics with its latest Escort-based restomod, promising a “pure analogue driving experience at a cost effective price.”
Restomods are wonderful things, but the problem with all that bespoke craftsmanship is it doesn’t come cheap. What’s needed is something more – if not affordable – attainable.
Cue the MST Sports, inspired by the narrow arched AVO and Escort RS road cars of the 1960s and 70s. While it forgoes some of the extreme nature of the firm's flagship EVO, including those wonderfully blistered arches and 300+bhp output, the spec sheet still has all the hallmarks of a driver’s restomod.
Offered in both Mk1 and Mk2 bodystyles, the MST Sports is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre, 16-valve twin-cam engine running Jenvey throttle bodies and modern fuel injection, with power expected to be in the region of 180bhp. A five-speed T5 manual gearbox sends drive to the rear wheels via an ATB limited-slip differential and Atlas axle.
Serious hardware is also lurking behind those tiny 13-inch, period-correct four spoke alloys. ‘Group 1’ suspension with adjustable sport dampers features, mated to Twin Cam antiroll bars, while braking is taken care of by four piston callipers clamping vented discs. Alloy wheel hubs also reduce unsprung mass, smoothing out the ride quality and improve responses.
Inside, the Sports is ‘road-focused’ with reclining sports seats, a suede steering wheel, and a simple rear bench that doubles as a luggage area. Buyers can however spec the car to suit their needs, with optional upgrades ranging from Minilite wheels and Mex-style decals to Cibie spot lamps, strut braces, in-car entertainment packs and tracking systems.
Despite appearances, no donor car is needed – every MST Sports is handbuilt in the UK on a brand new bodyshell with AVO-style strengthening, and each car receives a fresh UK registration. Just 25 Mk1s and 25 Mk2s will be built, with prices starting at £74,500 plus VAT.
It’s still a serious amount of money – but it’s a long way from the £300,000 or so commanded by a Boreham Motorworks Continuemod. While it may lack the ultimate cachet of Ford’s seal of approval, the democratisation of the restomod has begun. And we can’t think of a more suitable way to do it than with a Fast Ford.
Author
Craig Toone
Rush Founder
Photography by:
MST Cars
Published on:
8 July 2025
Our Print Magazine
LATEST ARTICLES
MST goes back to basics with its latest Escort-based restomod, promising a “pure analogue driving experience at a cost effective price.”
AUTHOR
Craig Toone
Rush Founder
About the Author
Craig Toone
Rush Founder
Obsessed with cars and car magazines ever since growing up in the back of a Sapphire Cosworth. Wore the racing line into the family carpet with his Matchbox toys. Can usually be found three-wheeling his Clio 182 Trophy around the Forest of Bowland, then bemoaning its running costs.
Related Articles
.jpg)
Driven to Distraction:
How the Death of the Cool Company Car is Contributing to the Decrease in Young Drivers
Craig Toone
|
5 April 2023
There has been much talk recently about the rapidly declining interest in cars in young people, all citing financial and social pressures. Craig however, thinks there is a more straightforward and emotive reason - the taxation to death of the cool company car.
NEVER MISS AN ARTICLE
MST goes back to basics with its latest Escort-based restomod, promising a “pure analogue driving experience at a cost effective price.”
MST Cars
8 July 2025
MST goes back to basics with its latest Escort-based restomod, promising a “pure analogue driving experience at a cost effective price.”
First published
8 July 2025
Last updated
26 October 2025
Photography
MST Cars
AUTHOR
Craig Toone
Rush Founder
W
Restomods are wonderful things, but the problem with all that bespoke craftsmanship is it doesn’t come cheap. What’s needed is something more – if not affordable – attainable.
Cue the MST Sports, inspired by the narrow arched AVO and Escort RS road cars of the 1960s and 70s. While it forgoes some of the extreme nature of the firm's flagship EVO, including those wonderfully blistered arches and 300+bhp output, the spec sheet still has all the hallmarks of a driver’s restomod.
Offered in both Mk1 and Mk2 bodystyles, the MST Sports is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre, 16-valve twin-cam engine running Jenvey throttle bodies and modern fuel injection, with power expected to be in the region of 180bhp. A five-speed T5 manual gearbox sends drive to the rear wheels via an ATB limited-slip differential and Atlas axle.
Serious hardware is also lurking behind those tiny 13-inch, period-correct four spoke alloys. ‘Group 1’ suspension with adjustable sport dampers features, mated to Twin Cam antiroll bars, while braking is taken care of by four piston callipers clamping vented discs. Alloy wheel hubs also reduce unsprung mass, smoothing out the ride quality and improve responses.
Inside, the Sports is ‘road-focused’ with reclining sports seats, a suede steering wheel, and a simple rear bench that doubles as a luggage area. Buyers can however spec the car to suit their needs, with optional upgrades ranging from Minilite wheels and Mex-style decals to Cibie spot lamps, strut braces, in-car entertainment packs and tracking systems.
Despite appearances, no donor car is needed – every MST Sports is handbuilt in the UK on a brand new bodyshell with AVO-style strengthening, and each car receives a fresh UK registration. Just 25 Mk1s and 25 Mk2s will be built, with prices starting at £74,500 plus VAT.
It’s still a serious amount of money – but it’s a long way from the £300,000 or so commanded by a Boreham Motorworks Continuemod. While it may lack the ultimate cachet of Ford’s seal of approval, the democratisation of the restomod has begun. And we can’t think of a more suitable way to do it than with a Fast Ford.
Related Articles
New Electric Porsche Cayenne Turbo Arrives With 1140bhp
Subaru Technica International Revival Gathers Pace With Performance-B STI Concept
.jpg)
Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric: Full Production Details
MST goes back to basics with its latest Escort-based restomod, promising a “pure analogue driving experience at a cost effective price.”
MST Cars
8 July 2025
Latest Articles
New Electric Porsche Cayenne Turbo Arrives With 1140bhp
Subaru Technica International Revival Gathers Pace With Performance-B STI Concept