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.

Cue the MST Sports, inspired by the narrow arched AVO and Escort RS road cars of the 1960s and 70s.

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.

Cue the MST Sports, inspired by the narrow arched AVO and Escort RS road cars of the 1960s and 70s.

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.

Cue the MST Sports, inspired by the narrow arched AVO and Escort RS road cars of the 1960s and 70s.
Cue the MST Sports, inspired by the narrow arched AVO and Escort RS road cars of the 1960s and 70s.
Cue the MST Sports, inspired by the narrow arched AVO and Escort RS road cars of the 1960s and 70s.