The £354,000 Ford Escort: Boreham Motorworks Unveils the Ultimate 10,000rpm Mk1 RS
When you think of a classic Ford Escort Mk1, you are probably able to picture a charming, slightly rugged 1970s family saloon that became a giant-killer on the rally stages of Wales. You certainly don't think of a price tag that could buy you a brand new from the forecourt Lamborghini.
But Boreham Motorworks has just completely flipped the script. They have officially unveiled a production-ready, Ford-licensed Escort Mk1 RS that costs a high price tag of £354,000 (before options).
This isn't a replica, a tribute, or even a traditional restomod. Because Boreham has secured official licensing from the Blue Oval, this is an entirely new car built from the ground up using original Ford blueprints.
Here is why the motoring world is losing its mind over it.
1. The 'TEN-K' Engine
The headline act sits right below the lightweight carbon-fibre bonnet. Boreham has engineered a bespoke 2.1-alitre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine called the TEN-K.
With features of gas-flow technology derived from Formula 1, individual throttle bodies, and lightweight billet components, it produces 325bhp. But the magic number is its redline: it screams all the way to 10,000rpm. It goes hand in hand with a traditional five-speed manual dog-leg gearbox, sending power straight to the rear wheels with no driver aids.
2. Peak Analogue Engineering
While most modern performance cars rely on computers, touchscreens, and clever driving modes to keep you on the road, Boreham has gone the opposite way. There is no power steering, no brake booster, and zero electronic intervention.
To handle the power, the car has undergone massive chassis upgrades inspired by the iconic Alan Mann Racing Escorts of 1968:
Stretched Wheelbase: The front axle has been pushed forward by 30mm to improve high-speed stability.
Modern Suspension: It features motorsport-derived MacPherson struts up front and a six-link live floating axle at the rear, using top-tier R53 dampers (the same company that supplies Gordon Murray Automotive).
Extreme Weight Savings: Thanks to carbon-fibre body panels and a titanium rear axle assembly, the car target dry weight sits under 895kg.
3. A Beautifully Reimagined Cabin
Inside, Boreham has perfectly balanced heritage styling with modern craftsmanship. The iconic six-dial instrument panel remains, but the dashboard and door cards are crafted from premium carbon fibre wrapped in supple leather. For an extra touch of luxury, buyers can even option a pair of removable Breitling stopwatches that slot directly into the fascia.
Who is it for?
With production strictly limited to just 150 examples worldwide (split between right- and left-hand drive), this is an ultra-exclusive piece of automotive art.
It enters a rarefied market alongside companies like Singer (for Porsches) and Alfaholics (for Alfas). While the price tag will shock traditionalists who remember buying an original Escort for the price of a decent suit, it offers a level of pure, unadulterated, mechanical driving connection that modern supercars simply cannot match.
What do you think of Boreham’s 10,000rpm creation? Is it the ultimate B-road weapon or a step too far for a classic Ford badge? Let us know in the comments below!