The iconic Ford Escort Mk1 is back, and it’s bringing with it a wave of nostalgia for car enthusiasts. Many still remember the thrill of this classic model, and now, in 2024, it’s making a triumphant return. While it’s stayed true to its classic roots, the new Escort comes with modern upgrades that enhance its performance without overshadowing the charm that made the original so beloved. With only 150 units being produced, it’s clear that this is a limited-edition revival that’s set to capture the hearts of classic car fans once again.
The Ford Escort is back, and while it comes with some changes, we’re relieved to see it stays true to its roots—unlike this year’s re-release of the Capri. The new Capri, now an all-electric SUV, strays so far from the original sporty coupe that it hardly seems worth reviving the name. But with the Ford Escort, we’re excited to see a modern update that still honours its iconic legacy. The new model clearly keeps its Escort roots, but with updated technology and performance that reflect today’s standards—without losing the spirit of the classic that made the original so beloved.
You may have heard talks about the Ford Escort Mk1 making a comeback, and now we know a lot more. Revealed on December 12th, it’s official: the iconic Mk1 Ford Escort, first released in 1967, is set to return in 2024. Boreham Motors has announced they will be bringing it back as part of their partnership with Ford Motor Company. These new Ford Escorts Mk1 will come with approved chassis numbers directly from Ford, making them an authentic revival of the classic model.
You may be surprised to hear, that the new Ford Escort Mk1 RS won’t feature power steering, traction control, or an electric motor. Instead, the Mk1 RS will stay true to its roots with two pure petrol engines. The first is the legendary Ford twin-cam, four-cylinder unit with fuel injection, which can be expanded to 1.8 litres and produce 182bhp, revving all the way up to 9,000 rpm. It’s paired with a four-speed, straight-cut manual gearbox, keeping the driving experience as raw and engaging as the original.
The other option is a bespoke motorsport-derived 2.1-litre four-pot that weighs less than 85kg and features uprated internals such as a billet crankshaft, more advanced fuel injection, and a titanium exhaust system. All this helps the engine spit out 296bhp and rev all the way to 10,000rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed, dogleg manual gearbox.
The car's target weight is set at just 800kg. The Mk1 RS will feature a MacPherson front suspension, and an all-new, lightweight rear axle made from aluminium and titanium. This fully floating rear axle will be paired with coil-over dampers, ensuring a modern, high-performance driving experience while keeping the car true to its classic roots.
Stopping power is provided by four-piston brake calipers and 260mm vented discs at the front, along with two-piston calipers and 264mm solid discs at the rear. The car sits on 15-inch wheels, which stay true to the original Escort design.
Boreham Motorworks laser-scanned original blueprints and used digital modelling to accurately reproduce the Escort’s bodywork. The new Ford Escort will have improved rigidity, with the body being built from steel, while elements like the bonnet and other parts are made from carbon fibre.
The new Escort he said to have an OEM finish quality, but with a few modern twists—think LED headlights that keep the classic look. The headlights even have that cool, cross-shaped tape detail, a nod to motorsport history. Inside, it strikes a balance between the old and new with familiar touches like the iconic clock and two central air vents. It’s nice to see they haven’t gone overboard with tech and gadgets, keeping it simple and classic—nothing too flashy for a car that’s all about that timeless appeal. Modern upgrades? You’ve got a subtle touchscreen Apple CarPlay, climate control dials, and switchgear that doesn’t make you feel like you’re driving a spaceship.
There’s definitely a nice contrast between the original classic and the upgrades in the new Ford Escort. You can clearly see the time and effort Boreham Motorworks has put in, with a little help from their partnership with Ford. It really shows in the finished product—the Mk1 Escort feels like the original, but with some modern touches that don't overshadow its classic charm. They've nailed that perfect balance—keeping the essence of the Escort intact while still offering a more refined driving experience. It’s the best of both worlds, without going overboard on tech that would take away from the classic feel.
It’ll be interesting to see what the drive is like when we get to see it in person, but it's exciting to see a classic like this brought back, even if it’s in limited numbers. They seem to have captured the true spirit of the Ford Escort well.
There will only be 150 of these built, but the price starts pretty high at £295,000. If you can justify that kind of money, it’s not as simple as just going out and buying one—the owners will be 'selected.' Production is set to start by the end of next summer.
They’re also bringing back the icon the Ford RS200, a Group B rally car with a similarly limited production.
I think many of us can admit that we’d love a blast from the past, and it’s fantastic to see the Mk1 Ford Escort making a return—even if it's only 150 cars. Maybe one day, Ford will release more, but with electric cars taking over, it seems we’ll never quite see the classic Escort again in the same way. Still, it’s great to see a bit of history revived.