When we first reported on the deal Boreham Motorworks (a division of DRVN) had hatched with Ford back in the summer, the firm suggested it would reveal an ‘entirely new, ground-up build’ of the RS200 before the end of the year as its opening salvo. We’re still waiting for that to appear - so in the meantime, Boreham has chosen to ‘celebrate Ford heritage and performance’ with its other big project: an all-new derivative of the Mk1 Escort. There is only a single, shadowy teaser image to go on so far, although its LED lights, visible roll cage and race seats suggest there is much to get excited about.
Moreover, Boreham has confirmed that while the newcomer is certainly an evolution of the original, it will definitely not be battery-powered in any capacity (save for starting the thing) and instead get a petrol engine - intriguingly, a choice of two is expected to be available - and will be offered exclusively with an unspecified manual gearbox. The specialist says it has drawn ‘design and performance’ inspiration from a number of fast road Mk1 sources, including the RS2000. So you’d imagine the smart money is on a fiery four-pot of some description, possibly with (or maybe not) Cosworth’s assistance for an additional period-specific nod.
Obviously, we’ve been here before - long-time friend of PH, MST, already does a mighty fine job of producing suitably spectacular, all-new versions of the Escort - but Boreham’s obvious advantage is its official tie-up with Ford, hence its claim as the 'One True Descendant'. As ever, that proof will be more in the pudding than on the page, but when it claims it is ‘engineered for peak analogue driving’, the company is well aware of the restomod buttons it needs to push. Come December 12th, expect much to be made of the integration of ‘cutting-edge engineering and design with the raw driving spirit of the original Rallye Sport icons’ - and where Boreham goes from here.
Iain Muir, DRVN Automotive Group CEO, said: "At DRVN, we understand that true automotive passion comes from the connection between driver and machine—a relationship forged in the sound, feel, and response of a car designed to be driven. The Ford Escort Mk1 embodies this ethos, blending timeless design with performance that inspires confidence and joy. We design for the road, not the runway. We embrace everything drivers love about cars."
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