The Ford Escort RS is back, entirely reimagined, and now comes with a supercar-level price tag. Dubbed the Ford Escort RS Continuum Mod, this latest iteration is crafted by British company Boram Motorworks with Ford’s official blessing. The legendary nameplate, which Ford discontinued in the early 2000s to make way for the Focus, made a brief comeback in China as a sedan last decade. That effort was short-lived, with the nameplate retired again last year. However, the new Escort RS marks an exciting departure from previous revivals, blending retro charm with modern engineering.
Continuum Mod: Not Just Another Restomod
Unlike traditional restomods, the Escort RS Continuum Mod is a blueprint-accurate, period-sympathetic vehicle built entirely from scratch. Cars are built from the ground up, not by refreshing existing vehicles but by creating new ones with authentic details. Boram Motorworks, a brand license partner of Ford, ensures that the car is officially a continuation model, complete with chassis numbers supplied by Ford. This project continues the story that began over 50 years ago with the 1970 Escort RS600.
Modern Performance in a Retro Shell
The new Escort RS pays homage to its ancestor by retaining its classic clean lines while introducing modern hardware. The standard engine is replaced with a 2.1-liter unit that delivers an impressive 296 horsepower, revving up to 10,000 RPM. Power is sent to the road via a 5-speed dog-leg manual gearbox.
For purists, a base model with a 1.8-liter engine generating 182 horsepower and paired with a 4-speed manual transmission is also available. Both engines are fuel-injected, with the more powerful variant featuring electronic throttle control.
Despite the modest power figures by today’s standards, Boram Motorworks targets a feather-light curb weight of just 1,763 pounds (800 kg), making it significantly lighter than even the Japan-exclusive ND Miata 990S. The absence of modern driving aids like ABS, power steering, traction control, and brake servo underscores its driver-focused philosophy. However, disc brakes on all four corners ensure reliable stopping power.
A Blend of Classic and Modern Design
The Escort RS’s exterior maintains its retro aesthetic with steel body panels and bulging wheel arches filled by four-spoke 15-inch wheels. Optional forged magnesium wheels further enhance its performance credentials. Inside, the cabin features bucket seats, a full roll cage for added stiffness, and premium touches like Alcantara and leather upholstery.
Optional upgrades include a four-point harness and a carbon-made section in the rear for storing racing helmets. Modern conveniences such as air conditioning, a small infotainment system, anodized dials, and updated switchgear ensure comfort without compromising the retro vibe.
Exclusive and Expensive
Limited to just 150 units, the Escort RS Continuum Mod starts at £295,000 (approximately $375,000). Each car comes with a two-year, 20,000-mile warranty. The car’s public debut is scheduled for summer 2025, with production starting in the third quarter of the same year. Arriving 50 years after the last MK1 Escort RS special edition—the 1974 RS2000—this new model is a fitting tribute to the iconic nameplate.
