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The automotive world witnesses something extraordinary when a manufacturer dares to revive a racing legend through modern engineering excellence. Boreham Motorworks, a young British enterprise within the DRVN Automotive group, has achieved precisely this feat with official Ford endorsement. Rather than simply restoring vintage vehicles, this ambitious project reconstructs the legendary Ford Escort Mk1 RS from scratch, merging 1970s rally heritage with contemporary manufacturing standards. This approach, termed “Continumod” by its creators, represents a philosophical departure from traditional restoration methods, offering enthusiasts an entirely new vehicle built upon original blueprints but executed with cutting-edge materials and techniques.
The “Continumod” concept is reinventing automotive restoration
Traditional restomod projects typically involve modifying existing classic cars with modern components. Boreham Motorworks challenges this convention entirely. Their methodology begins not with a donor vehicle, but with a blank canvas informed by historical authenticity. Every component emerges fresh from their British workshops, crafted specifically for this project without compromising the iconic silhouette that defined rallying’s golden era.
The visual identity remains faithful to the original Escort Mk1 RS design language : aggressive wheel arches, taut bodywork lines, and that characteristic rally-bred stance from the 1970s. However, beneath this nostalgic exterior lies an entirely contemporary structure. Ford’s official involvement validates this ambitious undertaking, lending both credibility and access to original engineering documentation. This partnership ensures that Boreham’s interpretation honors the Escort’s competitive heritage whilst embracing modern safety standards, material science, and manufacturing precision.
FordWhy are dropped I-beams popular for lowering Ford F150 trucks ?This philosophy targets collectors who appreciate authenticity but refuse to sacrifice reliability or performance. Unlike conventional restorations plagued by aging components and questionable provenance, each Boreham vehicle emerges with guaranteed quality control and engineering consistency. The project addresses a specific market segment : enthusiasts seeking analog driving experiences within contemporary reliability frameworks.
An extraordinary 330-horsepower naturally aspirated engine
At the heart of this project beats the remarkable TEN-K engine, an entirely bespoke creation developed internally by Boreham’s engineering team. This naturally aspirated four-cylinder powerplant displaces 2.1 liters and generates 330 horsepower at an astonishing 10,000 rpm. In an era dominated by turbocharged and hybridized powertrains, this atmospheric approach represents a deliberate counter-cultural statement.
The engineering achievement becomes even more impressive considering the engine’s weight : merely 85 kilograms, approximately half the mass of conventional engines producing comparable output. This weight reduction stems from meticulous material selection and competition-derived construction techniques. Every component underwent optimization for both strength and lightness, resulting in a powertrain that responds instantaneously to throttle inputs without turbocharger lag or electric motor intervention.
This naturally aspirated configuration delivers sensations increasingly rare in modern performance vehicles. The progressive power delivery rewards committed driving, demanding precise gear selection and throttle management. Unlike turbocharged alternatives offering torque plateaus, the TEN-K encourages drivers to explore its upper rev range, where the engine’s character truly emerges. This design philosophy prioritizes emotional connection over sheer acceleration figures, appealing to purists who value mechanical transparency.
A modern, uncompromising driving experience
The cockpit environment reinforces this back-to-basics philosophy. A three-spoke steering wheel, analog instrumentation, and low seating position immerse drivers in an experience reminiscent of period competition machinery. Electronic driver aids remain conspicuously absent : no stability control, no selectable driving modes, no adaptive suspension systems. Everything depends upon driver skill, mechanical grip, and precise input coordination.
FordAre Ford plug and play air suspension kits worth the investment ?With an estimated power-to-weight ratio approaching 3.5 kg per horsepower, this Escort achieves supercar-level performance metrics through opposite means. Modern high-performance vehicles typically rely upon :
- Advanced electronic systems managing traction and stability
- Turbocharged powertrains delivering broad torque bands
- Dual-clutch transmissions optimizing acceleration
- Sophisticated chassis electronics flattering driver capabilities
Boreham’s approach rejects these technologies entirely. The manual transmission demands deliberate shifts, the naturally aspirated engine requires committed throttle application, and the unfiltered chassis communicates every road surface nuance. This uncompromising philosophy resonates with enthusiasts fatigued by homogenized modern sports cars, offering instead an authentic mechanical dialogue between vehicle and driver.
Only 150 examples will emerge from Boreham’s workshops, each hand-assembled without donor vehicle dependency. This production limitation ensures exclusivity whilst maintaining artisanal quality standards. Initial deliveries commence late 2026, targeting discerning collectors who prioritize driving engagement over investment potential.
The pricing reflects this exclusivity : approximately 350,000 euros positions this Escort alongside creations from Singer, Kimera, and TWR. However, Boreham’s mechanical focus differentiates their offering within this rarified market segment. Where competitors might emphasize luxury appointments or concours-quality finishes, this project prioritizes powertrain engineering and dynamic capability. The substantial investment purchases not merely a vehicle, but admission into an exclusive ownership community sharing appreciation for unfiltered driving experiences.
FordIs the Ford F250/F350 plug & play air suspension kit the best for Super Duty trucks ?This Escort represents more than nostalgic indulgence or collector speculation. It manifests as a philosophical statement against automotive industry homogenization, preserving driving sensations many presumed extinct. Each hand-built example becomes a rolling artifact, capturing a specific moment when pure mechanical engineering still commanded reverence within performance vehicle development. For those fortunate enough to secure allocation, ownership promises access to experiences increasingly unavailable through conventional market channels, making this Boreham creation genuinely significant within contemporary automotive culture.
