The Ford Escort Mk1, a rallying icon from the early 1970s, has been reimagined by the British automotive firm MST Cars as a modern, high-performance vehicle. Officially licensed by Ford, the new Escort features a bespoke chassis and a 2.5-liter engine, with prices starting at approximately £100,000.
Engineering the Modern Escort Mk1
MST Cars, based in Flintshire, Wales, has spent years developing a continuation series of the classic Escort. Unlike a simple restoration, the company builds these vehicles from the ground up using a brand-new, purpose-built steel bodyshell. According to MST Cars, the project was designed to replicate the aesthetic of the 1970s rally champion while integrating modern mechanical components to improve reliability and handling.
The vehicle is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Millington Diamond engine, capable of producing up to 250 horsepower. This power is managed through a six-speed sequential gearbox, a significant departure from the original four-speed manual transmissions found in the 1970s models. To ensure the car remains stable at higher speeds, the build includes a modern suspension geometry and upgraded braking systems.
Collaboration and Design Legacy
The development of this continuation model involved input from figures associated with the car’s rally history. The Escort Mk1 famously dominated the World Rally Championship in the late 1960s and early 1970s, securing victories at events like the RAC Rally.
MST Cars maintains a focus on the "driver-focused" experience, stripping away modern driver-assistance electronics to keep the connection between the road and the steering wheel raw. The interior retains the classic dashboard layout of the original but incorporates modern racing bucket seats and a digital instrumentation cluster that mimics the appearance of analog dials.
Market Positioning and Pricing
The market for "restomod" vehicles—classics updated with modern engineering—has expanded as collectors seek the reliability of current manufacturing paired with vintage design. At a starting price of roughly £100,000 ($127,000 USD), the MST Escort is positioned as a luxury collectible rather than a mass-market vehicle.
This pricing strategy aligns with other high-end continuation projects, such as those from Singer Vehicle Design for the Porsche 911 or Eagle for the Jaguar E-Type. While the original Ford Escort was a utilitarian vehicle for the masses in the 1970s, the MST version is intended for enthusiasts looking for a track-ready machine that meets contemporary safety and performance standards.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L Millington Diamond |
| Output | ~250 bhp |
| Transmission | 6-speed sequential |
| Chassis | New steel bodyshell (licensed by Ford) |
| Starting Price | From £100,000 |
Future Outlook
The production of these vehicles remains limited due to the labor-intensive nature of the assembly process. Each car is built to order, allowing customers to specify interior finishes, paint colors, and suspension setups. As environmental regulations tighten globally, firms like MST are increasingly looking into how to maintain the character of internal combustion engine classics while ensuring they remain legal and viable for future road use.
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