This Mk1 Escort is a bespoke restomod, commissioned as a modern interpretation of one of Ford’s most significant performance cars. The aim was never to recreate a period Escort, but to explore what the Mk1 might look and feel like if it were engineered today — retaining its character while benefiting from modern performance, reliability and craftsmanship.
The project began with the car in the ownership of a master fabricator, who undertook the build as a personal commission. The bodyshell was stripped to bare metal, carefully prepared and subtly enhanced with hand-fabricated steel wheel arches, giving the car a wider, more purposeful stance while remaining faithful to the original Mk1 silhouette. The quality of the metalwork underpins the entire build and sets the tone for what followed.
Power comes from a fully rebuilt 2.0-litre Ford Cosworth turbo engine, chosen for its durability and character. A rebuilt Garrett turbocharger, alloy radiator and modern supporting hardware are combined with a FuelTech engine management system and crank trigger, allowing precise control and contemporary drivability. The result is a car that feels composed and usable on the road, yet unmistakably purposeful.
The drivetrain reflects the same considered approach. A rebuilt Cosworth gearbox feeds through a custom propshaft to a fully floating Atlas rear axle, complete with limited-slip differential and uprated half shafts — a proven and robust configuration for this level of performance. Rear disc brakes and a hydraulic handbrake further reinforce the car’s motorsport influence.
Chassis and suspension have been comprehensively upgraded, with coilovers fitted all round, Group 4 rose-jointed adjustable front arms, and a quick-ratio steering rack providing accuracy and engagement. Braking is handled by four-pot front calipers and a bias pedal box, offering confidence and adjustability in keeping with the car’s performance.
Inside, the cabin remains true to the Escort’s original simplicity, enhanced with discreet modernisation. A custom Rally Sport wiring loom supports the electrical system, while a digital display and Stack instrumentation monitor all critical parameters. Period-inspired seating, a Springalex steering wheel, and subtle roll-over bracing complete an interior that feels authentic yet purposeful.
Finished on 8-inch rally-spec Minilite wheels with Toyo semi track/road tyres, the Escort sits with a stance that is both deliberate and understated. Attention to detail extends beneath the car, where the level of finish reflects the hundreds of hours invested throughout the build.
Following the passing of the original builder, this Escort now stands as both a carefully realised restomod and a testament to skilled craftsmanship. It is a car defined by intent rather than excess — one that balances heritage, engineering and usability in a way that feels entirely in keeping with the Project1903 ethos.
