In the United States, the Ford Escort was never a particularly exciting vehicle. While there were sporty versions of it, none of them moved the needle much in comparison to other compact performance cars at the time. Meanwhile, Europe got several lively versions of the Escort, such as the RS models.
The Welsh company MST Cars specializes in building Escort restomods. Its latest creation – the Mk2 EVO-X – is a complete carbon-fiber body of the second-generation model for folks looking for an ultra-lightweight version of the classic model. The company needed over 12 months to develop the molds for the carbon panels. The result is a 75% reduction in weight compared to the standard steel pieces.
A Carbon-Fiber Escort
Creating the molds for the carbon-fiber panels allowed MST to make some tweaks to the body. The company says that the “droop snoot” nose provides better aerodynamics. The front end also supports the tuner’s new LED headlights. In addition, there are wider fenders at both ends. The result is an aggressive-looking silhouette that’s ready to accept MST’s powerful engine upgrades.
MST can outfit its Escort as a road car, track vehicle, or something specifically for hill climb competition. Power comes from a Millington Diamond 2.8-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated crate engine, making 356 horsepower, or a 2.5-liter Duratec four-cylinder with 275 hp. For comparison, the hottest stock second-gen Escort RS1800 has 115 hp. Buyers can select either an H-pattern five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed sequential transmission. To handle all of this power, MST fits six-piston AP Racing brakes. Customers have the choice of Bilstein, Tractive, and Reiger suspension systems for tailoring their preferred ride.
Inside the finished builds, there can be even more carbon fiber for keeping the weight down. The front occupants sit in Recaro sport seats. MST offers multiple cabin layouts, depending on how a buyer intends to use the car. The choices include three-point seat belts or FIA six-point harnesses. The three-spoke steering wheel comes in leather or suede upholstery. Buyers can even select a fully leather-appointed interior.
The second-generation Escort launched in 1975 and remained in production until 1980. MST builds each one of its cars by hand and offers them worldwide. Since these cars are over 25 years old, they’re even available in the US.
More Creations From MST
The new carbon-fiber-bodied Escort is far from MST’s first project. In early 2025, the company announced plans to build 25 units each of a 1968 first-gen model and a 1975 second-gen version. Both of them started at around $101,500 before options or upgrades. They used a Ford-sourced, 2.0-liter twin-cam 16-valve engine producing approximately 180 hp. The power went to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Customers were able to choose between left- or right-hand configurations.
MST’s Daytona Commission (below) was another impressive build as a thoroughly updated first-gen Escort. Its name came from Ford’s eye-catching Daytona yellow paint. Four spotlights on the nose and bright blue wheels added to the retro rally car aesthetic.
The hand-built machine had a strengthened chassis, stronger rear axles, and underbody skid plates. A Tractive semi-active suspension allows the driver to tweak the ride from inside the car. The AP racing brakes are front-rear balance adjustable, and a hydraulic handbrake makes it easy to slide the back end.
Under the hood, there was a 2.5-liter Ford Duratec four-cylinder with revisions such as new throttle bodies, a stainless header, and a Life Racing ECU. It’s hooked up to a six-speed manual gearbox.
MST didn’t disclose the price for the Daytona commission. However, this was a milder build compared to the carbon-fiber machines that the company has just announced.
Source: MST Cars