MST has added a new fast Ford to its portfolio of remanufactured Escorts.
The Mk1 Sports is modelled on the Blue Oval’s early competition cars like the RS1600 and Mexico, which dominated circuit racing and rallying, and is less extreme than the Welsh company’s other Escorts.
MST says the MK1 Sports is about “going back to basics” to create “a pure analogue driving experience at a cost-effective price.” That price is £74,500 plus taxes, equivalent to around $123,000, which by today’s restomod standards is quite reasonable.
Technically it’s not even a restomod, as every MST vehicle is built using a new shell and components, and can be road registered as a new car. It’s available in left-hand-drive as well as a right-hooker for the domestic market.
Unlike other MST models the Mk1 Sports does without the wide rolled wheelarches, so has a narrower track and a more subtle look. As standard the car will come in Frozen White, but there’s a wide range of period correct 70s colors to choose from, along with different side stripes and extra Cibie spotlamps.
It gets adjustable ‘fast road’ suspension, with McPherson struts at the front and leaf springs at the rear. 13-inch four-spoke alloy wheels are standard or you can opt for Minilites if you prefer. The interior features retro sports seats, and a rear bench can be specified so the whole family can share the fun.
Power is from a normally-aspirated two-liter four-cylinder, twin-cam 16-valve, motor with Jenvey throttle bodies that offers up 183 hp. Drive is to the rear wheels via a close-ratio five-speed H-pattern manual. Braking is taken care of by all-round discs with four-piston calipers.
After driving the first MST Mk1 Henry Catchpole said he was “on cloud nine” but even with its narrow-body and a few less horses the MK1 Sports has surely got to be at least a seven.
You’ll need to move fast if you want one as just 25 are to be made, with production starting in 2026.