The Escort America Never Got
The Ford Escort has a pretty ho-hum image in the U.S, but mention this model to folks across the pond, and you’ll hear endless stories of it being a rally legend and an icon of Ford’s European operations. One nameplate with opposing reputations and completely different histories.
America only got the Escort starting in 1980, but the original European model debuted in 1968. It was an economy car built in the same vein as the Toyota Corolla from the same era. But then, Ford made racing versions of the car, competing both in touring cars and rallying, but it’s the latter where the Escort would be renowned, a status it keeps to this day.
Ford
The Revival
Nearly 60 years since the first car rolled off the line, the Escort still remains a favorite among European enthusiasts, particularly among the British. Restomods are fairly common, but one company kicks things up a notch. That company is MST, which builds brand-new versions from the ground up with new shells and all. Talk about love for the car.
MST builds brand-new first- and second-generation Escorts for those willing to pay piles of cash for one. You can get one for the road, but the company can also build race- and rally-ready versions of the car specified to your heart’s content. Its latest car is the MK1 Evo, and as the name suggests, it’s an enhanced version of the one built prior. Mind you, it still looks like an MK1 Escort, not that we’re complaining.
MST
The Good Stuff
Aside from a brand-new chassis, the MK1 Evo rides on a redesigned independent rear suspension system. MST says the late Colin McRae had some input into its development before the rally legend’s untimely passing in 2007, so one can say it’s the result of nearly 20-year-old data, further tweaked and refined into what it is now.
The other goodies? It comes equipped with WRC-specification Reiger dampers and an AP Racing braking system. One can get it with a road or rally suspension package, and it can be fitted with fully adjustable suspension on top of that. Individual options are also available, allowing customers to specify unique options for themselves.
As for the engine, there are three to choose from. The ‘base’ motor is a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter Millington unit that makes 350 hp. If that’s not enough, you can get bored versions with either 2.7 liters or 2.8 liters. There’s no output given for those, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it’s closer to 400 hp.
MST
How Much?
The original Ford Escort was an economy car, but the MST MK1 Evo is anything but affordable. For reference, the car started at £666 (about $1,600) in 1968, but this one goes for a whopping £195,000. Convert that to U.S. dollars, we’re looking at about $260,000 at current exchange rates, and that’s before taxes.
We weren’t kidding when we said you’ll need stacks of cash to buy one of these cars. The thing is, it’s more than just a restomod. If anything, the MK1 Evo is a recommission and reimagining of the humble econobox from 1968, and it’s an epic take, at that.
MST
MST
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