Humble Beginnings to Legendary Status
A lot of the automotive icons we appreciate today started out as humble models part of a big lineup. Ford‘s Escort was primarily developed and built as a standard family car, replacing the aging Anglia model. Introduced in the late ’60s, the Escort Mk1 quickly became something more than a dependable day-to-day car.
Its status comes from a very successful stint as a rally car. It was lauded for being simple but strong, along with Rear Wheel Drive and a modern suspension design for the time. It was a favorite because it handled gravel roads well and was easy to repair on the fly.
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Modern Interpretation
Since the MK1 cemented its place in automotive culture as an icon, many people, especially rallying fans, would love to have one. However, given the age of the nameplate, original models are few and far between. Thankfully, restomods or brand new versions of old models are a big thing nowadays.
MST Cars is a Welsh-based group that, from the ground up, builds MK1 and Mk2 Ford Escorts. Unlike other restoration companies, MST builds brand-new cars using new components, allowing them to be registered as new as well. The brand’s latest project, called the MK1 sports, is a modern reimagination of what an MK1 would look like today, according to MST’s standards. Its interior features a minimalist, retro-focused layout with sports reclining seats, a deep-dish steering wheel, and a practical rear storage area.
The MK1 sports uses a 2.0-liter 16-valve twin-cam engine that they say produces a decent 180 horsepower. The rear wheels receive power through a 5-speed close-ratio manual transmission, paired with a heavy-duty rear axle and a torque-biasing differential. The axle and diff ensure balanced, engaging handling.
Chassis-wise, the MK1 Sports has a reinforced structure to meet modern UK standards while staying faithful to the original’s proportions and design. Other performance upgrades include a fully adjustable suspension, high-performance brakes, and manual steering configurations. Lastly, the whole car was built with weight-saving philosophies in mind.
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Value For Money?
We’re so used to seeing rebuilt classics priced at exorbitant levels, but MST’s brand-new version of the MK1 Sports comes in at a respectable $105,000 (converted) + VAT. Buyers are expected to place a deposit of $6,700 (converted) + VAT to secure a build slot.
Waiting times are estimated at 18 months from the time the order is confirmed. MST Cars considers the MK1 Sports part of its strategic growth plan, aiming to reach a production milestone of 50 units per year.
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