The Ford Escort MK1 has surged in popularity and value during 2025, becoming a headline classic car. Original models with strong provenance and pristine restoration are fetching record prices at auction, while limited-run factory continuations by Boreham Motorworks have introduced a new, high-value tier to the market. These continuation models, built entirely new with modern engineering but faithful to the original, command prices comparable to modern supercars, adding a fresh dimension to MK1 valuations.
Report Summary
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Vehicle: Ford Escort MK1 RS (classic original and 2025 continuation models)
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Date of Valuation: August 18, 2025
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Estimated Value Range:
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Original classic examples: £70,000 to £278,848 for pristine RS1800 models
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Boreham Motorworks continuation models: £295,000 to £375,000 depending on specification
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Typical driver/restored cars: £25,996 to £73,125
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Vehicle Details
The Ford Escort MK1 is an iconic historic vehicle famed for its motorsport success and enduring enthusiast appeal. Original models (1970–1975) feature inline-four engines and have become highly collectible. In 2025, record-breaking auction sales for RS and Twin Cam examples have solidified its classic status.
Boreham Motorworks has produced a limited edition continuation series of 150 cars, built from scratch with modern materials and engineering, yet true to the original design. These factory-licensed new builds offer upgraded performance with 1.8L or 2.1L engines producing up to 296 horsepower and feature unique features such as billet crankshafts and titanium exhausts.
General Stats
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Classic ICE inline-four; continuations 1.8L or 2.1L high-performance |
| Power Output | 182–296 bhp (depending on model/spec) |
| Transmission | 4 or 5-speed manual |
| Continuation Units | Limited to 150 worldwide |
| Starting Price (New) | £295,000 |
| Auction Median Price | £46,900 (classic models, 2020–2025) |
| Record Price (2025) | £278,848 for RS1800 at auction |
Current Market Trends (2025)
| Year | Median Valuation (GBP) | % Change YoY | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | £37,400 | — | Stable collector interest, rising restorations |
| 2021 | £38,250 | +2.28% | Auction prices firm up, increasing demand for RS models |
| 2022 | £39,375 | +2.96% | Growing interest in rare variants, historic rally cars |
| 2023 | £41,650 | +5.74% | Record auction sales, restorations fuel price boosts |
| 2024 | £44,000 | +5.68% | Continued price momentum, Boreham announcements |
| 2025 | £46,900 | +6.59% | Historic sales records and Continuation series impact |
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The median valuations are based on public auction results and specialist pricing guides.
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The year-on-year increases confirm a steady upward trend fueled by scarcity, restoration quality, and rising collector demand.
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Highest recent sales surpassed £70,000 for top RS1800 examples.
Classic car prices remain robust, with sought-after models like the Escort MK1 RS commanding record sums due to scarcity, condition, and motorsport heritage. The market favors well-documented, unrestored cars or top-tier restorations.
The Boreham Motorworks continuation models, officially sanctioned and built with modern techniques but historic authenticity, introduce a new super-premium segment to the MK1 market, priced near modern performance car territory.
As an ICE vehicle, the MK1 is not impacted by environmental levies such as New Zealand's 2025 Clean Car Standard, maintaining strong desirability among traditional collectors.
Market trends table summarizing notable production, sales, and market highlights for the Ford Escort MK1 and related models over the last 5 years.
| Year | Highlights & Market Notes |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Rising interest in restomods and classic tuner culture; MST and other firms begin modern resto builds. |
| 2021 | Classic MK1 Escorts continue strong demand as affordable classics; prices start increasing, especially for RS and Twin Cam versions. |
| 2022 | Boreham Motorworks announced continuation series for Escort MK1 RS; ongoing strong demand for original increasingly rare models. |
| 2023 | Record auction prices hit historical highs for Twin Cam and RS models; collector interest surges globally. |
| 2024 | Limited production of Boreham continuation series confirmed; prices for originals and restos climb steadily. |
| 2025 | Continued record sales, including £278,848 RS1800 auction in UK; Boreham Continuation models launch Q3, starting at £295,000. Enthusiast demand remains strong in UK, NZ, Australia, and global collector markets. |
This timeline reflects that the Ford Escort MK1 has evolved into a highly collectible classic with a surging market, fueled by record sales, restoration culture, and officially licensed continuation builds.
Auctions
Notable auction sale examples for the Ford Escort MK1 in 2025 and recent years, to be included in valuation reports for accuracy and credibility:
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A 1976 Ford Escort Mk2 RS1800 set a world record price, selling for £276,848 at the Historics July 2025 Classic Car Sale.
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A 1970 Ford Escort Mk1 competition car was auctioned at Iconic Auctioneers - Race Retro Sale (Feb 2025) with estimates between £50,000 and £60,000.
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A 1968 Ford Escort Mk1 Twin Cam, rally-prepared with rich motorsport history, went to auction at Silverstone Circuit (Aug 2025) with an estimate of £70,000 - £90,000.
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A 1972 Ford Escort Mk1 Historic Rally Car sold at an H&H Classics auction (2025), estimated between £32,000 and £38,000.
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Other MK1 models and replicas have achieved prices ranging from £30,000 to over £70,000 at well-known auction houses including Iconic Auctioneers, Silverstone Auctions, and Collecting Cars.
These auction results emphasize strong and sometimes record-setting prices for MK1 Escorts in excellent, rally-spec, or competition condition.
Historical Pricing & Value Forecast
Since 2020, classic MK1 Ford Escorts have sold at auction from approximately £26,000 for driver-quality Twin Cams up to £73,000 for restored examples, with exceptional RS1800s breaking records above £200,000. The upward trend is expected to continue with limited availability pushing prices higher.
The 2025 factory continuation models start at £295,000 for the base model, with fully equipped versions exceeding £370,000.
Forecast for end of 2025 shows continued appreciation for high-quality classics, and steady demand for continuation cars, with classic models expected in £70,000–£300,000 range depending on condition and provenance.
Price Estimate
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Market Value | £70,000 to £278,848 (classic concours models) |
| Continuation Value | £295,000 to £375,000 (new Boreham Motorworks models) |
| Auction Median Price | Approx. £46,900 (2020–2025 auction data) |
| Typical Driver Price | £25,996 to £73,125 |
Price Drivers
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Auction records and rising collector demand for rare RS and Twin Cam models.
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New limited production continuation vehicles increasing market visibility and value perception.
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Classic car market stability supported by provenance, condition, and motorsport heritage.
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Environmental standards have negligible impact on valuation due to collector status.
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Seasonal and economic factors influencing short-term price fluctuations.
Assets and Notes
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Recent headline auctions include an RS1800 sold for £278,848 in mid-2025 and multiple Twin Cam sales above £70,000.
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Boreham continues to accept orders for the limited continuation series, pricing starting at £295,000.
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Condition, documentation, and rarity remain critical to precise valuation.
Valuation Methodology
Valuations are based on multiple sources, including historic auction and sale data, pricing guides like RedBook and Cap HPI, and market intelligence on recent continuation model launches. Comparable sales, condition, rarity, and provenance are factored into pricing tiers.
Disclaimer
This valuation reflects market conditions as of August 2025 and is subject to change based on future auctions, collector sentiment, and vehicle-specific details such as mileage and provenance.
