The 1970's Ford Mk2 Escort is back and a brand-new UK-built version of the iconic rally car can be yours, but they don't come cheap.
MST Cars in North Wales is producing unofficial versions of the iconic Escort rally cars that come on brand-new plates.
Based in Llithfaen, a small village on the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, Wales, MST has evolved from originally selling tools and equipment for the motorsport industry to a specialist supplier of Escort Mk1 and Mk2 parts.
And now the Welsh motorsport company has taken the plunge and progressed into offering fully-fledged, unofficial reproductions of the Mk1 and MK2 Escorts, launching the first brand-new, rear-wheel-drive Escort to be produced since Ford's assembly line in Halewood was shuttered back in 1980.
MST Managing Director Carwyn Ellis told YesAuto: “Basically the cars are sold as the MST Mk1 and Mk2, we can't use Ford and Escort as Ford owns these trademarks, also our cars are very different from the everyday road car of the 70s.
“Our (models) are based on the Group4 rally version with modern upgrades, but I would like to think that they like our retro-style cars,” Ellis added.
The hand-built Escorts aren't just for show or competition purposes – they are fully-functional road-legal vehicles, albeit unofficial ones, with the new Escort Mk2 priced from £78,000 (including VAT) – and the most expensive version priced at £114,000.
With four specifications to choose from, from road to competition specifications boasting up to 330bhp, you really are spoilt for choice.
According to MST, building the car needs several different specialist skills that include fabrication and welding, bodywork and painting, electronics, CNC machining, interior-trimming, and assembly. One of their cars can take about 4-6 months to build.
MST's first launch model is in the Mk2 'Group-4 Rally Car' guise, which is the third-highest specification and price of the four choices available to potential customers.
Then, topping out the specs on offer is the 'Ultimate Rally Car' which boasts carbon bodywork, a 330bhp-plus Millington Diamond motor, a paddle-shift gearbox, WRC-spec pedals and long-travel suspension, with prices (including VAT) starting from £114,000, with plenty of potential add-ons that can quickly increase the total cost.
“The great thing about the Mk1 and Mk2 is that everyone loves them, from the older generation who remembers them back in the day, to school kids who love to see the modern spec rally cars in action,” Ellis said.
“Our typical customer will be a middle-aged gentleman that probably owned a basic Escort when they were younger, but can now afford the car they always wanted.”
The Mk2 has a choice of performance engines, choices for a sequential or H-pattern gearbox, retro flared wheel arches, has a full rally-spec roll cage and a wealth of other available competition parts, depending on your budget.
Ellis told YesAuto: “Our biggest challenge is the coordination of the full build, with so many people and suppliers involved, and the 100% supply of parts, for example, if one small body panel is not available it will stop the whole production line.”
The two lower specifications on offer are tuned and styled more for everyday use, with a more slimline chassis and a 2.5-litre Duratec engine under the bonnet, producing in excess of a school-run, pop to the shops friendly 200bhp.
All of the models come with rear-wheel drive and power steering as standard, but more money can be spent upgrading the suspension to race-spec levels.
MST say that the Mk2 is “a car that handles extremely well on the road as well as on the rally stages, a true driver’s car.”
“We believe that the package we have on offer, a naturally-aspirated, rear-wheel drive, ultra-responsive, rally-inspired car is what you want. Our aim is to continue the development of this classic car and make it even better.”
And that isn't all MST plan to offer, telling YesAuto: “Future plans include the Mk1 and Mk2 vans, this would open up another market for commercial vehicles and camper vans. There is also the electric version that we are keen to look into.”
Orders are being taken now. All photos courtesy of MST Cars.
Keyword: Rally fans rejoice: the Ford Mk2 Escort has been reborn and can be yours for £78k