Driving MST’s stunning Mk1 Ford Escort recreation – car pictures of the week
In the latest issue of evo, we get behind the wheel of the glorious MST Mk1 – here are some of our favourite shots…
The restomod formula is familiar by now. Take a classic performance car icon, strip it down, then rebuild it to the highest possible standards while upgrading pretty much every component along the way.
At first glance, you might think that MST’s Ford Escort is something similar, but it isn’t. What you’re looking at is a brand new car – a heavily upgraded, built-from-scratch Mk1 Escort – and we’ve driven it. Pick up your copy of evo 319 in store or via our online shop to read the full feature.
> MST Mk1 2024 review – £174,000 Ford Escort recreation driven
MST began around 15 years ago selling tools to rally teams, before moving on to supply parts for Escort rally cars and eventually building them. Using this know-how, the firm developed jigs to produce new Escort shells, and with access to every component needed to create a complete new car, that’s exactly what they did.
In evo 319, we drive the company’s Mk1 demonstrator car, complete with Group 4 bodywork, electronically controlled TracTiv suspension and a stonking 9000rpm BDG four-cylinder engine. It’ll set you back around £140,000, but there really isn’t anything quite like it.
‘When we finally arrive at one of the corners I’ve been looking forward to, I’m in the right gear with the revs at 6000 or so,’ said our man John Barker. ‘Lift off slightly, feel the weight transfer, jab the throttle and the Mk1 assumes the attitude, back kicked out, opposite lock applied and the blaring BDG in the power band with plenty of revs left to ride out the slide. It feels so naturally balanced, so settled and calm, you can’t help grinning.’
The MST isn’t just a feral track monster either. The interior is leather trimmed, the TracTiv dampers provide a supple ride and there’s even electric power steering to reduce the effort needed to steer those plump Kumho semi-slicks at low speeds.
Is there enough depth and quality to justify the asking price? Pick up your copy of evo 319 in store or online to find out.
