Skip advert
Advertisement

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. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

> 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.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Revisiting the mad, rally-inspired Audi A1 Quattro – car pictures of the week
Audi A1 Quattro – front
Features

Revisiting the mad, rally-inspired Audi A1 Quattro – car pictures of the week

Audi launched a £41,020, 252bhp four-wheel drive supermini back in 2012 – we revisit it in the latest issue of evo
19 Jan 2025
Pagani Huayra Codalunga v Huayra Roadster BC – car pictures of the week
Pagani Huayra Codalunga and Roadster BC – front
Features

Pagani Huayra Codalunga v Huayra Roadster BC – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo, we test two of Pagani’s most spectacular creations side by side in Italy – these are our favourite shots
12 Jan 2025
Ford Mustang Dark Horse on the Route Napoléon – the greatest driving road in Europe?
Ford Mustang Dark Horse – front
Features

Ford Mustang Dark Horse on the Route Napoléon – the greatest driving road in Europe?

Ford’s new Mustang Dark Horse has impressed us so far, but how will this American muscle car fare on one of Europe’s most spectacular driving roads?
29 Dec 2024
The spectacular scenery of eCoty 2024 – car pictures of the week
eCoty 2024 scenery
Features

The spectacular scenery of eCoty 2024 – car pictures of the week

Just as important as the cars in eCoty is finding somewhere equally spectacular to put them to the test
24 Dec 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The V8-powered Audi RS6 isn’t dead after all
Audi RS6 jump
News

The V8-powered Audi RS6 isn’t dead after all

Audi has reverted its decision to turn the A6 range all-electric, ensuring the next RS6 receives a V8
4 Feb 2025
Alpine A290 GTS 2025 review – is the Renault 5 relative a true hot hatch?
Alpine A290 – front
Reviews

Alpine A290 GTS 2025 review – is the Renault 5 relative a true hot hatch?

Alpine’s all-electric future starts with the Renault 5-based A290. Does it have enough edge to warrant the Alpine badge?
5 Feb 2025
Audi RS7 v BMW M5 – pure V8 battles heavy hybrid
BMW M5 v Audi RS7
Group tests

Audi RS7 v BMW M5 – pure V8 battles heavy hybrid

If you prefer your all-wheel-drive supersaloon to be powered purely by combustion, there’s still Audi’s RS7 Sportback to consider. But is it being lef…
3 Feb 2025