Boreham Motorworks' interpretation of the legendary Escort RS allows you to fulfill your rallying car fantasies.
Making a grand entrance in 2024, the UK-based DRVN Automotive Group anticipates numerous exciting developments. The company’s revamped version of the Ferrari 355, named the Evoluto, seeks to modernize this legendary '90s sports car. Additionally, DRVN’s Boreham Motor Works branch is collaborating with Ford to reintroduce and revitalize several of the American automaker’s most celebrated models from the past.
Located in Coventry, which serves as one of the numerous centers for the UK car industry (and historically has been where much of the country’s vehicles were made), DRVN’s offices appear indistinguishable from any other building on an industrial park when viewed externally. However, upon entering, you’ll find that the setup becomes quite impressive indeed.
Boreham Motorworks
DRVN Automotive is not just a single entity but a conglomerate of companies capable of producing cars entirely in-house without relying heavily on external parties. The objective here isn't to mass-produce electric vehicles, but instead to reintroduce the tactile joy found in traditional automotive craftsmanship.
DRVN aims to be the global automotive brand offering an unparalleled analog experience.
"When we discuss this concept, we do not include metrics like 0-60 acceleration times or top speed within the vehicle's defined parameters,” explains DRVN Automotive Group CEO Iain Muir. “Those aren’t what our cars focus on; instead, we aim for each car we deliver to bring a huge grin to your face during the drive.”
At the pinnacle of the luxury car segment, one can observe that although hybrid supercars have gained significant popularity, another cohort of enthusiasts desires vehicles reminiscent of their youthful dreams. Cars like TWR’s Supercat, the Totem Alfa GT Super, along with everything produced by Singer... these brands cater to those aspirations. And now, DRVN’s lineup also aims to meet this demand.
A great deal has been penned regarding the Evoluto F355 already Prospective buyers must bring both a donor vehicle and a significant amount of money to DRVN. After the modifications are completed, they will receive a like-new, customized car in exchange. The transformed vehicle retains the beloved Ferrari aesthetics but features newly designed carbon fiber panels that enhance aerodynamics, stability, and engine cooling.
The renowned V-8 engine of the F355 now boasts an enhanced output of 414 horsepower after some modifications. The suspension system has also undergone adjustments, and the cabin no longer features the abundance of '90s plastic materials. Instead, it presents itself with more mature aesthetics. During the development process, the engineering team encountered components that were excessively costly to procure, not sufficiently high-quality for their standards, or had become obsolete. Undeterred, they opted to create custom versions of these parts through designing, developing, and manufacturing processes. These bespoke elements could be installed on both new vehicles and possibly retrofit onto existing 355 models at customer request.
Evoluto Automobili presents the Ferrari 355.
To kick things off, restoring and modernizing one of the most beloved Ferraris ever was quite a statement; however, DRVN didn’t stop there. Their Boreham Motorworks division collaborated with Ford to create 'continuomods.'
Their Escort Mk 1 RS It has already been disclosed, and let's just say it's far from an economical vehicle. However, Boreham assures that each of your $375,000 will be put to good use, which appears to satisfy everyone involved.
"Muir recalls that he still remembers when the ban on the Escort was lifted. He believes it happened around 1:00 PM on December 12, 2024, and they were quite humbled by the overwhelming reaction of the general public," he states.
Ford Escort RS by Boreham Motorworks
I recall when the ban on the Escort was lifted. It was around 1:00 PM on December 12, 2024, and we were quite overwhelmed by the reception from the broader community.
However, individuals online are one aspect. But what about dealing with customers?
Out of the 150 cars we had ready, we received more applications within the initial 45 minutes than our available build spots allowed. Reviewing these submissions, they came from every corner of the world. Applications poured in from places like Trinidad and Tobago, extending as far as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the United States.
Nostalgia proves beneficial for commerce.
The Boreham vehicles are essentially genuine Fords. Constructed with official approval, these models will remain scarce. DRVN also has plans for their utilization; similar to McLaren’s approach, various 'series' options will be available. Specifically, the Collector Series automobiles will serve as legally compliant, historically inspired creations, newly manufactured but featuring contemporary design elements and advanced technology beneath their classic exteriors, complete with authentic Ford chassis identifiers and standard transmissions. TheseCollector series cars can be considered akin to ultimate versions of casual weekend drivers.
One level above the Boreham ranking is the track-only Race Series. Freed from concerns over emission standards or practical implications, these vehicles will be unleashed to provide an exhilarating experience on racetracks, making drivers feel like champions.
Lastly, we have the Ultimate Series vehicles. These models are meticulously detailed reproductions of their classic counterparts, crafted anew yet designed to mirror the originals perfectly. Some will be street-legal, others intended purely for racetracks; all will possess an FIA certification for historical motorsports use and feature Ford-approved chassis numbers. Representing the pinnacle of Boreham engineering, these cars are expected to carry premium price tags as well.
Since these vehicles will be produced in small quantities and sold exclusively to people with similar interests, Boreham Motorworks aims to incorporate a strong community aspect. The company plans to establish a Boreham High Performance Club designed to link present owners, VIPs, and others at gatherings held internationally. This is their intended approach.
That all seems quite intelligent, but what is actually DRVN excels in its operational model. Virtually all necessary resources are either onsite or within a network of interconnected businesses based in the UK, making it largely autonomous. The fact that it operates from Coventry means that DRVN’s compact staff members are conveniently situated near one another. Consequently, when anyone requires assistance, they can simply approach their colleagues directly rather than arranging meetings, firing off optimistic emails, or depending heavily on contemporary 'smart' technologies for productivity.
DRVN boasts an internal design squad tasked with bringing its concepts to life. Led by Wayne Burgess, who previously worked at Aston Martin and Jaguar and is also known as a renowned rock musician, their role is to transform your dream car posters into designs that are both practical for everyday use and perfectly executed.
The great aspect of a Mk I Escort is its purity, simplicity, and honesty as a design; hence, we have approached it with sensitivity—treating it with reverence.
Mild revisions might be necessary to keep the cars contemporary, yet Burgess and his crew aren't using this as a reason to get carried away. For instance, the Escort rides on 15-inch rims, which seem small by modern benchmarks but actually two inches larger than what was original equipment back then. The vehicles from Boreham will feature delicate references and nuanced improvements that strike the perfect balance.
Currently, the Escort Mk 1 RS is the sole vehicle for which we have concrete details. However, a digital prototype of Boreham Motorworks' upcoming model, the rally-specialized RS200, has been created and appears well-developed. Given that the initial RS200 essentially consisted of an engine mounted onto a small frame with controls sourced from a spare-parts box, you can confidently expect that this new version will not be so minimalist.
Burgess and his team aren't merely shaping the legacy of Ford's history; they're also collaborating with customers to tailor their vehicle specifications.
Burgess mentions, “Some customers begin visualizing the car in their minds even before visiting our place.” He adds, “Many arrive here with specific preferences due to the racing and rallying legacy of the Mk I Escort. A lot of enthusiasts have a preferred driver or a beloved vehicle from those times.”
When ideas arise, they bring chances to turn dreams into reality, and this is precisely what DRVN aims to achieve through their work.
"Whenever we receive a request from a client... we will consider it and fulfill it if possible," Burgess adds.
_DRVN hasn’t suddenly emerged in 2024 with a range of vehicles; it has been operating for several years with plans to continue well into the future. Its operations resemble those of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), but on a smaller scale._
The procedures and benchmarks resemble those seen in leading manufacturing companies, and although, indeed, one can be certain that people are keeping track of expenses, it’s clear that everybody involved is driven by their passion for the product. So, what’s the strategy here?
Muir clarifies: "By 2028, when we hit peak production, we expect to manufacture around 400 cars annually. This figure may seem small compared to major original equipment manufacturers, yet it represents substantial figures within the restomod market."
Coventry has some exciting culinary activities going on, and many folks seem eager to join in the festivities.
More From DRVN Automotive
- The Ford Escort RS is Making a Comeback
- Perfection Lies In This Carbon Fiber-Clothed Ferrari F355