Friday 19th May 2023

MST previews 'next level' Mk1 Evolution

Already keen on MST's reimagined Escort? It's about to get 370hp...

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It’s little wonder that MST’s Mk1 and Mk2 have received such widespread affection. Even more than 40 years since the last rear-drive Escorts were made, nothing quite gets fast Ford and rally fans geed up like those classic two-door saloons. Resurrect the idea with modern rally tech and power - but keep them road-legal - and of course it's going to be of interest to the faithful. 

Now, in finest rally car tradition, MST is further improving the performance of its base model with an evo derivative. The Mk1 Evolution is a very, very serious prospect by all accounts, chiefly because of what’s under the bonnet. In the standard version, buyers get the choice of the Ford Duratec in various states of tune; for the Evo, MST is apparently lining up a 2.8-litre Millington Diamond four-cylinder. Yes, really.

The engine has been hinted at in some previous stories about the MST Mk1 and Mk2, presumably as an option for the craziest of customers, but now it’s been confirmed that at least a few will be made, complete with 370hp and 300lb ft. In something that looks very mich like a Ford Escort (but definitely isn't). And if you’re wondering why Millington engines are so loved by the classic fast Ford community, see here - it promises to be spectacular.

The Evo will be easy to identify compared to other MST builds, as it’s getting custom carbon bodywork to house the bigger wheels and wider tyres needed to deliver all that power to the road. MST is promising additional carbon parts, too, ‘taking the classic Mk1 design to a new level’. Again, it’s hard not to be deliriously keen. Big arches and big power equals big want, right? MST has only said for the moment that it is ‘working hard’ on the project - we’ll be sure to keep you updated. In the meantime, see here for the latest walkaround video of the 6R4, ahead of the first rolling chassis (hopefully) being ready in time to feature at PH25 in August. Fingers crossed…

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• MST Mk2 | PH Review
• MST blows our minds with incoming Metro 6R4

[wistec1]

Make it and this should get the rich Ford fans spunkin their bank interest on one. I'm just not a Ford fan and probably never will be so it's a no.

[Wab1974uk]

Very nice.

And the MK1 shape is definitely better than the MKII.

MST would be one of my first calls after a Euro millions win.

[gruppeb86]

Wab1974uk said:

Very nice.

And the MK1 shape is definitely better than the MKII.

MST would be one of my first calls after a Euro millions win.

Horses for courses. My preference would be the MkII.

I do however concur with your final sentence.

[JJJ.]

How refreshing, compared to the 911 EV. Thankfully there's businesses out there that know what's really worth making. Wishing then every success, not that they'll need it.

[Dohnut]

Yes please.

[Truckosaurus]

Just as desirable as a Singer 911 when thinking of a Dream Garage.

Being sensible, I'm sure it will be a case of diminishing returns over a basic MST mk1 with a mildly tuning 2.5 Duratec under the bonnet for a fraction of the price.

[Julian Scott]

JJJ. said:

How refreshing, compared to the 911 EV. Thankfully there's businesses out there that know what's really worth making. Wishing then every success, not that they'll need it.

A "businesses out there that know what's really worth making" to get your order? or just fit in with your prejudices?



Back to the car, I'm not a Ford fan, but I'd love that. I'd also love the 911 EV from yesterday for balance.

[Andy83n]

JJJ. said:

How refreshing, compared to the 911 EV.

So a couple of pictures by some art student beats a rolling working roadworthy car?

[JJJ.]

Julian Scott said:

JJJ. said:

How refreshing, compared to the 911 EV. Thankfully there's businesses out there that know what's really worth making. Wishing then every success, not that they'll need it.

A "businesses out there that know what's really worth making" to get your order? or just fit in with your prejudices

Likes, prejudices. Who gives a fk..

[Julian Scott]

Andy83n said:

JJJ. said:

How refreshing, compared to the 911 EV.

So a couple of pictures by some art student beats a rolling working roadworthy car?

In his defence, he has a large chip on his shoulder that affects his vision. And sense of perspective.

[Julian Scott]

JJJ. said:

Julian Scott said:

JJJ. said:

How refreshing, compared to the 911 EV. Thankfully there's businesses out there that know what's really worth making. Wishing then every success, not that they'll need it.

A "businesses out there that know what's really worth making" to get your order? or just fit in with your prejudices

Likes, prejudices. Who gives a fk..

err....you, it would seem?

[JJJ.]

Julian Scott said:

JJJ. said:

Julian Scott said:

JJJ. said:

How refreshing, compared to the 911 EV. Thankfully there's businesses out there that know what's really worth making. Wishing then every success, not that they'll need it.

A "businesses out there that know what's really worth making" to get your order? or just fit in with your prejudices

Likes, prejudices. Who gives a fk..

err....you, it would seem?

No, I've no issues with my likes or prejudices (as you call them). You're the one that took issue, that's not my problem.

[VR6 Eug]

Why aren't Mk1 & Mk2 escorts £300 anymore!

[stevesingo]

Niponeoff said:

The high powered milys run exclusively on 102 Ron. So won't make a very good road car.

Not sure if the compression ratio will allow them to run lower spec fuel. But it won't be 300 torque

It won't be 300lbft regardless, this is just marketing bullst to sell engines to club racers.

There is empirical evidence that suggests the maximum BMEP of a 4 stroke Naturally Aspirated engine is about 16Bar or about 94lbft/lt.

http://www.profblairandassociates.com/pdfs/Back_to...

Millington will have us believe that the are making engines with a BMEP of over 18Bar or almost 105lbft/lt. Better than the last NA F1 engines and moto GP and I'm pretty sure both have R&D budgets, facilities and academic horsepower that far exceeds that of Millington.

2.4lt revving to 19000rpm making rumoured 800bhp sound familiar? 221lbft, 92.1lbft/lt or BMEP of 15.7Bar. Whilst peak torque may be higher, an F1 engine will be making peak torque very close to peak power. Even if peak torque was 10% higher than torque at peak power, we are still only at BMEP 17.2Bar.

If a 2.4lt F1 engine made BMEP of 18Bar, it would make the rumoured 800bhp at only 14200rpm.

[Water Fairy]

Let's see a rolling prototype before spuffing shall we?

[rs mexico]

VR6 Eug said:

Why aren't Mk1 & Mk2 escorts £300 anymore!

If we could have kept our old cars in a barn we’d probably have a decent pension fund.Had 2 1600 sport MKIIs. Sold one for not much more than 300 quid.

[pppppppppppppppp]

I think it looks cool. Needs the rear wheels to be 50% bigger and to pull wheelies.
More exhaust pipes and some flames would be good too.

[bloomen]

Niponeoff said:

The high powered milys run exclusively on 102 Ron. So won't make a very good road car.

I wonder whether it's some sort of custom road build.

That list - https://www.millingtonengines.co.uk/servicing/

Is a bit of a grind.

[04helipilot]

This is better than PornHub on a Friday night !

[GL123]

This will become a good business like Singer on a lower level I reckon. I'd love one. Regards the power debate, how much is needed to drive sideways?