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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