Boreham Motorworks' interpretation of the legendary Escort RS allows you to fulfill your rallying aspirations.
In 2024, the UK-based DRVN Automotive Group is set to make waves with numerous exciting offerings. The company’s revamped version of the classic Ferrari 355, named the Evoluto, seeks to modernize this beloved '90s sports car. Meanwhile, DRVN's Boreham Motor Works branch has joined forces with Ford to revive and rejuvenate some of the automaker’s most celebrated models from yesteryear.
Located in Coventry, which serves as one of the numerous centers for the UK car industry (and historically where much of the country’s vehicles were made), DRVN’s office building appears indistinguishable from others in the industrial area when viewed externally. However, once you step inside, the scene becomes quite intense.
Boreham Motorworks
DRVN Automotive is not just a single entity but a group of companies capable of producing cars entirely in-house without relying much on external parties. The objective here isn't to mass-produce electric vehicles; instead, it aims at reviving the tactile driving experience from days gone by.
DRVN aims to be the global automotive brand offering an unparalleled analog experience.
When we talk about this, we don't set a 0-60 acceleration benchmark or specify a top speed within our vehicle design parameters," explains Drvn Automotive Group CEO Iain Muir. "Those aren't the key aspects of these cars; instead, we aim to ensure that everyone who drives one of them experiences great joy.
At the pinnacle of the luxury car segment, we see that although hybrid supercars have gained traction, there remains a cohort of enthusiasts who yearn for their childhood dream vehicles. Whether it be TWR’s Supercat, the Totem Alfa GT Super, or any model from Singer Vehicle Design... these brands cater to those desires. And today, DRVN’s lineup stands ready to meet this demand as well.
A great deal has been penned regarding the Evoluto F355 already Potential buyers must bring both a donor vehicle and a significant amount of money to DRVN. After the modifications have been completed, they will receive a like-new, customized car in return. The new model starts with a Ferrari that many admire but then swaps out its original body for newly crafted carbon fiber panels optimized for improved aerodynamics, stability, and enhanced engine cooling.
The renowned V-8 engine from 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 abundant use of '90s plastic materials. Instead, it presents itself with a more mature aesthetic. During the development process for this vehicle, the engineering team encountered components that were prohibitively costly to source, not sufficiently high-quality to meet their standards, or had become obsolete. Undeterred, they opted to create custom versions of these components themselves, both for installation on new cars and possibly for retrofitting into existing 355 models upon customer request.
Evoluto Automobili presents the Ferrari 355
To start off strong, restoring and modernizing one of the most beloved Ferraris ever was quite a bold move; 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.
"I recall when the ban on the Escort was lifted. It was around 1:00 PM on December 12, 2024, and we were quite humbled by the overwhelming reaction of the general public," states Muir.
The Ford Escort RS from 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 humbled by the overwhelming reaction from the public.
However, individuals on the internet are one aspect. But what about dealing with customers?
In just the initial 45 minutes, we received more applications for our 150 car spots than we actually have available. It’s incredible how widespread these submissions were; they came in from places like Trinidad and Tobago right up to countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and even across 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 be newly manufactured, street-legal classics featuring contemporary design elements, advanced technology beneath the surface, Ford chassis identifiers, and naturally, a manual transmission. These can be considered as ultimate versions among casual driving cars.
The next level above the Boreham hierarchy is the track-only Race Series. Free 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 designed to replicate their classic counterparts accurately. Constructed brand-new, these cars aim to mirror the originals both inside and out. Some of them will be street-legal, while others will be intended solely for racetracks. Each vehicle will feature an FIA certification allowing participation in historical races. Additionally, they'll receive Ford-approved chassis numbers. Considered 'the epitome of Boreham,' these automobiles may also carry a corresponding high price point.
Since these vehicles will be produced in small quantities and marketed exclusively to enthusiasts, Boreham Motorworks aims to foster a sense of community among its customers. The company plans to establish a Boreham High Performance Club, designed to bring together present owners, VIP members, and others for gatherings across the globe. This concept remains aspirational as of now.
That all seems quite sensible, but what about actually DRVN stands out due to its operational model. Most resources it requires are either available onsite or within a linked network of enterprises based in the UK, making it largely autonomous. Its base in Coventry ensures that members of DRVN’s compact workforce remain conveniently near one another. Consequently, when anyone has a request, they can simply approach their colleagues directly rather than organizing meetings, dispatching optimistic emails, or depending on contemporary 'smart' technologies for assistance.
DRVN boasts an internal design squad dedicated to bringing its concepts into existence. Led by Wayne Burgess, who previously worked at Aston Martin and Jaguar and is also known as a remarkable rock musician, their role is to make your dream car posters slightly more practical for everyday use while ensuring they still capture the perfect essence.
The remarkable aspect of a Mk I Escort is its purity, simplicity, and honesty as a design; therefore, we have approached it with great sensitivity—treating it with reverence.
Mild modifications might be necessary to keep these vehicles current, yet Burgess and his crew aren't taking this opportunity to push too far with changes. For instance, the Escort rides on 15-inch rims, which seem small by modern criteria but actually represent a two-inch increase from what was originally available during its era. The Boreham models will feature numerous delicate references and slight enhancements that should strike the perfect balance.
Currently, the Escort Mk 1 RS is the sole vehicle for which we have concrete details available. However, a digital prototype of Boreham Motorworks' upcoming model, the rally-specialized RS200, has surfaced online and appears well-designed. Unlike the initial RS200, which essentially consisted of an engine mounted onto a compact frame with controls sourced from a spare-parts collection, one can confidently expect this new version not to be so minimalistic.
Burgess and his team aren't merely shaping the legacy of Ford's history; they're also collaborating with customers to tailor their cars' specifications.
"Burgess mentions that some customers begin visualizing the car in their minds even before visiting our dealership,” he continues, “Many arrive with specific preferences due to the rich racing and rallying history associated with the Mk I Escort. A number of these individuals often admire particular drivers or iconic cars from that era.”
When ideas arise, they bring chances to turn dreams into reality, and for DRVN, this is precisely what their company is all about.
"Whenever we receive a request from a client... we will consider it and fulfill it if possible," notes Burgess.
_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. The company operates akin to an original equipment manufacturer but on a smaller scale._
The procedures and benchmarks resemble those seen in leading manufacturing companies. Although, indeed, one can be certain that meticulous accounting takes place, it’s clear that every individual involved is driven by their passion for the product rather than just focusing on numbers. So, what’s next in your strategy?
Muir clarifies: "By 2028, when we hit peak production, we expect to manufacture around 400 vehicles annually. This number is modest compared to major original equipment manufacturers, yet substantial within the realm of the restomod industry."
Coventry has some exciting cooking going on, and many people seem eager to join in.
More From DRVN Automotive
- The Ford Escort RS is Making a Comeback
- Perfection Lies In This Carbon Fiber-Cloaked Ferrari F355