Meet MST’s New X-Rated Escort

Britain’s MST Cars has just unveiled a reincarnation of Ford’s famous X-Pack Escort RS2000.

The droop-snoot Mk2 Escort RS2000 was the fast Ford for Europe in the mid 1970s, homologated for race and rally stage success and sold to legions of lads and lasses who wanted to emulate their motorsport heroes.

For those who wanted to go even faster Ford’s Series-X catalog had the answers, and the best of those was a box-arch bodykit that allowed the fitment of wider wheels and tires. These “X-Pack” Escorts were the most desirable, which is why MST has decided to add the look to its range in the form of the Evo-X.

In 1976 the two-liter, single overhead cam four-cylinder engine mustered 110 hp, but MST has upped the ante somewhat. There’s a choice of a 2.5-liter Duratec with 280 hp or a 2.8-liter Millington Diamond motor with throttle bodies producing over 360 horses.

MST builds the Evo-X, like all its Mk1 and Mk2 Escorts, using a brand new shell, which is significantly stiffened before the carbon fiber body panels are fitted, along with a carbon front splitter, rear diffuser and lip spoiler. Beneath the box arches sit 17-inch wheels wearing Michelin Pilot Cup Sport tires.

The suspension is an all-new design, featuring a independent rear end that was originally developed by the late great Colin McRae for his own Escort. There are Reiger three-way adjustable coilovers at each corner and lightweight alloy hubs, built to WRC specification. A Tractive active suspension system is offered as an option.

Tractive is also responsible for the six-speed sequential transmission, although a more conventional H-pattern five-speed is also available. AP Racing takes care of the brakes with six-piston front calipers and four-pot units at the rear.

You’ll have to wait until next year to order, and the price hasn’t been revealed, but considering that MST’s Mk1 Escort costs around $225,000 it’s like to cost well over $250,000 for this X-rated edition.