It’s hard to think of a new old car that suits PH’s general taste better than MST’s Mk1 and Mk2. The original rear-wheel drive Escorts remain widely popular, the rally cars are extremely popular and the scope for modification is considerable. MST has taken advantage of all this, offering basic builds with new bodies and all the fantastic rally hardware there is, while keeping the cars roadworthy (if you so desire).

Whether Fast Road or Touring, Mk1 or Mk2, with Duratec, Millington or BDG engines, it’s virtually impossible to build an undesirable car from MST’s catalogue of awesomeness. Because whatever happens, you’ll end up with a powerful, rear-wheel drive, road-going rally car built by the people who know it best. A car fitted with some nice extras to make it a little more usable in 2024, but without overdoing it like some of the crazier restomods do these days. No wonder there’s an 18-month waiting list for Mk1s and Mk2s.

There is a way to shorten the wait, however, as MST is now offering this Mk1 for sale due to changing customer circumstances. And while there are no undesirable models, some are more exciting than others. A Mk1 built from a Group 4-spec body (so basically like a rally car for the road) is powered by a motorsport-spec 2.0-litre BDG with dry sump lubrication and throttle body; according to MST’s website, that should be good for more than 230bhp. A promising start.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed close-ratio manual gearbox and a Gripper LSD. In fact, as you’d expect, the whole thing is packed to the gunwales with expensive motorsport hardware, including AP Racing brakes and Bilstein suspension. There’s a hydraulic handbrake, fire extinguishers, seat belts, the whole shebang. Someone must have thought long and hard about this.

And, well, look at it. The main reason for the Mk1 and Mk2’s appeal is their design, and that’s taken to a new level with this MST build thanks to the dome arches, minilites, quad cibies and beautiful paintwork that looks very similar to Ford Imperial Blue. Even if it wasn’t good to drive, you’d want to be seen in it. Knowing it’s going to be an absolute blast just increases the desire even further.

It’s complete, it’s for sale, it’s available with 13- or 15-inch wheels, and it’s sure to provide exciting company for many, many years to come. The asking price is £174,000, which is a lot of money for anyone. But when you consider the amount of effort and parts that went into it, as well as the fact that any new later-date 911 is likely to cost half a million, it’s easy to understand. Given the pent-up demand and waiting list, it’s unlikely to lose much value either. Interested? Of course you are. MST is currently open to enquiries, although we have it on good authority that the car will be at Bicester on Saturday should you prefer to see it in person. Just in case you needed another reason to buy a ticket…