Alan Mann Ford Escort Replica: Step into the world of vintage motorsport with the stunning Alan Mann Ford Escort Replica – a car that not only pays tribute to a motorsport icon but revives the thrill of 1960s Group 5 racing. Originally built for the 1968 British Saloon Car Championship, the Ford Escort prepared by Alan Mann Racing was virtually unbeatable under the skilled hands of Frank Gardner. Out of 11 rounds, Gardner won 9, making this Escort one of the most successful touring cars of its era. This new replica isn’t just a nod to history; it’s a full-blown recreation, meticulously reverse-engineered to match the original championship-winning XOO 349F in every detail.
Alan Mann was no ordinary engineer. His approach to motorsport was instinctive, innovative, and daring. When Ford handed him six Escorts for the 1968 season, he transformed them into high-performance weapons that left the competition in the dust. The Group 5-spec Escorts were fitted with radical modifications – from bubble arches to a 1.8-litre Lotus Twin Cam engine producing 230bhp. What made them special wasn’t just the speed, but the harmony between lightweight construction, aerodynamic form, and brilliant suspension geometry. Now, decades later, Boreham Motor Works – the modern-day successor to Alan Mann Racing – is bringing that magic back.
The car featured here is not the original championship-winner, but a perfect nut-and-bolt replica. Using laser-scanned data and original parts as templates, every inch of this car replicates the 1968 icon – right down to the gorgeous red and gold Alan Mann livery. The only giveaway is the FIA-mandated roll cage, added for modern safety compliance. Boreham Motor Works plans to produce 24 identical units under the name Alan Mann 68 Edition. Unlike restomods, which modernize old classics, this car is built for period-correct historic racing. It’s raw, engaging, and not for the faint-hearted – just like the original.
Specifications: Alan Mann Ford Escort Replica (68 Edition)
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Alan Mann 68 Edition |
| Engine | 1.8-litre Lotus Twin Cam |
| Power Output | ~230bhp |
| Gearbox | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
| Suspension | Multi-link rear with race geometry |
| Chassis | Lightweight steel shell, bubble arches |
| Colour Scheme | Alan Mann Racing Red & Gold |
| Safety | Modern roll cage (FIA compliant) |
| Production Run | Limited to 24 units |
| Road Legal? | No (Track-only) |
Features That Make It Special
- Exact Historic Replica: Every detail has been reverse-engineered from the original 1968 championship car, preserving historical authenticity.
- Track-Focused Build: Unlike modern restomods, this is a pure racing machine, purpose-built for vintage motorsport competition.
- Exclusive Production: Only 24 units will be made, ensuring rarity and collectability.
- Race-Ready Setup: The Alan Mann 68 Edition comes ready for action, equipped with a racing clutch, FIA-approved safety features, and perfectly balanced suspension geometry.
Performance and Driving Experience
This car doesn’t want to cruise – it wants to race. The driving experience is raw and mechanical. The twin-plate clutch demands revs to engage, the steering is direct and weighty, and the four-speed gearbox takes effort and timing to operate smoothly. Once the car warms up, it becomes a responsive and agile machine, eager to be pushed hard into corners and rewarding precise inputs with lively feedback.
Unlike modern performance cars that mask imperfections, this Ford Escort replica forces the driver to stay engaged. Straight-line stability requires attention, cornering demands planning, and the engine thrives on being pushed to its limits. It’s not just about speed – it’s about connection, involvement, and nostalgia-fueled adrenaline.
Design & Craftsmanship
Visually, the Alan Mann 68 Edition is a head-turner. The signature red and gold paint job reflects its racing pedigree, while the bubble wheel arches and vintage racing stance scream aggression. Inside, it’s all business: stripped interior, exposed metal, period-correct instrumentation, and the mandatory roll cage. Everything is designed to function, to perform, and to echo the golden age of saloon car racing.
The car’s proportions remain faithful to the Mk1 Escort, but with enhancements tailored for racing. From the widened track to the repositioned steering rack housed within the engine crossmember, every component has been engineered for purpose over comfort.
Price and Availability
- Expected Price: Estimated around £250,000–£295,000 depending on final configuration and race readiness.
- Launch Date: Production already underway in 2025, with orders open for all 24 units.
- Availability: Limited production run; enthusiasts are encouraged to register interest via Boreham Motor Works.
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Alan Mann Ford Escort Replica Conclusion
The Alan Mann Ford Escort Replica isn’t just a car – it’s a time machine built with passion, precision, and a deep respect for motorsport heritage. It celebrates a golden era where racing was raw, unforgiving, and wildly entertaining. For fans of vintage racing, this car delivers a driving experience that’s visceral, authentic, and deeply rewarding.
With its unmatched attention to detail, track-focused engineering, and nostalgic appeal, the Alan Mann 68 Edition is more than just a replica – it’s a rebirth of a racing legend. Whether you’re looking to compete in historic motorsport or simply own a piece of Ford racing history, this car is a thrilling tribute to the champions of yesteryear.
Alan Mann Ford Escort Replica FAQs
1. What is the Alan Mann 68 Edition?
The Alan Mann 68 Edition is a track-only replica of the 1968 Ford Escort that dominated the British Saloon Car Championship. It’s built using reverse-engineered data from the original and includes period-correct parts and design.
2. Is the car road legal?
No, the replica is not road-legal. It is intended for historic racing and track events, built with safety features such as a modern roll cage required by racing regulations.
3. Who is building the car today?
The replicas are being built by Boreham Motor Works, which now owns Alan Mann Racing. They are also Ford’s official restomod partner and are producing 24 identical units.
4. How much does the Alan Mann Ford Escort replica cost?
While final prices can vary based on customer specifications, the Alan Mann 68 Edition is expected to cost between £250,000 and £295,000.
