The MST Mk2 ‘Ultimate’ is a 350bhp Ford Escort rally car for the road

The good folk at MST are back at it with the souped-up Ford Escorts, this time channelling their efforts toward a rally-themed Mk2. Looks proper.

Dubbed the ‘Ultimate’, it’ll get a Millington Diamond 2.7-litre nat-asp four-cylinder putting out 350bhp. Plentiful, considering most MST Escorts weigh under a tonne.

Customers can also choose engines from Cosworth, Duratec or Honda, but regardless of the powertrain, the transmission is a six-speed sequential with pneumatic paddle shifters. And yes, it’ll make those whiney gearbox sounds we all get excited about.

The Ultimate rides on four-way adjustable suspension and Reiger coilovers, with stoppers from AP Racing. Each corner gets a four-pot motorsport caliper too, likely distorting your face into weird shapes when called upon.

You'll get a choice of 13, 15 or 17in alloys, with other options including those massive spot lamps and a racing livery. There's no limitation on colours either, so feel free to be as specific as your local paint superstore.

Inside, you’ll spot a welded FIA-grade roll cage and racing bucket seats. See that vertical handbrake? Lug it, and you’ll be glad the six-point harness is there.

The Ultimate - as with all MST cars - will be hand-built here in the UK, and currently has an 18-month waiting list. Plenty of time to source the £161k you’ll be forking out, then.