In today´s "Blast from the Past" we have the Legendary Ford Escort RS2000 F1 RX, the ultimate creation of "Mr. Rallycross" Martin Schanche, full of Formula 1 parts and bespoke technology (in the 90´s), one of our favourite cars ever, here in what was probably its only experience in Hillclimb Racing, at the one-off event at Lillehammer, held during the 90´s, which pitted Norwegian and Swedish Rallycross competitors against each other.

Arguably the pinnacle of Martin Schanche´s creations and the ultimate representation of 90´s Rallycross, while quite simple looking, this Escort is as unique as they come. Extensive use of Formula 1 parts like the Rear Spoiler, double wishbone rear Suspension with magnesium uprights (all taken from a Arrows A12), pedal set and much more, added to the fact most of its chassis was spaceframed, made this a very light machine tipping the scales at under 900Kg, having to use, at the time ,135Kg of ballast to conform with FIA regulations .

Using the Mk6 RS2000 instead of the more commonly used Escort RS Coworth as base due to its bigger engine bay area, it is powered by a short stroke Cosworth YB producing around 600Hp/8.500Rpm in restricted form, but capable of over 800Hp/10.000Rpm when used in its full capacity. All this power was then transferred to all four wheels by what was at the time a tremendously advanced All Wheel Drive system built in conjuntion with Xtrac. This Monster was possibly the embodiment of over-engineering, but also proof of how talented the mercurial Norwegian Rallycross Legend was as an engineer, a side most have forgotten over time. While it is easier to remember the on-track antics of Mr. Schanche and his temperamental nature, it is far more valuable to recognize the contribution he had to Motorsports as a whole. The RS2000 F1 RX is on our opinion the best example of that...