Piece of McRae-touched rally history for sale

Tested by Colin McRae and driven competitively by Colin’s father Jimmy and brother Alister, the 1977 Ford Escort MkII RS1800 is one of the entries at Silverstone Auctions’ sale at Race Retro. The auction will take place at Silverstone on 22nd February next year. If you’ve between 65 and 85 thousand pounds to spare and wish to own a piece of history, perhaps this Escort should be next on your shopping list.

For more information about the car and its career keep reading, the official press release follows.

McRAE RALLY CAR LEADS THE PACK AT RACE RETRO

One of the most instantly recognisable historic rally cars is among the first entries into Silverstone Auctions’ sale at Race Retro on Saturday 22nd February.

Offered with an estimate of £65,000 to £85,000, the Eddie Stobart liveried 1977 Ford Escort MK2 RS1800 Gp4 Historic Rally Car is one of the most competitive ever. Built by leading specialists Prepfab Motorsport Engineering, and having been tested by the late Colin McRae, the car was driven to victory by the rallying legend’s father, Jimmy McRae, in the 2006 Roger Albert Clark Rally.

Commenting on the car, Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions, said: “We’re incredibly proud to offer a competition car with such provenance. Given the high octane surroundings of Race Retro the car is a perfect fit and is sure to prove popular with historic motorsport fans.”

After it debut season win, ‘LSV171’ continued to post victories throughout the following year taking first place in the pre-1981 category of the 2007 British Historic Championship. The McRae connection continued in 2008 when the car was driven to another category victory by Alister McRae in the Colin McRae Memorial Rally.

In 2009 the car was treated to a show condition rebuild and has since competed in the 2010 and 2011 Rally Clásico Isla Mallorca. The car comes with MSA stage rally logbook and Historic Rally Vehicle Identity Form, plus MoT and tax until May 2014.

Nick added: “We’re now in our third year of hosting the Race Retro sale and early indications are that this year’s sale will attract even more interest than ever before. Of course, as well as offering prestigious competition cars, we’re also welcoming entries of quality classic road cars and motorcycles as well as modern supercars. However, as space is limited, we’d encourage those looking to submit an entry to contact us as soon as possible.”