We’re massive fans of the late WRC-legend Colin McRae, he of much speed, many wins and one Championship.

Which is why we’re excited at the prospect of this thing coming to market. It’s the 1999 Ford Focus WRC car McRae and long-time co-driver Nicky Grist drove on that year’s Rally Catalunya (where they retired) and Rally Tour De Corse in France (where they finished fourth).

McRae also drove Focus chassis #68335 on Rally Acropolis and Rally China. It was passed to his teammate Thomas Radstrom for rounds in New Zealand and Australia, then upgraded for the 2000 season, when it was used in two rounds by Petter Solberg.

’99 was McRae’s first year with Ford, which he joined from Subaru in a deal reportedly worth £6million over two years, making him the then-highest-earning rally driver in history.

He stayed until 2002, spent a year at Citroen then left the sport altogether. TG followed his assault on the Le Mans 24hrs in 2004 – read about it by clicking here. He died in a helicopter crash in 2007.

In all, this Focus competed in 11 rounds of the WRC before it was sold to privateers, who’ve been using it in national events around Europe and the UK ever since. Yep, this is no garage queen. Hence the livery.

Back when McRae drove it, #68335 wore a Martini livery, but it’ll be supplied to its new owner in plain white, so they can add whatever colour scheme they choose later.

It’s road legal, and comes with its original FIA ‘Gold Book’ technical passport. Estimates put the value at between £120,000 and £140,000. Much less than the Subaru Impreza WRC he tested, which sold last year for over £200,000. Tempted?

STORY Tom Harrison