Silverstone Auctions revealed one of the most special items offered for sale at their next big event, going under the hammer on February 2014. It’s a 1977 Ford Escort Mk2 RS1800 Gp4 rally car, boasting an Eddie Stobart livery, and one that was tested by the late Colin McRae and raced by his father, Jimmy McRae.

Escort RS is a hugely desirable classic car as it is. A MK2 rally version from the Seventies is just the business for the fans of old school driving fun; especially one with such royal rally pedigree. 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.

The car was once rebuilt in 2009, and since then it’s been treated lightly, having entered 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. The auctioneers expect it to fetch £65,000 to £85,000.

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.”