McRae car becomes museum exhibit

The blue and gold Subaru Impreza that the late Colin McRae became World Rally Champion in will be the centrepiece of the new Riverside Museum in Glasgow.

The iconic car has been loaned to the transport and technology museum, being built on the banks of the River Clyde near the SECC, by the McRae family.

The relatives will help create an exhibition celebrating the rally star's life and achievements.

McRae and his son, Johnny, died in a helicopter crash in September 2007.

Two family friends were also killed when the aircraft they were travelling in came down in woodland near the McRae's home in Lanark.

After the former rally champion's death his family announced that a charitable foundation would be set up in his name.

The car is the first of a series of loans from McRae Motorsports to the Riverside Museum, and the display will be regularly updated and changed over time with further exhibits.

The famous Subaru Impreza was driven by Colin McRae in 1995 when he became the youngest ever World Rally Champion at the age of 27.

His father, Jimmy McRae, himself a five-time British Rally Champion, said: "We hope that the display will inspire a new generation of drivers and also capture a little of the excitement and flair that Colin brought to the sport."

Lord Smith of Kelvin, Chairman of the Riverside Museum Appeal, said: "I am proud that the McRae family chose to be associated with the museum and through this partnership we can together celebrate one of Scotland's greatest sporting heroes.

"I have no doubt that by celebrating Colin's remarkable achievements we will help to inspire the next generation of sporting giants."

The Riverside Museum, designed by Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, is due to open its doors in summer 2011.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
McRae Gathering
The official Colin McRae site
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites