2003 Škoda Fabia WRC

The Fabia WRC was based on the first-generation Škoda Fabia RS, a five-door hatchback with a 130bhp TDI engine. For the competition car's homologation, the Czech manufacturer first had to build 2,500 units of the Fabia RS and, after a three-day inspection by FIA officials in Mladá Boleslav, it was finally homologated on 1st July 2003.

Due to the regulations in force at the time, the Škoda Fabia WRC – unlike its series-production counterpart – was powered by a turbocharged, water-cooled, four-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of two litres. Its output was 221 kW (300bhp), with a maximum torque of 600Nm and this power was transmitted to all four wheels via a sequential 6-speed gearbox and three active differentials. The McPherson strut suspension included wishbones at the front and two wishbones and one trailing arm at the rear, while disc brakes on every wheel enabled the necessary retardation. To conform with the regulations, Škoda also installed a modified front bumper in the series-production Fabia RS for homologation purposes, increasing the overall length of the vehicle beyond the four-metre mark as was required.

The Škoda Fabia WRC made its debut in the World Rally Championship at the Germany Rally in 2003, followed shortly afterwards by the demanding Finland Rally. Initially, some issues with the vehicle as well as bad luck on several special stages resulted in a disappointing start for the Fabia, however, the new car went on to celebrate a number of major successes towards the end of its debut season. The drivers included Didier Auriol, Toni Gardemeister, Armin Schwarz, Jani Paasonen, Roman Kresta and Colin McRae.

Just 24 examples of the Škoda Fabia WRC were produced in total before its career ended with the introduction of the second‑generation Fabia which wrote another successful chapter in the Czech manufacturer’s motorsport history.

This perfectly presented Škoda Motorsport Fabia WRC car was debuted by Didier Auriel on the Rally Australia in 2003 and the following year Toni Gardemeister used it in five WRC events and Jan Kopecky competed in the Rally Spain. Whilst still being run by Škoda Motorsport, this consistent top-ten finisher was driven by Armin Schwarz, Jani Paasonen and Alexandre Bengue.

In 2007, the Škoda entered the private domain, with Eric Wevers selling it to Eugene Donnelly, who proceeded to win overall on the 2008 Donegal International Rally, the 2009 Galway International Rally, the 2009 Circuit of Ireland, the 2009 Jim Clark International Rally and the Ulster Rally that year. In 2010 the Škoda returned to Europe with Eric Wevers reacquainting himself with the Fabia and it was also driven by Alain Depierreux before being owned by Eric Cunin.

In early 2020, a full back-to-works specification rebuild was undertaken which was entrusted to renowned experts RMC Motorsport owned and run by former M-Sport engineer, Ronan McCrory. The decision was taken to present the car in tarmac specification as driven by Didier Auriel to his 12th place on the Rallye Sanremo-Rallye D’Italia in 2003 and the result is, as you would expect from a full factory preparation, on the button and sorted. Currently registered in Belgium (1-KHA-604).

Superbly presented and supplied with its Gold Book and a good spares package, this ex-factory Fabia WRC is part of WRC history and would be suitable at events like Rally Legends and Goodwood.