Background:
The McRae Buggy was an exciting venture for the McRae brothers Colin and Alister. Initially conceived as a one-make series the opportunity came up to cast the car's net a lot wider and the McRae Enduro buggy was born. Sadly Colin died before he could see the project completed, but his legendary Scottish rally driving brother, Alister McRae, grasped the metal and entered the prestigious 2009/2010 Dakar Rally. Created as a highly capable off-road vehicle, the buggy was designed to withstand the extreme demands of one of the most gruelling motorsport events in the world. Alistair McRae, with his extensive rally experience, brought a wealth of knowledge to the development of this machine, aiming to compete with the world’s best while showcasing the resilience and performance expected from a purpose-built Dakar entry.
The McRae Buggy is engineered for maximum performance, featuring a lightweight chassis, robust suspension system and a powerful engine setup that allowed it to tackle a wide range of terrain with ease. While its purpose was clear, this machine also displayed incredible innovation and attention to detail, making it a standout on the event’s challenging route through South America.
The Car:
Now offered for sale is the very same McRae Buggy that Alister McRae campaigned during the inaugural South American Dakar Rally in 2009/2010. Remarkably, the car remains in excellent condition, having been sparingly used since its participation in the event. It is currently UK-registered and running, with minimal mileage accumulated since its Dakar adventure, making this an exceptional opportunity to acquire a piece of motorsport history.
This unique buggy is powered by a 2.7 litre Jaguar/Landrover diesel engine and powertrain, although the gearbox is a custom built race unit.
with a sophisticated all-wheel drive system, designed to take on the toughest off-road challenges. The suspension system is tuned for Dakar-level performance, ensuring superior handling across all terrains. The striking livery, a nod to its Dakar heritage, remains intact and the car is in solid condition mechanically, benefiting from regular servicing to keep it in peak performance.
Whilst unquestionably a collector's piece it could easily be repurposed for many desert or endurance races, not least the Baja 1000.