Colin McRae grew up watching his father rallying and always felt the Escorts, usually travelling sideways, sounded and looked fantastic. However, any Escort MKII is underpowered and lacks traction compared to a WRC car so Colin decided to modify one. Initial discussions with Newark-based husband and wife team Dave and Julie Plant of DJM Motorsport focused on independent rear-suspension, and McRae engaged them to build the entire car in early 2003. The finished car emerged in 2004 and is surely the ultimate rally Escort. Colin was immediately impressed and talked enthusiastically about this 1970s rear-wheel-drive normally aspirated Mk2 Escort being quicker on the stages than a WRC Focus. Awesome!