The Subaru Impreza S12C that Australian rally star Chris Atkinson drove to third overall in the 2008 Rallye Monte Carlo has been returned to its full factory glory in time for Déjà Vu Tralee.
The Australian used the car several times in the early part of the 2008 and also finished third in Jordan with the same car. But it is the Monte Carlo livery that has been chosen by its current owner, Thomas Fitzmaurice of Abbeydorney.
“Once I heard the Déjà vu was coming to Tralee I pulled out all the stops to have it returned to its former livery,” he said.
After its WRC career, the car found its way to Ireland and was used by such drivers as Eamonn Boland, Derek McGarrity and Darragh O’Riordan. The Cork driver won the 2011 and 2012 Rally of the Lakes with the car ensuring it also has Kerry provenance.
The car has gone through a full nut and bolt rebuild that was overseen by Cork engineer Colm Grant. He faced a race against time to have the car ready for Saturday’s event in Tralee.
On Tuesday of this week, the finished product was presented to Prodrive, the original builder of the car in the UK, where it was sign written in the original 2008 Rallye Monte Carlo livery
The finished car will make its first public appearance on The Mall in Tralee on Saturday morning.
Déjà Vu Tralee is part of Kerry Motor Club’s 50th anniversary and is raising funds for Recovery Haven.
“Get out and support this great event and support Recovery Haven,” said Fitzmaurice.
Engineer Colm Grant is also participating in the event in an ex-Marcus Gronholm Ford Focus WRC.
Just as newspapers and magazines are paid for, digital editorial content will also have to be paid for.
Please subscribe and help us keep this machine running!
It’s only €50 per year – subscribe now
Subscribe to get access
Read more of this content when you subscribe today.
Kerry Motorsport News 