An extra-special Subaru commissioned in memory of the late World Rally Champion Richard Burns raised £10,000 for charity at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The last available RB320 – signed by a galaxy of stars over the course of the event – fetched £40,000 at an auction in aid of the Richard Burns Foundation with a percentage of the price going to the charity.
Around 30 famous names personally signed the car – including Sir Jackie Stewart, Stirling Moss, Stig Blomqvist, Emerson Fittipaldi, Malcolm Wilson, Colin McRae, Carl Fogarty and land speed record-breaker Andy Green.
Current Formula One sensation Lewis Hamilton even found time to add his autograph to the bonnet, as did Richard’s dad Alex Burns and the man behind the Festival of Speed, Lord March.
The car - generously offered for auction by subaru-approved.com - wowed the crowds as it led the supercar procession up the Goodwood Hill with British rally champions Mark Higgins and Martin Rowe behind the wheel.
The limited edition Obsidian black motor was the poignantly numbered 171 – one for the month of January and 71 for the year that Richard was born.
It also came with fitted with the 320PS Prodrive Performance Pack, bespoke 18” alloy wheels, Bilstein dampers and a range of other unique features.
Mark Higgins and Paul Turner - manager of rally star Marrko Martin - were among those who weighed in with hefty bids for the stunning machine.
However, the man who eventually landed the car was Dermot Hanafin of Motorsport Insurance Services.
Delighted Dermot said he was proud to have won the auction and the car would take pride of place in his garage.
“I’m a big fan of Richard Burns and Robert Reid, and really wanted to help the Richard Burns Foundation in some way.
“I was really keen to get the RB320 and it will be a very special track day car for me.”
The money raised at Goodwood Festival of Speed by the auction and bucket collections for the Richard Burns Foundation will go towards supporting people dealing with serious injuries and illness. The nominated beneficiary of this year’s activities is Teenage Cancer Trust.
Robert Reid, the charity’s chief executive and Richard’s long-time co-driver and friend, said he was overwhelmed by the generosity people displayed over the three days of the event.
“The donations last year were incredible and this years look to be even better.
“We can’t thank enough all the people who contributed to the Richard Burns Foundation by either digging deep into their pockets or giving their time to help as volunteers.
“Their efforts really are appreciated and it means a lot to everyone involved to see such an exceptional response to the cause.”
