THE FAMILY of the late Colin McRae have unveiled plans to create a display celebrating the life of the World Rally Champion.

The rally ace's father Jimmy, 65, announced that his son's iconic Subaru Impreza will be put on display at Glasgow's new Riverside Museum.

McRae Motorsports are helping to create a new exhibit as a centrepiece of the £74M museum of transport and technology.

And McRae's legendary blue and gold car that he drove to become the youngest ever World Rally Champion in 1995 at the age of 27 will take centre stage.

Colin, 39, was tragically killed when his Eurocopter Squirrel crashed in the grounds of his Lanark mansion on September 15, 2007.

His five-year-old son Johnny and young friend Ben Porcelli, six, along with family friend Graeme Duncan, 37, were also killed.

He left behind wife Alison and daughter Hollie.

Ben's parents, Mark and Karen, later accused McRae of taking "unnecessary risks" after an official report criticised his flying and confirmed that he did not have a valid pilot's licence.

McRae, an experienced pilot, tried to bank out of a valley during the tragic flight, much of which was captured on video by Duncan.

A report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) concluded the cause of the accident was "not positively determined".

It also stated there was no evidence that the helicopter had malfunctioned, and was critical of McRae.

Unveiling the project in the grounds of his Colin's home, Jimmy McRae, a five time British Rally Champion himself, revealed his famous son had agreed to co-operate with the museum before his untimely death.

He said: "The support we have had is unbelievable.

"Over 15,000 people were at his memorial service and I'm sure his fans will support the museum.

"Colin was a popular man and I feel the public will enjoy seeing his car in all its glory.

"I think it is great that we can help the museum and that there remains such an interest in Colin.

"Alison and the rest of the family are all for it.

"Colin agreed in principal before the accident to donate at least one car to the museum as long as they had a motorsport section.

"I'm just happy we can continue his work."

The iconic blue and gold car was one of the most powerful rally cars ever made when it propelled McRae to the World Rally Championships in 1995.

His courageous and exciting style and skills made him one of Britain's favourite sportsmen and he was awarded the OBE in 1995.

Mr McRae added: "We hope the display will inspire a new generation of drivers and also capture a little of the excitement and flair that Colin brought to the sport."

Lord Smith of Kelvin, Chairman of the Riverside Museum Appeal, said: "I am honoured to welcome Colin McRae's Subaru car to the new displays within the Riverside Museum.

"I have no doubt that by celebrating Colin's remarkable achievements we will help to inspire the next generation of sporting giants."

The Riverside Museum will open its doors in summer 2011.

The visitor attraction will sit on the banks of the Clyde and display over 3,000 objects.