The Fabia WRC was based on the first-generation Škoda Fabia RS, a five-door hatchback with a 130bhp TDI engine.

For the competition car's homologation, the Czech manufacturer first had to build 2,500 units of the Fabia RS and, after a three-day inspection by FIA officials in Mladá Boleslav, it was finally homologated on 1st July 2003.

Due to the regulations in force at the time, the Škoda Fabia WRC – unlike its series-production counterpart – was powered by a turbocharged, water-cooled, four-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of two litres.

Its output was 221 k

W (300bhp), with a maximum torque of 600Nm and this power was transmitted to all four wheels via a sequential 6-speed gearbox and three active differentials.

The McPherson strut suspension included wishbones at the front and two wishbones and one trailing arm at the rear, while disc brakes on every wheel enabled the necessary retardation.

To conform with the regulations, Škoda also installed a modified front bumper...