His “iconic” racing car has been loaned to National Museums Scotland (NMS) as the centrepiece of a new display in Edinburgh.

The Tyrrell 003 helped Sir Jackie win eight Grand Prix races - more than any other individual car has achieved - and propelled him to victory in the 1971 World Drivers’ Championship.

The exhibition marks the 40th anniversary of the sporting legend’s first world championship win in 1969, and is also part of Scotland’s Year of Homecoming celebrations.

Sir Jackie said the car, which has been restored to its original state, holds many good memories for him.

Speaking at the exhibition launch in Edinburgh, he said: “It won a lot of races for me and brought me a world championship.

“The car has won eight Grand Prix races, that’s more than any other car in the history of Formula One.

“It is an iconic car and one of the great collector’s pieces of the world.”

Sir Jackie, who won three Formula One world championships during his career, added that it was a “great privilege” to have the car on display.

He said: “To see it displayed in this magnificent museum where the stories of so many distinguished Scots and the impact they have made on the world are told makes me feel extremely honoured, especially as my family and close friends are here to see it.

“We have some wonderful young drivers from Scotland doing very well around the world at the moment and I hope this fantastic display can encourage and inspire many more young Scots to follow their dreams and succeed in this sport or whichever career they pursue.”

The Sir Jackie Stewart display is open to the public at the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street.

Sir Jackie’s 1971 Monaco Grand Prix and German Grand Prix trophies, as well as his famous tartan-rimmed helmet, will also be on show at the exhibition.

NMS director Gordon Rintoul said: “We’re very excited that Sir Jackie is lending National Museums Scotland what is a very important car in the history of Formula One.

“I’m sure the display will prove to be a huge draw and inspiration for thousands of motor sports enthusiasts and proud Scots of all ages who will be inspired by the triumphs of a truly outstanding ambassador for Scotland.”