Carbon Offset: Toyota sells F1 spare parts
Here's a little problem to solve: Although budgets are shrinking, it still costs million to run a Formula One team. On the other hand, the teams go through spare parts like a rib joint does napkins. Meanwhile, collectors and enthusiasts have proven willing to shell out big bucks for authentic memorabilia. Found the magic solution yet? Several F1 teams have, opting to sell off parts of last year's cars for big bucks. And the latest to join the fold is Toyota.
Now available for purchase from the Toyota F1 team's online merchandise shop is a wide variety of spare parts and bodywork at various price points, ranging from a 200-euro alloy wheel (around $280 USD), brake disc or suspension wishbone all the way up to a full engine cover bodywork assembly pictured above, complete with underfloor and rear wing aerodynamic elements, for 5,000 euros (nearly $7,100). If that seems pricey, consider that's just a fraction of what you'd have to shell out for parts from a race-winning Ferrari, for example. In sports memorabilia, pedigree is worth its weight in gold, but when you consider that Toyota is ahead of Ferrari in the standings this season, now may be the best time to get that F1 nose-cone up on your wall. Think of it as an investment.
[Source: Toyota F1 via Inside Line]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Daniel 9:46AM (6/02/2009)
How much for an engine?
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VW GTi 3:45PM (6/02/2009)
Toyota Garage Sale!!!!
Adam Bruce 9:57AM (6/02/2009)
Wow, very very very affordable considering what this stuff costs new, as well as what Ferrari charges for similar stuff. $250K for a Ferrari Nose Cone? Nah, I'll take that $1,500 Toyota Nose Cone. Hmmmm, oddly enough the F1 Carbon rear wing is cheaper than a Mine's Rear wing for my GT-R ;-)
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zamafir 10:56AM (6/02/2009)
probably because ferrari, i dunno, has racing pedigree? I'd never buy any of their bits, but there’s a clear difference between the two car makers, especially in the world of motorsports, regardless of how ferrari's doing this year.
hashiryu 11:08AM (6/02/2009)
I'd hardly call 7 world rally championships lack of racing pedigree. Maybe you were trying to say F1 pedigree?
Fernando 9:58AM (6/02/2009)
Damn I wish I had about $10,000 burning a hole in my pocket right now.
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Astonman 10:00AM (6/02/2009)
At last years ALMS race at Lime Rock I got carbon fiber nose parts, a radiator, bead lock and a suspension piece from the GT 40 that crashed in practice and it was all free, now there all decorating my garage, I could have gotten the whole carbon fiber under-tray to the car but it was much to big to fit in the back of my mustang or on the roof especially with a 6 hour drive and all my camping gear.
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Brad 12:20PM (6/02/2009)
I had the same opportunity at last years Petite Lemans in Atlanta. As I got to the track that morning, a cart carrying pieces of Alan McNish's Audi R10 that he wrecked in the morning warm up. There were several nice sized portions of the front dive planes and of the front nose in general. The cart was having to move slow because of the crowd so I could have gotten some nice keepsakes but I didn't.
pmiddle5 12:36PM (6/02/2009)
The under tray would have fit fine if you had just installed it you dumby
John Johnson 10:27AM (6/02/2009)
1000 euros for two front calipers and rotors.... anyone know if Autozone stocks pads for Toyota F1 cars? :D
Granted I'd have to do a few high-speed stops and keep them up to temperature on my daily commute, but w/e, they'd rock.
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timwang2006 10:53AM (6/02/2009)
I've been looking for some new wheels. These will do nicely. Is there any chance what so ever that just maybe some of the parts like the brakes suspension and wheels would fit a road car with a little modification?
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zamafir 10:57AM (6/02/2009)
you're joking right?
13enS 11:37AM (6/02/2009)
:P AB, I sent that link to ya days ago...
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Dustin 12:56PM (6/02/2009)
Finally an autoblog title that is actually quite clever! Congrats on that
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Carlos 1:58PM (6/02/2009)
I would love to buy 4 wheels and put them on an FSAE car.
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RPM 3:57PM (6/02/2009)
Are you on FSAE?! Which team?
tekd 2:15PM (6/02/2009)
Now how do you go about swapping the wheel hub on your normal car to the F1 style mount...
Imagine the hilarity that would ensure when you roll up in your Corolla-but on genuine Toyota F1 wheels and racing slicks.
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willyolio 2:53PM (6/02/2009)
some kid (with rich parents) is going to buy that rear spoiler and bolt it onto their honda civic.
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VW GTi 3:47PM (6/02/2009)
Then we'll all laugh.