The Alfa Romeo F1 team finished sixth in the final Constructor standings last season but, in 2023, it has already set an F1 record by becoming the first team to sell its launch car. Alfa Romeo’s 2023 F1 entry, known as C43, was unveiled to the world on February 7, with chassis No. 1 being a non-running show car that can be had at F1 Authentics’ online auction. As of this writing its current bid is $123,000 (£101,000.00), and it’s expected to sell for more than $486,000 (£400,000.00).
“The philosophy behind our launch has been to bring fans closer to the team, and auctioning this show car fits within this narrative,” says Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Sauber Group Managing Director and Alfa Romeo Team Representative. “As our launch car, this C43 show car is a piece of history and the first step in what is hopefully going to be a successful season for our team.”
The non-running show car was designed and built using the same techniques as the race version C43: CAD data and composite tooling to develop patterns are used to manufacture carbon fiber molds by way of an autoclave. This show car’s chassis and bodywork are constructed from lightweight prepreg carbon fiber intended to represent the real car’s exterior finish while being durable enough to maintain the load from its four axles.
Despite being a show car, it has electronic features; it also has a 3D printed steering wheel that is connected to the front wheels via the steering rack, which allows the wheels to turn left or right. If you need to move the show car, it can be lifted by the front and rear and, for those inclined to use it for pit stop practice, the nose and front wing are removable.
What else do you get when you buy a non-competition Alfa Romeo F1 launch car? A chassis plate signed by its 2023 F1 driver line-up of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu. You also get autographed racing suits and racing boots worn by Bottas and Guanyu during the 2023 launch show.
The auction ends on February 21, 2023, so it could make a great Valentine’s Day gift for that F1 fan in your life, as long as that special someone is cool with gifts arriving late.
Source: www.classiccars.com