If you love racing games, but feel your current living room setup lacks a little authenticity, this could be the solution.
One of the lots listed at the forthcoming Race Retro Classic and Competition Car sale, organised by Silverstone Auctions, is a gaming simulator featuring a real ex-Formula 1 racing car.
Supplied with all the equipment needed to get playing, this could make for an intriguing business venture or extravagant F1 home indulgence.
Big dreams and rapid plans
The Formula 1 car in question was used by the short-lived Super Aguri F1 team during the 2006 season. Founded by 1990s F1 driver Aguri Suzuki, a deal to supply engines and other support by Honda helped prepare the team for competition.
Developed from a 2002 Arrows A23 chassis, and known as the SA05, the first Super Aguri car hit the track at the 2006 Bahrain Grand Prix. Driven by Japanese Takuma Sato and Yuji Ide, the SA05 was used for eleven rounds of the 2006 season.
Success was hard to find, with Ide replaced after four rounds by Frenchman Franck Montagny. Sato proved his ability, taking the Super Aguri SA05 to a respectable twelfth position at the 2006 Australian Grand Prix.
(Virtual) Reality bites back
Super Aguri launched a new chassis from the 2006 German Grand Prix onwards, leaving the SA05 redundant. The whole team would persevere until the middle of the 2008 season, where financial difficulties saw Super Aguri disappear from the grid.
It meant this genuine ex-F1 chassis was transformed into a simulator, with an electrically adjustable force feedback steering wheel and pedals installed. The air intakes house speakers, delivering a full surround sound experience.
Silverstone Auctions are also keen to point out the simulator features a ‘wider’ tub chassis, helping accommodate those not quite racing driver-sized.
Playing for keeps
A 55-inch monitor is provided, connected to a modern laptop running the latest Codemasters F1 2019 racing game. We imagine enough tinkering could allow different games to be used as well.
Having been part of an ongoing commercial outfit, the F1 simulator is being sold with an enclosed Brian James double-axle trailer. The trailer has had four new tyres fitted, and has also been recently serviced.
Silverstone Auctions note that two events have already been booked in 2020 for the simulator, offering opportunities to continue the business usage.
Retro-spectacular
It leaves the winning bidder with the choice to make money, or simply have the Super Aguri as the elaborate centrepiece for a motorsport-themed entertainment room.
The Race Retro Competition and Classic Car Sale 2020 takes place from Friday February 21st, to Sunday 23rd. A number of intriguing lots have already been listed, including a rare Australian-specification Ford Escort RS2000.
Held at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry, the Race Retro show features live Group B rallying action, plus the chance to see legendary race cars up close.