Formula 1 fans can buy a current model car thanks to a world first sale taking place in the UK.
Classic F1 car sales are fairly rare, but have been taking place for many years as fans and collectors snap up the chance to own a piece of the sport's history. But never before has a car been available for purchase at the same time as it is racing in the world championship – until now.
An Alfa Romeo show car is now up for sale as part of a new shop based at Selfridges in Oxford Street, London. The Track by Smartech is described as "the future of experiential retail" with collectibles and memorabilia available to buy.
But the main attraction is the show car version of Alfa's C42, which is currently being driven by Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu in the F1 championship. Though there is no engine to come with it, the chassis and livery is identical to those cars used in competition.
Nathalie Bernce, founder and chief executive of Smartech, revealed to Mirror Sport : "For the first time in history a current season Formula 1 show car is available to buy. The car is available to purchase and view at The Track by Smartech, on Selfridges LG floor. It costs £200K and is made to order within three to four months. All are welcome to come down and view it in situ in store."
She added: "Smartech is thrilled to have created a new immersive retail concept celebrating one of the world's greatest racing competitions. The Track is designed to surprise and delight from the moment visitors step inside, it's an exciting project that combines first-in-the-world exclusive products with immersive experiences and continues to position Smartech as the leading physical and digital retail destination."
Martyn Stroud of Selfridges said: "The Track is the latest addition to a line-up of innovative experiential projects we have launched in partnership with Smartech. We're delighted to welcome a Formula 1 car to our Oxford Street store and offer customers the chance to experience the latest in driving simulation. To be the first destination to showcase an F1 car, available to purchase, is an exciting accolade."
Smartech is working in partnership with The Memento Group to bring the Alfa Romeo car to sale to the general public. Chief executive Barry Gough said in a social media post: "Earlier this year, we renewed our licensing partnership with Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN, which included the agreement to construct and sell their F1 show cars.
"We'd like to thank Frederic Vasseur, CEO and team principal of Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN, and his team for entrusting us with the delivery of such a special project, which Frederic describes as 'an incredibly faithful reproduction of the car'.
"Being able to manufacture and produce a show car for an F1 team on the current grid is a monumental development, not only for The Memento Group as a business, but for fans and collectors around the globe who have the chance to own an F1 car like those on the grid."
