- TDF has an upcoming documentary that particulars the way it turns retired Method 1 vehicles into monitor toys
- The corporate makes use of authentic chassis however swaps in its personal energy unit and gearbox
- The corporate solely makes use of chassis which have competed in precise F1 races
Neglect the Aston Martin Valkyrie and Mercedes-Benz AMG One—if you happen to’re after the closest factor to a Method 1 expertise in a automotive you may really personal, TDF has you coated.
The UK-based motorsports and engineering agency focuses on delivering the final word monitor machine by buying genuine F1 vehicles, restoring them, and promoting them to passionate racing fanatics.
The corporate surfaced a number of years in the past however has now produced a documentary detailing all the pieces that goes into one in every of its vehicles. Set to air on Feb. 20, TDF has already launched a trailer providing a sneak peek.
It highlights how TDF’s crew—composed of many former F1 engineers—has needed to implement vital engineering options to get these vehicles operating, as they usually arrive with out a energy unit or transmission.
TDF says it hand-selects the vehicles and conducts thorough inspections, verifying their authenticity and race historical past earlier than buying them. Solely vehicles which have competed in at the least one F1 race are chosen. These usually come from defunct groups like Marussia however sometimes from energetic groups corresponding to Sauber.
With years of expertise operating historic F1 vehicles for personal house owners, TDF has redesigned most of the fragile parts and complex working methods typical of F1 vehicles, making them extra sturdy and lowering the necessity for frequent servicing or trackside help. This contains the facility unit—TDF installs its personal 1.8-liter turbo-4, which eliminates the necessity for advanced pre-heating procedures and begins on the push of a button. It is mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox. Energy output ranges from 450 to 600 hp, with a rev restrict capped at 8,500 rpm for longevity. Elements such because the chassis, suspension, and bodywork stay authentic. A lot of the aerodynamics are additionally retained, together with the DRS, although on the TDF it is designed to robotically shut if the motive force makes any steering or braking inputs.
Weighing in at underneath 1,500 kilos, these machines are claimed to be able to exceeding 200 mph. TDF additionally gives customized liveries and bespoke touches, together with tinted carbon fiber components.
TDF’s F1 vehicles can be found within the U.S. via O’Gara Motorsport, which additionally gives driver coaching and hosts monitor occasions, usually held at The Thermal Membership close to Palm Springs, California.