- TDF has an upcoming documentary that details how it turns retired Formula 1 cars into track toys
- The company uses original chassis but swaps in its own power unit and gearbox
- The company only uses chassis that have competed in actual F1 races
Forget the Aston Martin Valkyrie and Mercedes-Benz AMG One—if you’re after the closest thing to a Formula 1 experience in a car you can actually own, TDF has you covered.
The UK-based motorsports and engineering firm specializes in delivering the ultimate track machine by acquiring authentic F1 cars, restoring them, and selling them to passionate racing enthusiasts.
The company surfaced a few years ago but has now produced a documentary detailing everything that goes into one of its cars. Set to air on Feb. 20, TDF has already released a trailer offering a sneak peek.
It highlights how TDF’s team—composed of many former F1 engineers—has had to implement significant engineering solutions to get these cars running, as they typically arrive without a power unit or transmission.
TDF says it hand-selects the cars and conducts thorough inspections, verifying their authenticity and race history before acquiring them. Only cars that have competed in at least one F1 race are chosen. These often come from defunct teams like Marussia but occasionally from active teams such as Sauber.
With years of experience running historic F1 cars for private owners, TDF has redesigned many of the fragile components and intricate operating systems typical of F1 cars, making them more durable and reducing the need for frequent servicing or trackside assistance. This includes the power unit—TDF installs its own 1.8-liter turbo-4, which eliminates the need for complex pre-heating procedures and starts at the push of a button. It’s mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox. Power output ranges from 450 to 600 hp, with a rev limit capped at 8,500 rpm for longevity. Components such as the chassis, suspension, and bodywork remain original. Most of the aerodynamics are also retained, including the DRS, though on the TDF it’s designed to automatically close if the driver makes any steering or braking inputs.
Weighing in at under 1,500 pounds, these machines are claimed to be capable of exceeding 200 mph. TDF also offers custom liveries and bespoke touches, including tinted carbon fiber elements.
TDF’s F1 cars are available in the U.S. through O’Gara Motorsport, which also provides driver training and hosts track events, typically held at The Thermal Club near Palm Springs, California.
