Remember the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Races? They were a thrilling part of the Long Beach race weekend from 1977 to 2016. Each year, celebrities raced against pro drivers in a bid to raise money for children’s hospitals. The pros would start 30 seconds behind the celebrities to make it fairer. This event sparked real interest in racing for many stars, including Keanu Reeves and Frankie Muniz.
Reeves actually won the race in 2009. At that time, Toyota didn’t have many sporty cars. So, they handed the reins to Scion for the event. To amp up the Scion tC coupe, Toyota added a TRD supercharger, boosting its power to around 220 horsepower. Along with upgraded brakes and suspension, it became a fun and unique ride for the race.
Fast forward to today, and you can find one of these special cars up for auction. As of now, the highest bid on this tC is just $3,500! That’s quite a steal, especially given its racing history. It’s rare to find a factory-built racer at such a low price.
Why So Cheap?
Race cars face intense conditions. They’re pushed to their limits during each race. Many Scions were reused at different events, and this particular model was later used at the FastLane Racing School. While the odometer shows only 12,000 miles, those are likely some of the toughest miles any car could endure. It has definitely seen better days, with wear and tear visible on the exterior. Though the engine, a reliable 2.4-liter inline-four, is sturdy, keep in mind it may require some maintenance soon.
A Touch of Hollywood
Today, Reeves isn’t directly linked to this car except for his name on the windshield. But he still races occasionally, even taking part in the Toyota GR Cup series in 2024. It’s fascinating to think how much his motorsport journey has evolved since the Pro/Celebrity race.
In “The Matrix,” Reeves’s character could download skills directly. While you may not possess that ability, this affordable tC offers a chance to jump into the world of racing. Even if it needs some work, the thrill of owning a piece of racing history could well be worth it.
Considering the price and its racing legacy, this Scion tC could be a hidden gem. Compared to more modern racing cars that can cost upwards of $130,000, it’s easy to see why this offer stands out.
