The world of motorsport gaming has long celebrated iconic racing cars, yet the Super Touring class remains surprisingly underrepresented. While a few titles like the Grid series and RaceRoom's DLC pack offer glimpses into this thrilling era, true enthusiasts must revisit the TOCA Touring Car games from the late '90s for an authentic digital experience. However, modern technology now allows players to enhance this nostalgia with immersive setups, such as one particularly remarkable Ford Mondeo Super Tourer turned sim rig.

This unique piece of automotive history originally served as a test vehicle for Prodrive in 1999, featuring a high-performance 2.0-liter V6 engine capable of over 300bhp. After its racing duties, it transitioned into a public exhibition sim rig at London’s Millennium Dome in 2000. Now available through Iconic Auctioneers, this rare artifact provides an unparalleled blend of retro charm and cutting-edge simulation potential, inviting fans to relive the glory days of touring car racing.

A Glimpse Into the Past: The Original Super Touring Spirit

The Super Touring era left an indelible mark on motorsport, characterized by fierce competition and advanced engineering. Cars like the Ford Mondeo became synonymous with this period, blending power and precision. Although their presence in gaming is limited, the two TOCA Touring Car titles capture the essence of these machines despite outdated graphics. To bridge the gap between past and present, enthusiasts have found innovative ways to elevate gameplay immersion using genuine race cars.

One such example is the Ford Mondeo Super Tourer sim rig, which began its life as a test vehicle developed by Prodrive ahead of the 1999 season. Equipped with a powerful 2.0-liter V6 engine producing over 300bhp, this car exemplified the cutting-edge technology of its time. Once its testing phase concluded, it was repurposed as an interactive exhibit during events at London’s Millennium Dome in 2000. During this period, it even garnered signatures from notable drivers like Alain Menu, who later won the 2000 BTCC championship driving a similar Mondeo. This legacy adds immense value to the sim rig, making it more than just a relic but a symbol of racing excellence.

Modernizing Nostalgia: Enhancing the Sim Rig Experience

Today, this historic Ford Mondeo Super Tourer sim rig offers a fascinating opportunity for gamers to merge classic racing heritage with contemporary gaming technology. Currently configured to run the original TOCA Touring Car Championship game on a quaintly small monitor, it preserves the charm of early PlayStation titles. Yet, upgrading to a modern display system could transform this setup into an ultra-realistic Assetto Corsa Evo configuration, appealing to both nostalgic purists and tech-savvy racers alike.

With the auction concluding on April 10th, estimates suggest the sim rig will fetch between £10,000 and £12,000, presenting a cost-effective way to own a piece of racing history. Despite missing minor components like the original engine and gearbox, the rig retains its core identity as a Super Touring icon. For enthusiasts seeking to replicate the adrenaline rush of navigating Knockhill's daunting curbs or other legendary tracks, this setup promises an unmatched level of authenticity. By integrating state-of-the-art hardware and software, owners can breathe new life into the Super Touring legacy, ensuring its spirit endures for future generations of racing fans.