A unique piece of motorsport and pop-culture history is currently up for auction on Bring a Trailer : a 2005 Scion tC once piloted by actor Keanu Reeves. This isn’t just another enthusiast car; it is a specialized racing machine that traces the real-world transition of a celebrity amateur into a professional racer.
A Piece of Long Beach Racing History
For nearly four decades, the Toyota Pro/Celebrity race at the Long Beach Grand Prix was a staple of the racing calendar. The format was high-stakes and high-chaos: celebrities were given a 30-second head start over professional drivers, all competing in specially prepared Toyota compacts. It was a spectacle of unpredictable driving and frequent collisions that captivated crowds for years.
This specific Scion tC was part of that tradition. Driven by Reeves during the 2009 Toyota Pro/Am, the car serves as a tangible link to an era of motorsport where Hollywood stars and professional drivers shared the same asphalt. Reeves’ involvement wasn’t a mere publicity stunt; he won the 2009 event and has since transitioned into professional racing, most recently competing in Toyota’s GR Cup in 2024.
Built for Performance: The Specs
While the Scion tC was originally marketed as a sporty, practical liftback for younger drivers, this particular unit has been heavily modified for the rigors of the track.
Key technical upgrades include:
– Power: A supercharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with aftermarket headers and exhaust, producing approximately 250 horsepower.
– Safety: A full roll cage, five-point harnesses, and an onboard fire suppression system.
– Handling & Control: Upgraded brakes and a heavy-duty clutch to manage the increased power and heat of racing.
This level of modification places the car in a “sweet spot” for front-wheel-drive racing—providing enough power to be competitive without being so excessive that it becomes unmanageable for an amateur.
An Accessible Gateway to Racing
For those looking to enter the world of competitive driving, this auction presents an interesting alternative to modern racing series.
Currently, entering a professional ladder like the GR86 Cup requires a significant financial commitment, often starting around $125,000, with high ongoing costs per race weekend. In contrast, a race-prepped Scion tC offers a much lower barrier to entry. It provides a way to learn the fundamentals of track driving and manage “consumables” (tires, brakes, and fuel) much more economically.
Following its stint with Reeves, the car was utilized by a racing school at Willow Springs in California, meaning it has been maintained and driven in a professional instructional environment.
The Bottom Line: Whether viewed as a collector’s item due to its celebrity pedigree or as a functional entry point into amateur motorsport, this Scion tC represents the bridge between casual driving and professional competition.
The auction is scheduled to conclude on April 23.
