Tundra

Make
Toyota
Segment
Sports Car

The recent Barrett-Jackson auction saw Corvette aficionado and car collector Rick Hendrick shell out $3.6 million to own VIN 001 of the all-new Corvette Z06. As part of a charity auction, the substantial proceeds will be donated to Operation Homefront, a non-profit that helps military veterans.

It wasn't the only car to be auctioned off for a good cause, though. Toyota donated two of the very first i-Force Max Tundras, with both vehicles sold for a grand total of $1.25 million. These proceed will benefit Toyota's US Paralympic fund. The Tundra Capstone (VIN 001) sold for $700,000 while the TRD Pro (VIN 002) went for $550,000.

Paralympian Kaitlyn Verfuerth joined in on the action, accompanying Toyota on the auction block: "I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would help Toyota auction off a Tundra for $550,000! These funds will go directly to help Paralympic athletes train, have [the] proper equipment, and have access to the best coaching. This type of support is life-changing, and I cannot thank Toyota enough for helping me go more places than I've ever imagined."

While the Tundras won't be made available immediately (the owners can expect a spring 2022 delivery), Toyota has thrown in a few perks to sweeten the deal. The winning bidders will be whisked off to Park City, Utah, to support Team USA athletes competing in the Paralympic Winter Games. What's more, each truck will receive an engine cover signed by its chief engineer, Mike Sweers, as well as a framed print of the original styling sketches, signed by the designers.

VIN 001 belongs to the plush Capstone model. Being the range-topping flagship, Toyota has bundled it with a host of luxury features including 22-inch wheels, imposing chrome trim, leather upholstery, power steps, and a panoramic roof. A TRD Pro derivative proudly wears the VIN 002 plate. Unlike the more refined Capstone, the more rugged TRD Pro boasts improved off-roading ability, courtesy of a front suspension lift, Fox off-road shocks, and an electronically controlled locking rear differential. Naturally, its also been fitted with Toyota's Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control.

The duo is fitted with Toyota's new i-Force Max 3.5-liter twin-turbo engine with hybrid technology. In total, outputs sit at a healthy 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, sent to all four wheels via the 10-speed automatic gearbox. While both models went for considerably more than any regular Tundra will ever sell for, the owners have certainly contributed towards a great cause and, in return, will receive a special piece of Toyota's history.