This piston was used by Ferrari during the 2001 Formula 1 season. It's tiny, it's light, and it's made of Italian kitten whispers. All the prancing-horse talk of late reminded me that it was tucked away in my closet. Bella!
It took some digging — I wasn't quite sure where it was — but I found this in my closet last night. You may not believe me, but I had forgotten that I had it. I am, in a word, ashamed.
It has a predictably short skirt with some scuffing on it, two rings (one oil control, one compression) but three grooves, carbon in its valve pockets, and a bit of corrosion on the pin. Someone has scratched the numbers "4" and "174" into it, which I can only presume have something to do with cylinder count and weight. There are other numbers and manufacturing marks, but I have no idea what they mean.
Yes, it's real, and no, I didn't buy it. Take a look at the gallery and see if you can tell me anything else about it. I'd tell you how much it weighs or where I got it, but then, of course, I'd have to kill you. As would Enzo Cash and the Horse Whisperer. Volaaaaaaaaare...
Inside Joke Department: Erik Johnson, if you're reading this, then I have two words for you: Career. Memento. You are a funny man.