1992 Ferrari 512 TR

Rosso Corsa Over Black Leather, a Two Owner, Highly Original Car, Showing 38,791 km and ASI Certified.

Seller Asking: €224,000

Prior to the debut of the Testarossa in 1984, Ferrari was already a well-known company that built exotic dream cars as well as successful race cars that were coveted around the world. But the Testarossa’s introduction at the Paris Motorshow quickly turned the Ferrari brand into a household name. In production from 1984 through 1991, the Testarossa was one of Ferrari’s most successful cars but by the start of the 1990s, it was time for an update to ensure it could keep up with all the new cars coming from the brand’s rivals. The 512 TR debuted in 1991 and, although it looked quite similar to the Testarossa, it was comprehensively revised underneath and a far more potent machine than the outgoing car. Only produced for 3 years between 1991 and 1994, the 512 TR has become the choice for collectors and drivers alike thanks to its low production and improved driving dynamics.

Built in 1992, this 512 TR is finished in the quintessential Ferrari color of Rosso Corsa which is paired with a black leather interior. In the possession of just two owners from new, this 512 TR shows 38,791 at the time of cataloging and has received ASI Gold Certification. Upon closer inspection, this 512 TR has been determined to have original paint throughout and shows no signs of accident damage or repairs. The job of refreshing the Testarossa’s design was given to Pietro Camardella- although only 34 years old at the time, Carmardella had already penned the iconic F40 and Mythos concept car for Ferrari and did an excellent job subtly integrating the rear spoiler as well as the new front and rear end. Looking at this car in person, it is hard to imagine that it is 31 years old, the condition is truly striking and it is a shape that will still draw eyes anywhere.

The black leather interior presents outstandingly well with little wear evident anywhere. One of the major changes carried out with the 512 TR is an entirely revised interior over the Testarossa that is both more comfortable and more user-friendly. Gone is the elongated center stack that housed a trio of illegible gauges- those are now clearly visible and reside in a small horizontal pod directly below the HVAC vents. Where the console was is now open which gives the cabin a much more open, airy feel inside and grants the occupants more room for their knees. The angular seats from the Testarossa are gone and in their place, a comfortable set of sports seats with real bolstering and a headrest that you can actually use.

Powering the 512 TR is a heavily updated version of the Testarossa’s Flat-12 engine which featured a new air-intake system, state-of-the-art Bosch engine management, larger valves and an improved exhaust system. Additionally, the compression ratio went up from 9.2:1 to 10.0:1 which resulted in more power throughout the rev-range and peak power of 422 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque. Ferrari claimed a top speed of over 195 mph on the 512 TR and a reported 0-100 kph time of just 4.8 seconds. After listening to complaints lodged against the Testarossa’s baulky shifter, the 512 TR also received a new single plate clutch, as well as a better angle on the shift lever itself. All of these changes are important and improved the 512 TR significantly but the single largest change carried out was, through clever engineering, Ferrari was able to place the engine and gearbox unit lower in the car, which brought the center of gravity down significantly. This meant that many of the spiky handling characteristics the Testarossa exhibited at speed, were significantly reduced.

This 512 TR is a wonderful example of the penultimate iteration of the famed Testarossa line and will be an exciting car for whoever is fortunate enough to be its third owner. With fewer than 2,270 512 TRs produced between 1991 and 1994, cars with this level of documentation and provenance don’t come along frequently. When you factor in the desirable color combination and ASI certification, this 512 TR is not an example to pass on.

VIN:

ZFFLA40B000092402

Mileage:

38,791 km

Location:

Verona, Italy

Body:

Coupe

Engine:

4.9L Flat-12

Transmission:

5-Speed Manual