1993 Ferrari 512 TR
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Over thirty-five years after its introduction, the Testarossa remains a visually stunning expression of Ferrari. Its shocking proportions, particularly the width of the rear track, were driven by the decision to move the radiators from the front of the car to the sides to reduce cabin heat, necessitating what became the car’s visual calling card: the long strakes on the doors and rear fenders. Much of the car’s development was aimed at making the Testarossa more civilized than its Boxer predecessor, addressing contemporary complaints that the Boxer was too raw and insufficiently usable. By that measure, the Testarossa was a success: it was exceptionally high performance but also refined and comfortable. It was a blend that struck a chord with buyers, and over 7,200 examples were built, making it one of Ferrari’s most successful cars of all time.
The Testarossa received minor updates throughout its relatively long production run, and then a major update for the 1992 model year to turn it into the 512 TR. Virtually every system of the car was substantially re-engineered, largely with the goal of addressing complaints that the original Testarossa had forgone a little too much of the visceral excitement that should define a Ferrari. The engine was changed from Bosch CIS to Motronic, the valves enlarged, and the compression ratio increased. The exhaust system was also redesigned and the resulting engine gained approximately 50hp and a broader power curve while also becoming dramatically more responsive and sounding much better. The engine was also moved forward and down in the car, a significant enough change to improve the weight distribution by one percentage point at each axle. The suspension was also revised, the steering ratio quickened, and lower profile tires fitted to go with new 18 inch wheels, an increase of two inches. The brakes were also enlarged and fitted with cross drilled rotors.
In terms of driving experience, there is a night and day difference between the Testarossa and the 512 TR and it’s with good reason that there’s a significant price difference between the two. This particular car is a Classiche-certified example which was first registered in March of 1993 in Italy, and spent most of its life there aside from a 3 year stint in Monaco from 2008 to 2011. Its current owner purchased it in Italy in 2021 and then imported it to the United States. The car received a timing belt service in 2019 at 20,909 km, as well as a fluid service in 2021 before leaving Italy. At that time, the car also went through the Ferrari Classiche certification and comes with its red book, as well as original tools, books, and a three-piece Schedoni luggage set.
