1994 FERRARI 512 TR

The Shape that defined an era

There is perhaps no car more closely identified with 80’s excess, Wall Street yuppies, or TV hero cops than the Testarossa.

A square hipped, side-straked marvel that embodied everything that was cool and edgy, the Testarossa was no shrinking violet. If the Countach was the pin-up car of the early 80’s, then the update to the Testarossa, the 512TR was most definitely the pin-up car of the early 90’s.

Building on the foundations of the Testarossa (namely the 4.9L Tipo F113 Flat 12 and 5 Speed gearbox), the 512TR brought huge improvements to the drivability and liveability of the Testarossa.

With a significant power bump from 287kw to 315kw, Nikasil liners were added, along with a new air intake system, Bosch engine management system, larger intake valves, and a revised exhaust system. In addition to the higher peak power, the modifications delivered a broader power band for better acceleration.

The gearbox was also extensively reworked for better shift quality via a new single-plate clutch, sliding ball bearings and the angle of the shifter knob itself. With a better position for the engine and gearbox which improved the centre of gravity, the 512TR also got bigger brakes and new 18” alloy wheels to differentiate it from its older, less advanced sibling. With a modernised interior and subtle external tweaks to aerodynamics, the 512TR kept everything that made the Testarossa cool, but brought some much needed improvements to the usability and dynamics of the car.

This stunning 1994 car is undoubtedly the best we’ve ever seen. 1 of only 88 RHD cars, it is also one of the very last cars off the production line before the unloved 512M began production. This car was in fact only first delivered in May of 1995 by Italian Motors of Hong Kong. Presented here in the stunning and most desirable combination of Rosso Corsa over contrasting Cuoio Leather, this 512TR has two full A4 ring binder folders itemising the history of the car, along with media pieces and brochures from the era. This car also has the complete set of Ferrari books in the Schedoni leather folder, plus the toolkit and a brand new unused Ferrari car cover.

Opportunities to buy a car of this calibre and with this provenance come along rarely, and we at CHROME TEMPLE feel this car will deliver very sound returns both as an icon of Automotive Art, and as an appreciating asset.