The Pininfarina designed Ferrari 512 TR first saw its introduction in late 1984, the Testarossa stunned the world with its horizontal slatting, wide hips both accentuating the model’s width and low centre of gravity. A design cue which would be replicated on other Ferraris but never succeeded as well as this model. Some say the epiphany of an 80s style icon the striking features of the TR was a surprisingly organic remains as handsome today as it was. Twenty-Five years ago. Contrary to its imposing looks the drive is quite docile, positively reactive to progression and makes a great noise. The extent of the leather was vast, covering nearly all surfaces which really gave a plush feel to the cabin space. When horizontally opposed twelve-cylinder engine that made 390hp, the car was quick and made fantastic noises, but was also very plush with leather almost everywhere, including on the rear shelf, headliner, and visors. The trunk is reasonably sized and the car very comfortable and easy to drive, making it an ideal way to cover long distances at high speeds in comfort. Many Testarossa owners use them regularly.

The 1994 Paris Motor Show showcased the 512M for the first time. The TR initials were dropped in favour of a single M, which in Italian stood for “Modificata”. Being the Testarossa’s final throw of the dice, the build quality, styling, and power was best saved until last 1995. For the first time, there were major cosmetic changes, the original pop-up headlights being replaced by fixed lamps beneath clear covers, the grille size reduced, round tail lamps adopted, and three-piece wheels fitted. Titanium connecting rods went into the engine, which produced marginally more power and torque than before.

The 512M  heralded the end of the flat-plane crank V12, mid-mounted V12 series production cars for Ferrari and the final iteration of the now-iconic vented-side shape introduced with the Testarossa in 1984. 1996 would see the introducing of its replacement; the front-engined 550 Maranello coupé.

Just 41 UK RHD examples of the 512M were delivered from a total production run of 501 cars. This example was supplied new in the traditional and timeless combination of Rosso Corsa over Crema. First registered in January 1996, this example was supplied new to Lancaster Garages who used the car first as their demonstrator.

The car was used sparingly throughout its life and later, was exported to the sunny and warm climes of Australia where ultimately, the car would remain in dry storage for much of its time. The car was subjected to a comprehensive recommissioning service in 2015. A full engine-out major service, including spark plugs, cambelts, all fluids, a master Cylinder, a refresh to the fuel lines to name but a few, totalling c £8,500. At this point the car was re-imported to the UK, and once more found itself in dry storage.

In the five years since, the car has been used sparingly and upon arrival at DK Engineering, the car was once more treated to a comprehensive service, including the replacement of the cambelts, spark plugs, battery, a full fluid change, plus further experience-led improvements throughout the vehicle.

Today the car is presented with a letter from renowned Ferrari archive expert Tony Willis who confirms the 512Ms UK registration and the initial specification. This extremely rare, low mileage example is mechanically sound and would complement any collection and is available to view by appointment at our showrooms outside of London. 

Please refer to our main website www.dke.co.uk for full details, additional photos, our terms of sale and accurate pricing as some websites may use out of date currency exchange rates: https://www.dkeng.co.uk/ferrari-sales/1313/blue_chip_competition_cars/ferrari_f512m.html