From the moment it was introduced at a Paris night club in 1984, the Testarossa has always been 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 hot, too raw and insufficiently usable. By that measure, the Testarossa was a success: it offered exceptionally high performance but was also refined and comfortable. It was a blend that struck a chord with buyers in the consumption-crazed 1980s, 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 when it became 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 fuel injection 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. Relatively few changes were made during 512 TR production, including the addition of defeatable ABS, a switch from a black shift knob to a polished metal one, a different one-piece Pininfarina badge on the rear fenders, and among the latest cars, the incorporation of the improved differential that would be standard on the 512M.
This 1993 Ferrari 512TR is one of 408 examples delivered to North America between 1992 and 1994, and has remained in the San Francisco Bay Area its entire life. The car was originally owned by Ferrari North America and was sold to its first private owner in 1995. The car’s current owner acquired it in June of 2007 and has maintained it extremely fastidiously. The standard of care is extensively documented and he has also shown the car several times, including Concorso Italiano (silver award 2007, gold award 2008), Danville d’Elegance (third in class, 2008 and 2010), Chateau Julien Concours (platinum 2009), Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance, Ferrari Club of America National Meet (platinum 2015). The car was also featured in the Fall 2008 issue of 0 – 60 Magazine.
Extensive service records dating back to December of 1994, including all records under private ownership, are included. The car’s most recent major service was performed in April of 2021 by Patrick Ottis Company that included adjusting the valves, replacing the timing belts, camshaft seals, coolant hoses, drive belts, spark plugs, and rebuilding the water pump. Work performed since 2021 includes the refurbishment of the front bonnet vinyl, replacement of the engine cover foam, replacement of the fuel tank crossover hose and fuel tank sending unit, refurbishment of the rear valence and annual fluid services, the most recent of which was in March of 2024. In addition to thorough care and maintenance, this 512 TR is offered with two original service manuals with an original leather pouch, a stamped service booklet, a complete tool kit, Ferrari parts Manual, and two pieces of Schedoni luggage. Deviation from factory specification is limited to a Tubi exhaust, Fabspeed high flow catalytic converters, and European spec fog lights. The OEM wheels were refinished in 2021 and the car also comes with a set of 18” aftermarket wheels. The original exhaust system including catalytic converters is also included.
Cosmetically, the car presents well with minor stone chipping on the front bumper and some marks on the side intakes, but the overall condition is consistent with that of a car that has covered much fewer miles. Similarly, aside from some wear on the driver’s seat, the interior is exceptionally well-preserved. On the road, it is exceptional, having been obviously maintained and regularly driven, with impressive coherence and urgency to the way it drives, a dramatic difference compared to the Testarossa and one of the best fuel-injected Ferrari driving experiences ever.
This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a 512TR that benefits from unusual pride of ownership, a trait which is especially evident behind the wheel. Exceptionally complete, well-documented, and undisturbed, this 512TR is the ideal example for the enthusiast who wants to experience the model exactly as it should be.
