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Year of manufacture1992
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Car typeOther
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Lot number348
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Reference numberCH24_r0035
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ConditionUsed
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Location
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Exterior colourOther
Description
- Believed to be of only 88 examples made in right-hand drive; from a total production run of just 2,280 cars
- Delivered new to Hong Seh Motors in Singapore
- Powered by its matching-numbers 4.9-litre flat-12 engine
- Presented in its factory-correct colour combination of Rosso Corsa over a Nero interior
- Odometer reads only 3,932 miles
- Benefits from €43,000-worth of expenditure at Motor Service S.r.l in February 2023
Please note this car is offered without registration papers, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction.
First unveiled in 1991, the 512 TR was revealed by Ferrari as an evolution of the outgoing and widely popular Testarossa. The newer model retained much of its predecessor’s styling cues, yet its Pininfarina-designed bodywork flowed in sculpted curves that softened the sharp edges of the Testarossa’s recognisable wedge shape. Beneath the outer shell of the 512 TR, further changes included a one-piece rear subframe—allowing its engine to sit an inch lower than in the Testarosssa—further to enhanced suspension geometry. The interior was redesigned to increase comfort and ergonomics, while the exterior facelift was carried out to improve aerodynamics.
A new engine management system from Bosch raised power to 428 brake horsepower, and larger intake valves with a revised exhaust allowed Ferrari’s newest sports car to compete on a level playing field with its rivals, notably the Lamborghini Diablo. The 4.9-litre flat-12 engine gave the 512 TR factory-claimed performance stats of a 195 mph top speed, storming to 60 mph from a standstill in only 4.7 seconds.
Chassis 95058 left the Maranello factory in October 1992 configured in right-hand drive for delivery to Hong Seh Motors in Singapore. The lion’s share of the car’s 3,932 miles (showing at the time of cataloguing) is thought to have been accumulated during testing, though the gearchange was found to be too jerky and slow. As a result, before being exported to the Far East, the car was taken to McLaren/Prodrive, where it was converted to an “F1” automatic gearbox. Despite this significant change the car remained in storage for much of its time in Asia. After coming out of storage, the Ferrari was returned to its original configuration by Motor Service S.r.l in Modena. An accompanying invoice from February 2023 totals €43,282 and details a raft of work including repair of the instrument panel, a brake servo overhaul, skimming of brake discs, and fitment of a replacement washer pump, in addition to the replacement of countless gaskets and O-rings. This 512 TR has been found to retain its matching-numbers chassis and engine.
Benefitting from considerable expenditure within the past couple of years, this low-mileage and tastefully specified 512 TR is a fine example of the penultimate generation of the Testarossa lineage.
Please note this lot has entered the UK on a temporary import bond, which must be cancelled either by exporting the lot outside of the UK on an approved Bill of Lading with supporting customs documentation or by paying the applicable VAT and import duties to have the lot remain in the UK.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/ch24/.