1992 Ferrari 512 TR
Coachwork by Pininfarina
Chassis no. ZFFLA40B000093223

Introduced in 1992, the 512 TR was one of the final developments of Ferrari's sensational Testarossa supercar. Ferrari's flagship model, the Testarossa revived a famous name from the Italian company's past when it arrived in 1984. A 'next generation' Berlinetta Boxer, the Testarossa retained its predecessor's amidships-mounted, 5.0-litre, flat-12 engine; the latter now boasting a maximum power output raised to 380bhp at 6,300rpm courtesy of four-valve cylinder heads. Despite the power increase, smoothness and driveability were enhanced, the car possessing excellent top gear flexibility allied to a maximum speed of 290km/h (180mph).
Rivalling Lamborghini's Countach for presence, the Pininfarina-designed Testarossa succeeded brilliantly, the gill slats feeding air to its side-mounted radiators being one of the modern era's most instantly recognisable – and copied - styling devices. A larger car than the 512 BB - the increase in width being necessary to accommodate wider tyres - the Testarossa managed the trick of combining high downforce with a low coefficient of drag, its graceful body being notable for the absence of extraneous spoilers and other such devices. Despite the increase in size over the 512 BB, the Testarossa was lighter than its predecessor, the body - its steel doors and roof excepted - being, somewhat unusually for a production Ferrari, of aluminium. Luxury touches in the well-equipped cabin included air conditioning, electrically adjustable seats, tilting steering wheel and plentiful leather.
Unlike some of its rivals, the Testarossa possessed light controls and was relatively easy to drive, factors which, allied to its outstanding performance and stunning looks, contributed to an instant and sustained high level of demand. In 1992 the original Testarossa was succeeded by the updated 512 TR version, which came with 428bhp on tap and could easily exceed 300km/h. Pininfarina gave the TR a front-end makeover and the newcomer also gained improved under-body aerodynamics and 18" diameter wheels. A total of 2,280 512 TRs had been made when production ceased in 1994.

First registered on 25th May 1992, this Ferrari 512 TR was ordered new via Jacques Swaters' Garage Francorchamps in Brussels, who was a good friend of the current vendor, the car's one and only owner. Ordered new in red with black seats and contrasting red carpets, the Ferrari has had only one Belgian registration and was originally registered to the owner's company before becoming his personal property. This car has never been a daily driver; it was bought as a collector's car to participate in outings with the Ferrari Club Belgio and for pleasurable use at weekends, hence the low – and genuine – odometer reading of 20,962 kilometres. The longest trip undertaken was to Maranello in the early 1990s with the current owner, who well remembers the phenomenal experience of driving his Ferrari 512 TR on the open roads in Italy. An invoice for service in 1994 with Ferrari Dealer Monza in Ghent is on file, mentioning the mileage of just 12,684 kilometres at that time.
Around the beginning of the 2000s, this 512 TR was put aside with a little over 20,000 kilometres on the odometer. The car has been dormant for some 20 years and is in need of mechanical re-commissioning and a major service following its lengthy period of dry storage. Although not run since the beginning of the 2000s, the Ferrari remains in superb condition cosmetically, and the vendor confirms that it is accident free and untouched. Accompanying documentation includes a Ferrari Certificate of Conformity (1992); original leasing contract dated 1992; warranty card stamped by Garage Francorchamps and Garage Monza; and the car's original books and pouch including the service book. Representing a not-to-be-missed opportunity to purchase a genuine and little used one-owner-from-new 512 TR, this unmolested example is a most attractive proposal for the Ferrari aficionado.