While victory at the 1949 24 Hours of Le Mans created Ferrari’s sportsracing legend, the Scuderia’s four consecutive Tour de France wins (1956–59) established the competition mystique of the 250 GT Berlinetta. While Ferrari would eventually adopt a mid-engine layout for its competition cars and several road models from the latter 1960s through the 1990s, the 1996 launch of the 550 Maranello was the marque’s first front-engine, V-12, two-seat road car since the 365 GTB/4 Daytona in 1973.

Development was relentless, with the 550 succeeded by the 575, the 599, and their derivatives, followed by the F12 Berlinetta that broke cover at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. A clean-sheet design, the F12 demonstrated Ferrari’s latest engine and power train technologies, including a new race-derived seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, plus cutting-edge underpinnings and the aerodynamic advances gained from the 599XX and Formula 1 programs.

While boasting some naturally aspirated 730 hp and capable of immense performance, the F12 would serve as the basis for the even more potent F12tdf, so named in commemoration of the Tour de France and marking the first time a Ferrari V-12 Berlinetta was named as such since the late 1950s. Launched in October 2015, the F12tdf took the concept to entirely new levels in terms of its engine, aerodynamics, and driving experience.

Changes to the F12 ushered in by the F12tdf were many, beginning with the 6.3-liter, normally aspirated V-12 engine. Featuring a race-derived valve train and F1-style variable-geometry intake trumpets, the V-12 was uprated to peak 769 hp with 519 lbs./ft. of torque on tap. Power delivery is exceptional, with 80% of torque output available from just 2,500 engine revolutions, progressively increasing all the way to the engine’s 8,900 rpm redline. Power is transmitted by a rear transaxle housing Ferrari’s revised F1 DCT seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with 6% shorter gear ratios, delivering 30% quicker upshifts and 40% faster downshifts. Revisions to the F12’s bodywork include extensive use of strong, yet lightweight carbon fiber components, yielding a weight reduction of 110 kilograms (243 pounds) and unlocking further performance potential.

Aerodynamic updates applied to the F12tdf included a new front fascia, side skirts, rear spoiler, and rear air diffuser, helping the F12tdf generate 570 pounds of downforce at 124 mph, nearly double the amount generated by the F12. Other wizard-like F12tdf highlights include updated tire specifications in concert with Ferrari’s Passo Corto Virtuale (Virtual Short Wheelbase) rear-wheel steering system, which automatically adjusts the rear wheels to the optimal steering angle. Reducing oversteer while maintaining sharp response to steering inputs, these tweaks combine to deliver the handling of a competition car while providing increased stability at speed. Stopping power of the F12tdf is incredible to match its forward urge, with use of the new Extreme Design one-piece brake calipers derived from those of the LaFerrari.

Of course, stunning performance is the true raison d’être for the F12tdf, which it delivers in abundance. Factory-quoted performance figures were handily confirmed by magazine road-test editors, including race-worthy lap times, acceleration from rest to 60 mph under 3.0 seconds, and a top speed beyond 210 mph. Just 799 examples of the F12tdf were built in all – one less than Ferrari’s projected market demand for the model.

Finished in visually stunning extra-cost, “paint to sample” Giallo Triplo Strato (Triple Layer Yellow) and bespoke upholstery and carpeting, this 2016 Ferrari F12tdf has undergone strictly limited use with only 678 miles at the time of cataloguing. This F12tdf features yellow-finished brake calipers, body-color outside mirrors, sport exhaust pipes, and carbon fiber for the air-filter box, fog lamps, dashboard, and racing seats. Interior accoutrements include yellow interior details, colored floor mats with Ferrari logos, and a yellow rev counter. The high-power HiFi stereo radio and navigation system include Bluetooth and satellite radio connectivity. Service work was completed during January 2020 under Ferrari’s prepaid seven-year Genuine Maintenance program, and service records accompany this stunning Ferrari at auction. A full clear bra protects the exterior finish. Simply put, this 2016 Ferrari F12tdf is everything that a modern tribute to the Tour de France should be, and much more.