Ferrari 512 TR, 1992

Location: Santa Monica, California

$220,000 - $280,000 USD | Not Sold

The replacement for Ferrari’s Testarossa, the 512 TR, was introduced for the 1992 model year as a response to the launch of Lamborghini’s Diablo in 1990. The “512” refers to the engine’s displacement of 5 liters through 12 cylinders, and the “TR” refers to a shortened version of the name Testarossa. The car was well acclaimed by the motoring press right from its introduction, and the legendary Phil Hill wrote in Road & Track that “lurking under that bodywork is about three quarters of an F40 with all the conveniences of any modern GT.”

As the result of feedback from Testarossa customers over the course of that car’s seven years of production, special emphasis was placed on the interior of the 512 TR in order to improve comfort and ergonomics to make the car more comfortable for longer drives, with changes being made to the steering wheel design and seats. Visually, the exterior remained largely the same, while the car was given a nose that resembled that of Ferrari’s 348, which had been introduced three years earlier.

The Testarossa’s horizontally opposed, 48-valve, 12-cylinder engine gained Nikasil cylinder liners, Bosch Motronic engine management, 10.0:1 compression, and a more efficient exhaust system. Power output rose from 390 horsepower to 428 horsepower (SAE), and its top speed increased to 195 mph. The gearbox was redesigned to shift more smoothly with a single-plate clutch, the enlarged brake discs were cross-drilled, and the steering was quickened.

As with most Ferraris, the majority of 512 TRs are red but this example stands out from the rest being finished in the attractive color combination of white with tan leather interior. It is only with its third owner today and has 35,100 miles from new. Service records from Ferrari dealerships are included with the sale.

https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ca15/lots/r0190-1992-ferrari-512-tr/