Ferrari F512 M (1995)

Introduced in 1994 at the Paris Motor Show, the Ferrari F512 M was launched as the final evolution of the mighty Testarossa.

For the first time on a production car, Ferrari introduced Modificata or M as a suffix to F512, as a nod to the 512 S-to-M upgrade of the sports racers some years earlier.

For the F512 M, the changes were significant and, in fact, the greatest changes made to the Testarossa during its production, despite the F512 M having the shortest lifespan and lowest volume production. The final use of a flat-vee twelve cylinder in Ferrari production car, the upgraded engine saw a lightened crankshaft, titanium alloy connecting rods with new pistons supporting an increased compression ratio and a greater 440 bhp output.

The result dropped the a 0-60 time to just 4.7 seconds, ultimately reaching a top speed of 196mph. Amongst the various improvements, the styling also befitted from a significant facelift with notable changes including framed headlamps instead of the conventional pop-up units and oval shaped grill more in keeping with the rest of the range.

The front bumper saw more slender running lights and indicators, two NACA ducts, bigger brakes, and new five-spoke split alloys. Towards the rear, modifications were similar to those seen up front with new twin round taillights, a modern Ferrari trademark and the entirety of the engine cover changed to body colour.

Just 501 examples of the 512M were built making them the rarest of all Testarossas.

Just 41 examples were delivered new to the UK in RHD, the F512 M bookended the flat-12 lineage with numbers less than 10% of UK Testarossa supply and fewer than half of the UK supply of 512 TR.

At the time of its introduction, the F512 M was 65% more expensive than an F355 Berlinetta, remaining the flagship of the range until the introduction of the F50. Its rivals at the time? As noted by the media at the time; Porsche 993 Turbo, but also Lamborghini's Diablo VT, Bugatti's EB110, and the McLaren F1.

This example was imported into the UK by Maranello Concessionaires and supplied to its first keeper by Reg Vardy Ferrari of County Durham in November of 1995. Optioned from new in Rosso Corsa over Crema, this example saw the fitment of the new style split-rim twists with contrasting Rosso carpets. Its first owner, who had been unable to get allocation closer to home, promptly registered the car at his address in London.

The first service was carried out by H.R. Owen Ferrari, with nearly two decades of subsequent service by Graypaul Ferrari. Accompanied by a wealth of invoices, period literature and its original book pack, this example has received extensive attention from new. Covering an average of just 320 miles a year since delivery, this F512 M received a major mechanical overhaul including cambelts in August of 2024.

Purchased by its current custodian and stored within our secure storage facility since, this wonderful example of the bookend F512 M is available to view at our showrooms by appointment immediately, presenting today with just 9,530 miles from new.

• 1 of 501 examples, the rarest Testarossa
• 1 of 41 UK supplied RHD examples
• Rosso Corsa over Crema
• Supplied new by Maranello Concessionaires
• Fewer than 9,520 miles from new
• Extensive supporting documentation and invoices