Ferrari 512 TR (1992)

The 512 TR was the replacement for the Testarossa, and was announced for the 1992 model year. The new car witnessed a return to a model title using characters, with the figure "5" referring to the cubic capacity of the engine in litres and the "12" to the number of cylinders, whilst the "TR" was an abbreviation of Testarossa (Testa Rossa). The main external visual differences were the nose and tail treatment, the louvre design on the engine lid and the design of the road wheels. There was also a barely noticeable different profile to the sail panel buttresses, which were plain and flowed directly into the roof panel on the 512 TR, instead of featuring the step and black perforated exhaust air grilles of the Testarossa. Internally there were changes to the seats, steering wheel design and trim details. Mechanically there were numerous changes to the engine and gearbox, which boosted power, and provided a more satisfying and positive to use gearbox. Not visually apparent was that the engine and transmission assembly location in the chassis had been dropped by 30mm, to lower the centre of gravity, and thus improve the already high standard of roadholding.

The net result of these changes was a jump in the claimed power output of 38bhp to 428bhp @ 6750rpm for European models and 421bhp at the same engine speed for US models. The increased power provided improved acceleration, although the top speed was still in line with that of its predecessor.

Supplied new to Maranello Concessionaires in 1992, this example was originally ordered for use as a demonstrator in Rosso Corsa over Crema. A last minute decision saw the change to full black interior, and the 512 TR was first registered on 20th May 1992. Maranello would retain the car for twelve months, selling the car to its first private keeper in May of 1993.

By 1997, the car had covered just 17,000 miles when it passed to its third keeper, Mr Bent of Essex who would retain the car for 16 years. Unusually for a Ferrari, and certainly for the time, this 512 TR would be used to see all of the motorsport sights of Europe. With most of its mileage covered on motorways, this TR travelled the breadth of Europe visiting Monaco on nine occasions, Monza six times, Spa Francorchamps six times, Barcelona twice, Imola once, Mugello, Misano, Zolder, Hockenheim, the Nurburgring and 'Le Mans, too many times to remember'. An avid petrolhead, the TR further visited Corsica for the World Rally Championship on two occasions and to Sardinia.

In support of this mileage, the car received unrivalled servicing. During the 16 year custodianship of Mr Bent, the TR would receive no fewer than 25 services, the lion's share of which were carried out by supplying dealership Maranello Concessionaires. This frequency amounted to an average of 2-3 services every year.

Ownership Summary

• 31.01.1992 – Ordered by Maranello Concessionaires to be used as demonstrator
• 01.07.1992 – Road tested in Autocar magazine
• 29.05.1993 – 2nd custodian
• 23.04.1997 – 3rd custodian
• 16.03.2013 – 4th custodian
• 06.06.2013 – 5th custodian
• 10.11.2022 – Current custodian

Early Service History

• 01.06.1992 – Maranello Concessionaires – 1,381 miles
• 28.07.1992 – Maranello Concessionaires – 5,702 miles
• 29.05.1993 – Maranello Concessionaires – 7,218 miles
• 12.05.1995 – Maranello Concessionaires – 14,880 miles

Service History during 16 year ownership

• 21.04.1997 – Maranello Concessionaires – 17,345 miles
• 13.07.1997 – Maranello Concessionaires – 23,080 miles
• 30.09.1997 – Maranello Concessionaires – 26,597 miles
• 19.03.1998 – Maranello Concessionaires - 28,768 miles
• 08.08.1998 – Maranello Concessionaires - 33,155 miles
• 20.02.1999 – Maranello Concessionaires – 36,439 miles
• 29.05.1999 – Maranello Concessionaires – 39,551 miles
• 12.11.1999 – Maranello Concessionaires – 43,714 miles
• 12.05.2000 – Maranello Concessionaires – 45,597 miles
• 11.08.2000 – Maranello Concessionaires – 48,911 miles
• 10.03.2001 – Maranello Concessionaires – 53,000 miles
• 02.06.2001 – Maranello Concessionaires – 54,736 miles
• 24.08.2001 – Maranello Concessionaires – 58,538 miles
• 22.02.2002 – Maranello Concessionaires – 61,388 miles
• 11.06.2002 – Maranello Concessionaires – 65,009 miles
• 21.02.2003 – Maranello Concessionaires – 71,343 miles
• 05.09.2003 – Maranello Concessionaires – 76,936 miles
• 09.04.2005 – Maranello Concessionaires – 84,852 miles
• 28.09.2005 – Maranello Concessionaires – 89,009 miles
• 08.04.2006 – Maranello Concessionaires – 93,046 miles
• 11.08.2006 – Maranello Concessionaires – 98,137 miles
• 03.04.2007 – Maranello Concessionaires – 104,164 miles
• 15.09.2007 – Maranello Concessionaires – 112,370 miles
• 04.06.2008 – Grimaldi Engineering – 116,377 miles
• 25.02.2013 – Grimaldi Engineering – 121,305 miles

Mr Bent sold the car to its 4th custodian in 2013, the 512 TR had covered the equivalent of five laps of the circumference of earth. Its 4th custodian acquired the car and placed it in an auction just a few weeks later where it would fifth custodian who would care for the car for 7 years, covering just over 7,000 miles in that time.

Purchased by the current owner in 2022 after a period of time in storage, the 512 TR immediately underwent a comprehensive restoration and refinishing. The current custodian elected Transcal - supplier of Gordon Murray Automotive - to retrim the whole interior in Connolly leather 5134 'Arancio'. At the same time, the bodywork was refinished by Normandales in the period correct shade of Blu Chiaro. Mechanical works, including the strip, overhaul and reassembly were carried out by BBM Sport with works totalling £70,000.

Today presenting with just 1,050 miles since its restoration, this 512 TR is presented in Blu Chiaro over a striking Arancio Connolly hide. Extensive invoices are on record for the restoration works and for the earlier services as carried out during its extended use in Europe.

Residing within a considerable collection, this TR has seen sparing use since completion, with just 1,050 miles completed. As a part of the sale, this example will recieve a major service including cambelts ensuring the car is ready to be used and enjoyed in its next chapter.

• UK supplied to Maranello Concessionaires as their demonstrator in 1992
• Originally supplied in Rosso Corsa over Nero
• 1 of 86 UK supplied examples
• Owned for 16 years and 25 services by a single custodian
• Restored by BBM Sport, Normandales and Transcal in 2022
• Refinished in Blu Chiaro over Connolly 5134 'Arancio'
• Just 1,050 miles covered since
• Major service by DK Engineering as a part of the sale