1994 Ferrari 512 TR

Ferrari unveiled the new Testarossa (F110) at the 1984 Paris Motor Show, marking the end of production of the legendary Boxer that had been the flagship 12-cylinder Ferrari model for the previous ten years. Styled by Pininfarina, the Testarossa (Red Head) paid homage to the great 1950's sports racers that originally bore that name, referring to their bright red rocker box covers.

The mid-engine, rear wheel drive configuration allowed the centre of gravity to be positioned in the middle of the car resulting in the weight distribution being 40/60 front and rear, almost an ideal balance in terms of road holding and steering response. The Testarossa was larger than its Boxer predecessor, some 6 inches wider and 2.5 inches longer at 2550mm, allowing for more leg room and combined with the raised roof height in the cabin made progress a little more comfortable, provided you could see the corners of the car, which you couldn't.

Production of the 512TR commenced in 1991 with deliveries to customers in 1992 and was effectively a re-engineered Testarossa, although Ferrari were keen that it was regarded as a new model. As well as the slightly less dramatic styling and a few tweaks to the detailing the main changes were chassis and engine related. The power of the 4.9 Litre, 48 valve, flat 12 was increased to 428 bhp from 380 with a similar improvement in torque, and with the benefit of a 30kg weight reduction on the earlier model, 0-60 times fell from 5.3 to 4.9 seconds.

This particular 512 TR has most recently been the property of successful English entrepreneur Peter De Savary, whose business accolades include shipping, property - famously at Land's End and John O'Groats, yacht building and former Chairman of Millwall Football Club.

It is an original UK, right-hand drive, 512 TR was supplied new by Maranello Sales Ltd Egham, to its first owner, a Mr D. Darsa of Kingston-Upon-Thames on 27.1.94 and finished in Chiaro Blue with a fine looking Crema leather interior. The car has had 3 former keepers, although 2 of them were a husband and wife who each appear on the log book. The service and maintenance records are well detailed and the service book shows a plethora of stamps from both the supplying dealer and other specialists:

Specialist Date Mileage Work Undertaken

Maranello Sales 9.4.94 847 First Service

Maranello Sales 8.9.94 2,585 Lube Service

Maranello Sales 5.4.95 3,454 6,250 mile service

Maranello Sales 10.10.95 4,603 Lube Service

Maranello Sales 15.11.95 5,015 Cambelt Service

Maranello Sales 15.7.96 5,979 Lube Service

HR Owen London 26.8.97 6,625 Lube Service

M. H. T Ferrari 10.11.00 12,403 Cambelt service

Bob Houghton 1.1.04 12,669 Annual service

Bob Houghton 3.2.06 13,085 Cambelt & annual service

Graypaul Nottingham 1.12.11 13,565 Annual Service

Bob Houghton 30.1.13 14,280 Annual Service

Bob Houghton 16.6.16 16,775 Cambelt & annual service

The latest invoice from Bob Houghton made out to Mrs De Savary not only includes the cambelt and annual service but other remedial work that was carried out such as new rear discs and pads, repair of hazard warning lights and recharge and repair of the air-conditioning system. A bill for £4,780 is included in the file for this recent work along with numerous other invoices from the aforementioned specialist in the De Savary's care. The engine bay has also recently benefitted from having the cam covers removed, blasted and re-crackled in red at the cost of a further £948.

Supplied with its leather book pack containing the relevant manuals, this Ferrari 512 TR is in superb condition, and low-mileage examples like this rarely come to market. We are pleased to offer this unique car in a unique colour with fantastic ownership and maintenance history. A highly collectable and emerging classic Ferrari not to be missed.