4,943cc DOHC Flat 12-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Motronic Fuel Injection
428bhp at 6,750rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Cross-drilled Disc Brakes

*The first of just two US market 512 TR Prototypes produced
*Highly original and well-preserved condition with less than 20,700 miles from new
*Recent major service performed by Ferrari specialist
*Offered with fitted Schedoni leather luggage, book, tools and history file

THE FERRARI 512 TR

The 512 TR brought with it a number of welcomed improvements which were aimed at keeping the company's iconic mid-engine, 12-cylinder supercar one step ahead of its rivals. The Testarossa was phased out in 1991, with Ferrari announcing the 512 TR at the Los Angeles Auto Show the subsequent year.

A series of small enhancements are what lead to big improvements for the 512 TR. On the outside, the body featured a revised front end and slightly modified tail, both of which were aimed at improving the cars aerodynamics while lending a slightly more modern appearance. The interior changes were focused on improving comfort and drivability, with the most noticeable changes being the adaptation of new seats, steering wheel, and dash/console layout. The most significant changes however would take place under the skin.

The 4.9-liter 12-cylinder engine was lowered 1 inch into the chassis improving the cars center of gravity. Internally the cylinders received Nikasil liners, a new air intake system, Bosch engine management system, larger intake valves, and a new exhaust system. As a result, output increased to 428 horsepower and 362 pound-feet of torque, a substantial improvement over the Testarossa. The transmission was an updated version of the Testarossa's five-speed manual gearbox with a new single-plate clutch and sliding ball bearings for improved shifts. Chassis enhancements included larger, 14-inch front brake rotors which were cross-drilled all around, quicker steering, and an updated suspension system. The mechanical improvements led to a 0-60 time of only 4.8 seconds, versus the Testarossa's 5.2-second time. Top speed increased from 180mph to 195mph - just shy of the F40's incredible 201mph top speed. A total of 2,280 512 TRs had been made when production ceased in 1994 and of those, it is believed that only 408 were imported to the US.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This striking Ferrari 512 TR is according to Ferrari factory records one of just two factory US specification prototypes produced and based on its VIN sequence; this one is the first of these pre-production cars. This was specifically noted in a Ferrari recall summary letter from Ferrari North America dated June 28, 1995.

Produced as a 'first of the new model' car, at the Maranello, based Ferrari works during May of 1991, the new Ferrari was identified as a 1992 model-year car and equipped for the US market. The car was finished as it appears today, in 'Rosso Corsa' Ferrari red over a 'Nero' black leather interior.

Affording to the Carfax report on file, this Prototype 512 TR was residing in California by the mid 1990s. The previous owner is reported to have purchased the Ferrari in August of 2008 with 14,614 miles on the odometer. The car appears to have remained in the Golden State until 2017, when purchased by the consignor, a Reno, Nevada based collector of exceptional sports and special interest cars.

Today this desirable and 512 TR Prototype remains in largely original and well-preserved condition, and just 20,631 miles are recorded on the odometer at time of cataloging. Mild wear on the driver side leather seat bolster perfectly matches this mileage. The classic 5-spoke 512 TR alloy wheels are fitted on Michelin Pilot Sport tires, and the interior features the cool black faced dials with orange lettering. Factory finishes, labels and ID plates remain intact all over the car. A full engine-out service was recently performed by the Ferrari specialists at Italy's Service in Las Vegas, Nevada, where timing belts, spark plugs, valve cover gaskets and much more maintenance work was performed. Receipts along with other history records can be found in the history file. A set of fitted Schedoni leather luggage is situated in the front compartment, as are factory books and tools chest in leather boxes.

A the first of just two US market 512 TR prototypes produced, this highly original and pedigreed twelve-cylinder Ferrari defines a decade of superior Supercars from the famed Maranello-based manufacturer and is prone to continue its appreciation in decades to come.