1996 FERRARI 512 TR

This Ferrari 512 TR is an original example of the rare successor to the original Testarossa, presented in very good order from single private ownership, and finished in the iconic Rosso Corsa hue. The TR is powered by a 422bhp 4.9-litre flat-12 engine coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox. The odometer shows 40,800 miles from new.

While more than 400 examples of the original Testarossa were built in right-hand drive, it is understood that just 88 right-hand-drive 512 TRs left the gates at Maranello, making this a genuinely rare supercar. First registered on 19 January 1996, this is a single private owner car, which was acquired by the trade in 2015. It has only ever had one registered keeper from new, as shown on the V5C.

This 512 TR left the factory finished in the vibrant Rosso Corsa paint colour, which is reported to be in good condition. A few small blemishes can be found here and there, with a scratch on the front splitter, and a cracked corner in the nearside pop-up headlight fairing – though this is only visible when the light pods are up. The vendor also notes some imperfections around the wheel arches, and some bubbling on the bonnet, which is visible in the gallery below. Overall though, this is a well-presented example of an iconic flat-12 supercar.

Its Scuderia wing shields are faithful aftermarket additions, but the rest of the badging and motifs are the factory-fitted items. The light lenses also appear to be in very good order. The five-spoke alloy wheels are original and present well, with only a couple of very minor marks.

The cabin is clean and original, with gorgeous Crema leather and deep red carpets for that iconic Ferrari look. The cabin is largely in excellent condition, with few signs of damage or wear. A closer inspection reveals some perishing of the driver’s door rubber seal and a mark on the handbrake, as well as some minor discolouration and slight wear on the seats. There are no issues with any of the switchgear and no warning lights on the dashboard.

Initially maintained by supplying dealer, JCT600, servicing for this 512 TR was soon handed over to renowned marque specialist Italia Autosport, which cared for the car between 1999 and 2014. Most recently, it has been maintained by Dick Lovett Swindon. It has evidently been well cared-for over the years, with no fewer than seven major cambelt services on record.

The most recent service took place in September 2020 at 40,684 miles, carried out by Ferrari dealer Dick Lovett Swindon. This comprised an annual service and brake fluid renewal, as well as replacement of the brake fluid reservoir, and bleeding of the brake and clutch systems. It is also fitted with four brand-new Pirelli tyres, meaning this car needs nothing to get out and enjoy on the road immediately.

Over the last 14 years, belt replacement services have taken place every three years without fail, and the next one will be due in 2021. During the service in 2018, the auxiliary belt and brake fluid were also renewed. In 2015, the cam covers were sent away for refurbishment, and the gaskets and cam seals were replaced, along with the crank seal, engine mounts, and the nearside rear vacuum cylinder.

The most recent MOT test was on 7 May 2019 at 40,594 miles, which resulted in a clean pass. The MOT expires on 6 November 2020 due to the six-month extension, but the vendor will hand the car over with a fresh 12-month certificate.

This car comes with a substantial folder of paperwork, including invoices and receipts for most services, and even the original purchase invoice from 1996. The set of Ferrari handbooks is also present, plus the stamped maintenance record, all stored in the tan leather wallet. There are also three sets of keys.

This Ferrari 512 TR is a wonderful example of an iconic road car, which has been looked after over the years by recognised main dealers and a leading Ferrari specialist. Despite being almost 25 years old, the performance is still on a par with many modern sports cars, and it is begging to be driven and enjoyed as intended. A striking modern classic; this would make a fine addition to any collection.

Summary of service history:

• 13/03/1996 – Running-in service
• 09/10/1996 – 6,854 miles
• 05/01/1998 – 13,330 miles
• 03/03/1999 – 17,327 miles (inc. belts)
• 06/03/2000 – 21,700 miles
• 15/05/2001 – 25,027 miles
• 30/09/2002 – 28,967 miles (inc. belts)
• 31/10/2003 – 32,364 miles
• 06/05/2006 – 34,488 miles (inc. belts)
• 06/04/2009 – 36,683 miles (inc. belts)
• 20/03/2012 – 38,172 miles (inc. belts)
• 05/09/2014 – 39,715 miles
• 14/08/2015 – 40,354 miles (inc. belts)
• 03/07/2018 – 40,593 miles (inc. belts)
• 23/07/2020 – 40,684 miles

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.