1995 Ferrari 512 M
Seller's description
MODEL HISTORY
Ferrari’s iconic Testarossa was launched in 1984, and became one of the Italian car maker’s all-time best-selling models. A 12-cylinder, mid-engined sports car, its most distinctive features were the long side strakes that drew clean air to twin side-mounted water radiators.
In 1991, the Testarossa evolved into the 512 TR, with an upgraded engine. The interior was redesigned to improve comfort and ergonomics, while an exterior facelift improved aerodynamics.
In the autumn of 1994, the 512 TR became the F512 M, the Testarossa’s final version. It was equipped with the same 4.9 litre flat-12 engine, but had some major modifications to boost power and increase overall performance, including a new lightweight crankshaft, new pistons and titanium alloy connecting rods.
The suspension gained gas-filled shock absorbers, while the braking system was upgraded to incorporate a Bosch ABS anti-skid system.
The exterior design was markedly different from its predecessor, while somehow seeming to keep faithful to the original, with fixed homofocal front headlamp units under glass covers, circular rear lamps, restyled bumpers and a new bonnet with two small air ducts underneath the windscreen.
The car’s elegant interior was similar to the 512 TR – minor differences included a new steering wheel, alloy gear lever knob, adjustable aluminium foot pedals, and a more refined air conditioning system. Lightweight carbon fibre racing seats also became available.
The F512 M had the shortest lifespan of all the Testarossa versions, and only 501 models were made. It was replaced in 1996 by the front-engined 550 Maranello.
EQUIPMENT
Full leather interior, Electric seats, Air conditioning, ABS, Blaupunkt CD/Radio, Tubi exhaust.
EXTERIOR
The 512M was the final edition of the iconic Testarossa. This limited edition variant has a style that captivates the essence of the original car but with the aesthetic updates in recessed headlamps, round rear lights and turbine effect split rim wheels. Absolutely gleaming in Rosso Corsa the paintwork has a consistently deep lustre and is simply superb with only a light dusting of stone chips to the front bumper commensurate with age and mileage. It screams exotica from the air intake vents along the flanks to the low and imposing stance from the rear; perfectly capturing the flamboyance of the times.
INTERIOR
Presented in excellent condition, the Nero black leather feel wonderfully supple and remains mark free whilst all the switch gear appears fresh and free from stickiness or distortion. The dials are classic Veglia – the orange glow harking back to the memory of the original TR. The air conditioning blows crisp and cool, with other modern considerations inclusive of electric seats allowing a fine adjustment in setting up for that optimum position to the Momo wheel and drilled pedals. Headlining, carpets, sill strips and gearbox tunnel finish maintain excellent original fit and combined with that classic Ferrari cabin aroma make it an event without even having to turn the key.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The 4,943cc Ferrari Colombo engine was the last flat 12 to be used in a production car and this is the ultimate evolution of this engine with 4 valves per cylinder, dry sump lubrication, titanium connecting rods and a modified crankshaft allowing a screaming red line of 7500 rpm. This all delivers a unique flat 12 howl that is further enhanced in this example by the Tubi style exhaust. The 5-speed dog leg manual slots between gears with an iconic click – clack against the metal gate, an entirely mechanical action that requires work from cold yet becomes rewarding when pressing on. Having just benefited from a major service including all belts, totalling almost 11,000 Euros, this 512 wants for nothing.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The 18″ Speedline split rims are an extravagant design with a polished lip and turbine centre in order to aid brake cooling. Presented here in lovely condition with some very light nicks on the rim edge they finish the car of perfectly wrapped in almost new Bridgestone Expedia S-01 rubber.
With new discs and pads all-round the brakes are performing like it has just rolled out of the gates at Maranello.
HISTORY FILE
This is a German delivered car from new via Auto Becker Ferrari, Dusseldorf in January 1995. The supplying dealer carried out the first service at 6,255 miles that same year. Finding its way back to its graceland it was acquired by an Italian collector who has treasured this example and kept it in fine order.
More recently this F512M has received a complete service at the main dealer Rossocorsa of Milan, the details of which are spread over a 3 page document to the tune of almost 11,000 Euros.
Supplied with a Ferrari toolkit in leather bound case along with the original leather service wallet, 3 sets of keys and custom indoor car cover.
Contact The Octane Collection for more details.
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