Vehicle Description
Vehicle to be offered for Auction sale August 17th - 19th, 2017 at
Russo and Steele's 17th Annual Monterey, California Auction. Please
contact us for more information. This striking 1992 Ferrari 512 TR
is, according to actual Ferrari factory records, one of just two
factory US spec prototypes and based on the vin sequence, this one
is the first of these pre-production cars. The 512 TR was
introduced in 1992 as a completely re-engineered mid-engine 12
cylinder improved version of the Ferrari classic, the Testarossa.
When comparing it to the Testarossa, you not only find a number of
subtle body styling changes but also a slew of major engineering
changes making it a distinctively different driving car: *
Redesigned cylinder heads, valve diameters for inlet and exhaust *
Newly designed exhaust manifolds * A completely redesigned cooling
system, including radiators and engine cooling passageways *
Camshaft was re-profiled for a much broader power curve *
Integrated electronic fuel injection system and ignition (Bosch
Motronic 2.7) with self-diagnostic capabilities, and with ECU
located in the cockpit * Better overall fuel economy and lower
emissions * Double independent submergible fuel pumps * Ferrari
engineers improved intake manifolds making them longer and
straighter * Internally, the engine increased compression ratios
from 9.3:1 to 10.1:1 * Horsepower was boosted from 380 to 428 bhp *
Torque increased from 354 lbft to 361 lbft * Vehicle weight reduced
40kg (88lbs) * Limited slip differential (40%) with reduced axial
thrust to increase reliability * Larger front and rear cross
drilled discs: front 315mm x 32mm; rear 310 mm x 28mm * Aluminum
calipers with larger pistons: front 44/40mm; rear: 40/36mm * Front
wheels increased from 16" to 8" x 18" with 235/40 ZR 18 tires *
Rear wheels increased from 16" to 10.5" x 18" with 295/35 ZR 18
tires. * Top speed increased to 195 mph * Clutch and trans were
improved * Chassis rigidity improved * Suspension completely
redesigned markedly improving handling * Engine mounted 1" lower
making the overall CG lower * New steering column design allowing
more room in the driver's foot well * Steering system was improved
with a new steering rack with longer arms, a more direct ratio, and
a better steering moment offset * Interior completely redesigned
allowing more foot and knee space, and better seating comfort. The
4943 cc flat V12 that is longitudinally mounted and produced 428
horsepower with a top speed of 195 mph, 0-62 time of only 4.8
seconds and a quarter mile of 12.8 secs (a full second faster than
the Testarossa). Although the 512TR retained most of the
Testarossa' iconic external design features, the interior was
completely redesigned and upgraded. The Ferrari 512 TR was produced
for only three years with 2261 manufactured. This Ferrari 512 TR
was acquired by the consignor in August of 2008 with 14,614 miles
showing. The interesting ownership history of this Ferrari 512TR is
known from new. It is complete with books and records as well as
tools and jack and a 6 disc stereo system. Though the VIN plate
indicates the car was built in May of 1991 as a 1992 vehicle, the
serial number was some 300 units earlier than the first serial
number at start of production. This car was specifically noted in
Ferrari recall summary letter from Ferrari North America, dated 28
Jun 1995, as the first one of only two prototypes of Ferrari 512TR
USA spec cars. All the annual maintenance for this Ferrari has
always religiously been completed including an engine out belt
replacement that was accomplished at 15,301 miles. The car is in
original and excellent condition with a Rosso Corsa exterior and
Nero interior. A common Ferrari interior sticky rubber problem was
taken care of with new rubber parts. A set of Schedoni black 512
leather luggage goes with the car. The car runs extremely well and
displays the typical mild wear patina on the driver side leather
bolster, which is the only evidence of the cars mileage. Otherwise,
the car is in excellent condition. It shows extremely well and is
an eye turner whenever driven. The Ferrari 512 TR continues to
excite Ferrari enthusiasts with its unique and iconic design and
has recently been rapidly appreciating. An exciting opportunity to
acquire a rare and extremely desirable legendary Ferrari in
excellent condition.
