Fantasy Junction

Description

1994 Ferrari 512 Testarossa
VIN: 5YRE1A12A1000734
Rosso Metallizzato Fer 311/C with Beige Leather

The original Testarossa was introduced in 1984 and was the first 12-cylinder Ferrari specifically designed for the U.S. market. Ferrari wanted to dominate the American exotic car market and so the Testarossa was designed with attractive integrated bumpers, U.S.-friendly headlights, a user-friendly cockpit, more than adequate air conditioning and a then state-of-the-art engine-management system and catalytic converters, making it a supercar by the performance standards of the day. The Testarossa engine was an evolution of the 512 BBi’s fuel-injected 4,943cc unit but updated with all-new four-valve heads and Magneti Marelli Microplex ignition. Red-painted cam covers and ribbed intake plenums paid homage to Ferrari’s Testa Rossa sports-racing cars of 1950s and early ’60s and gave the Testarossa its “Redhead” name. In deference to the American market, the Testarossa was finished in very plush leather on the seats, the rear shelf, the headliner and visors. The trunk was adequately sized and the cockpit was very comfortable, making the Testarossa the automotive weapon of choice to cover long distances at high speeds in comfort.

For the 1992 model year the Testarossa was re-engineered and introduced as the 512 TR at the 1992 Los Angeles Auto Show as effectively a completely new car. The 512 TR was designed to be a formidable competitor to Lamborghini’s new Diablo with engine output up 38 hp to 428 bhp at 6750 rpm, thanks, in part, to Bosch Motronic M2.7 engine management. Top speed jumped to 190 mph while 0-60 was now just 4.9 seconds. The exhaust sound at speed alone was worth the price of admission. Visually the new 512 TR front featured a new bumper, a new grille, twin brake ducts and new secondary light clusters. A new engine lid, color-coded rocker panels and smoked tail light clusters were topped off with a chromed Cavallino Rampante above the color-coded bumper. Attractive five-spoke wheels and larger brakes completed the exterior updates. The interior received a more contemporary dash and center console. The highly revised chassis was much stiffer, featuring a lower-mounted engine and gearbox, gas-filled rear shocks and a lower ride height, all improving both performance and handling.

Produced in July of 1993, and sold new to Albert A. Shamaley of El Paso, Texas in March of 1995, this particular example is a stunning, investment-grade car which is completely up-to-date on its major service, performed by Rod Drew’s Francorchamps of America, Inc. in Costa Mesa, California in May of 2015. With just over 16,000 miles indicated, this lower mileage car in original paint is as close to as-new showroom condition as one could imagine. Purchased by the present Southern California owner approximately 10 years ago, this 512 TR has all the right answers for the investment-minded Ferrari enthusiast looking for an exceedingly rare car with all the amenities of a late model automobile.

Documentation on file going back to 1997 indicates service at regular intervals including a $23,844 major service in 2006 (at 7,000 miles) which included the replacement of the clutch, timing belts, A/C dryer, throttle pedal, and hood struts, and the removal of an alarm currently fitted at that time. More recently, in May of 2015, another major service was performed which included re-sealing the transmission bell housing and transfer gear case, adjusting the valves and replacing and re-timing the cams, rebuilding the A/C compressor, and changing all belts and fluids, including flushing the brake system. The total cost for this recent service was just over $11,000.

As would be expected of a lower mileage properly maintained and fully serviced late model car, this 512 TR performs beautifully. There are, to our knowledge, no pending mechanical issues whatsoever. The car starts easily, pulls cleanly with more than adequate power, shifts beautifully including second gear, both warm and cold. The brakes are also operating properly with a firm, high pedal. The lack of power steering is a welcome change for those with driving ambition, as like the Ferraris produced before it, the 512 TR allows for a great feel of connectivity between the pilot and the road.

Cosmetically, this car is virtually as-new. The paintwork is beautiful throughout. The windshield was changed at one time, and according to the current owner, this required very minor touch-ups, but they are unnoticeable. The front air-dam and bumper assembly, and indeed the balance of the exterior is free of any major (or even minor) paint imperfections. The car sits on four unmarked wheels. The window glass and lenses are also as-new in condition.

The interior is remarkable in its presentation. In contrast to the original Testarossa of the 1980s, the 512 TR could have been ordered with the full leather interior in a single color, beige in the case of this car. The dash, which is sensitive to sun exposure and shrinkage on Ferraris of this era, is mint on this example, without any evidence of weather damage or hardness. The driver’s seat bolster, which is another common wear area, is also impeccable, and representative of an ultra-carefully owned car. This example is still fitted with its period correct Alpine radio, with a CD changer located in the front storage area.

The engine bay and underside are both nearly spotless, and are on par with the balance of the car.

Included with the sale are the complete manual pack with service book and leather pouch, and the space saver spare wheel, correct for a 512 TR. Tools are not present.

As the active buying population transcends to the next generation, it is cars of the 1980s and 1990s which are seeing the most rapid appreciation in today’s marketplace. No-excuse, low mileage cars in impeccable condition, which have been produced in limited numbers, are of course the very best bet from an investment perspective, while remaining eminently usable and enjoyable on the road.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608