Mark Osborne
Global Director of Motorsport
LOT 32
1996 Ferrari F512 M Coupé Coachwork by Pininfarina Chassis no. ZFFVA40JPN0104105 Engine no. F113G*41790*
Sold for US$391,000 inc. premium
Lot 32
1996 Ferrari F512 M Coupé
1996 Ferrari F512 M Coupé
Coachwork by Pininfarina
Chassis no. ZFFVA40JPN0104105
Engine no. F113G*41790*
Coachwork by Pininfarina
Chassis no. ZFFVA40JPN0104105
Engine no. F113G*41790*
• Last-of-the-line model
• Built for the Japanese market
• Circa 25,000 kilometres from new
• Ferrari Classiche certified
Introduced in 1994, the F512M was the final development of Ferrari's sensational Testarossa supercar. Ferrari's flagship model, the Testarossa revived a famous name from the Italian company's past when it arrived in 1984. A 'next generation' Berlinetta Boxer, the Testarossa retained its predecessor's amidships-mounted, 5.0-litre, flat-12 engine, the latter now boasting a maximum power output raised to 380bhp at 6,300rpm courtesy of four-valve cylinder heads. Despite the power increase, smoothness and driveability were enhanced, the car possessing excellent top gear flexibility allied to a maximum speed of 180mph.
Rivalling Lamborghini's Countach for presence, the Pininfarina-designed Testarossa succeeded brilliantly, the gill slats feeding air to its side-mounted radiators being one of the modern era's most instantly recognisable – and copied - styling devices. A larger car than the 512BB - the increase in width being necessary to accommodate wider tyres - the Testarossa managed the trick of combining high downforce with a low coefficient of drag, its graceful body being notable for the absence of extraneous spoilers and other such devices. Despite the increase in size over the 512BB, the Testarossa was lighter than its predecessor, the body - its steel doors and roof excepted - being, somewhat unusually for a production Ferrari, of aluminium. Luxury touches in the well-equipped cabin included air conditioning, electrically adjustable seats, tilting steering wheel and plentiful leather.
Unlike some of its rivals, the Testarossa possessed light controls and was relatively easy to drive, factors which, allied to its outstanding performance and stunning looks, contributed to an instant and sustained high level of demand. In 1992 the original Testarossa was succeeded by the updated 512TR version, which came with 428bhp on tap, while ABS brakes were added to the package before the 512TR was replaced by what would be the Testarossa's final incarnation – the 512M – for 1995. For the first time there were major cosmetic changes: the original pop-up headlights being replaced by fixed lamps beneath clear covers, the grille size reduced, round tail lamps adopted and three-piece wheels fitted. Titanium connecting rods went into the engine, which produced marginally more power and torque than before. Only 501 examples of the 512M had been completed when production ceased in 1996.
Dating from the final year of production, this last-of-the-line example of the legendary Italian supercar was supplied new to Japan and has covered only some 25,000 kilometres from new. The car was Ferrari Classiche certified in 2022 and comes with the all-important Red Book. The car was most recently serviced in April of 2023 by official Ferrari Dealer and Service centre Premier Motors, in Abu Dhabi.
• Built for the Japanese market
• Circa 25,000 kilometres from new
• Ferrari Classiche certified
Introduced in 1994, the F512M was the final development of Ferrari's sensational Testarossa supercar. Ferrari's flagship model, the Testarossa revived a famous name from the Italian company's past when it arrived in 1984. A 'next generation' Berlinetta Boxer, the Testarossa retained its predecessor's amidships-mounted, 5.0-litre, flat-12 engine, the latter now boasting a maximum power output raised to 380bhp at 6,300rpm courtesy of four-valve cylinder heads. Despite the power increase, smoothness and driveability were enhanced, the car possessing excellent top gear flexibility allied to a maximum speed of 180mph.
Rivalling Lamborghini's Countach for presence, the Pininfarina-designed Testarossa succeeded brilliantly, the gill slats feeding air to its side-mounted radiators being one of the modern era's most instantly recognisable – and copied - styling devices. A larger car than the 512BB - the increase in width being necessary to accommodate wider tyres - the Testarossa managed the trick of combining high downforce with a low coefficient of drag, its graceful body being notable for the absence of extraneous spoilers and other such devices. Despite the increase in size over the 512BB, the Testarossa was lighter than its predecessor, the body - its steel doors and roof excepted - being, somewhat unusually for a production Ferrari, of aluminium. Luxury touches in the well-equipped cabin included air conditioning, electrically adjustable seats, tilting steering wheel and plentiful leather.
Unlike some of its rivals, the Testarossa possessed light controls and was relatively easy to drive, factors which, allied to its outstanding performance and stunning looks, contributed to an instant and sustained high level of demand. In 1992 the original Testarossa was succeeded by the updated 512TR version, which came with 428bhp on tap, while ABS brakes were added to the package before the 512TR was replaced by what would be the Testarossa's final incarnation – the 512M – for 1995. For the first time there were major cosmetic changes: the original pop-up headlights being replaced by fixed lamps beneath clear covers, the grille size reduced, round tail lamps adopted and three-piece wheels fitted. Titanium connecting rods went into the engine, which produced marginally more power and torque than before. Only 501 examples of the 512M had been completed when production ceased in 1996.
Dating from the final year of production, this last-of-the-line example of the legendary Italian supercar was supplied new to Japan and has covered only some 25,000 kilometres from new. The car was Ferrari Classiche certified in 2022 and comes with the all-important Red Book. The car was most recently serviced in April of 2023 by official Ferrari Dealer and Service centre Premier Motors, in Abu Dhabi.
Footnotes
Please note that this lot shall not be subject to VAT on the Hammer as listed in the printed and online catalogue.
Saleroom notices
Please note that this lot shall not be subject to VAT on the Hammer as listed in the printed and online catalogue.
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