Vehicle Description
Chassis No. ZFFVA40B000099983
Ferrari's relentless commitment to excellence saw the
decade-defining Testarossa evolve to become the 512 TR as it
entered the 1990s, and in 1994, reach its final incarnation as the
F512 M. Introduced as the Testarossa at that year's Paris Salon,
the F512 M - the "M" suffix standing for Modificata (Modified) -
would not only be the last iteration of Ferrari's glorious
flat-twelve-powered supercar, but it would also be the rarest with
only 501 examples built.
The engineers in Maranello began by retaining the mechanical
improvements introduced on the 512 TR, which had included a revised
suspension geometry, a Bosch Motronic 2.7 engine management system,
and a lower-mounted engine. The F512 M's powerplant benefited from
the same improved engine placement, while also boasting a lightened
crankshaft, titanium alloy connecting rods, new pistons, and a
higher compression ratio for a claimed output of 440 horsepower.
Top speed remained the same at a staggering 195 mph, while the
increased power shortened the 0-60 mph sprint to 4.7 seconds,
coming to halt quickly via a new Bosch ABS braking system.
In keeping with the design ques of the rest of the model range, the
F512 M received its most dramatic styling overhaul yet. A new front
nose featured a false grill bearing a chrome Cavallino Rampante
badge flanked by two integrated driving lights, closely resembling
the front end of the then-new F355. Fixed headlights behind glass
covers replaced the twin retractable units of its predecessors,
while a pair of NACA ducts feeding air to the revised air
conditioning system rounded out changes to the front. The rear was
similarly revised with a reduction of the louvered facia, new
quadruple round taillight units, and a full body-color engine
cover. As a final touch of modernization and functionality, the
F512 M received new aerodynamically-vaned five-spoke split
wheels.
Offered from the final year of production, this superb Euro-market
F512 M represents the last flat-twelve-powered production Ferrari
to date. Chassis number 99983 is believed to have been delivered
new in Italy, and as a result, is equipped with a number of
desirable Euro-market features including small round indicators
behind the front wheels, white-colored front indicator lights, and
lack of a passive-restraint system as on US-market cars. The
Ferrari was reportedly imported to Japan where it was repainted in
its current shade of red before being acquired by official Ferrari
dealer Formula Automobile in Lyngby, Denmark. The car's warranty
book and service records on file document a service performed at
Formula Automobile in September 2020 at 31,565 kilometers, which
included replacing the fuel pumps and an oil and filter change. A
second visit to Formula Automobile in November 2022 at 31,580
kilometers encompassed replacing the timing belts, spark plugs,
ignition system, and decklid and hood struts as well as a recharge
of the air conditioning system.
In April 2023, the Ferrari was imported from Denmark to the United
States, and according to the accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History
Report, spent a brief period of time in Savannah, Georgia before
selling to the consignor in June 2023. Today, the car's bodywork
remains well-preserved, complemented by the fine red paintwork
applied under previous ownership and a correct set of five-spoke
two-piece alloy wheels mounted with new Michelin Pilot Sport tires
in February 2023. Equally impressive is the condition of the Nero
leather hides, three-spoke MOMO steering wheel, drilled aluminum
pedals, and interior switches. In addition to its recent servicing,
the results of an engine compression test dated March 2023 are a
further testament to the fine mechanical condition of this F512
M.
Overall, the appearance and presentation of 99983 is indicative of
a life of meticulous care. Showing just under 32,000 kilometers on
its 320 kph Veglia Borletti speedometer at the time of cataloging,
this exceptionally rare Ferrari is offered with factory books in
their leather folio, a Schedoni leather tool kit, import documents,
and service records. As the ultimate iteration of over two decades
of mid-mounted flat-twelve development which began with the 365 GT4
BB in 1973, this outstanding F512 M is ready to be enjoyed on the
open road to the soundtrack of its Kreissieg F1Sound exhaust
system.