Te s t a r o s s a , 5 1 2 T R & F 5 1 2 M A later model Testarossa is easy to spot. Here is a perfect example as the car has two side mirrors and five bolt wheels. Testarossa, 512 TR & F512 M Buyer’s Guide Contents First Published May 2005 by Ferrari Life. Email: guides@ferrarilife.com Copyright 2005 - 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
F e r r a r i Buyer ’s Guides by Ferrari Life Model Introduction The Testarossa was Ferrari’s bold statement in an era where overstatement was celebrated. The brief for the Testarossa was heavily focused on addressing the perceived short comings of the understated 512 series Boxers.
Te s t a r o s s a , 5 1 2 T R & F 5 1 2 M summer, this setup could lead to the cockpit turning into a sauna given the effectiveness of the poor air conditioning. Moving the radiators to the sides behind the cabin, also allowed for the creation of a reasonable size luggage compartment in the front of the Testarossa. The simple cabin of the 512 BB was replaced with leather soaked luxury on the Testarossa and outfi�ing the flat 12 engine with “quattrovalvoles” allowed it to meet emission standards everywhere.
F e r r a r i Buyer ’s Guides by Ferrari Life Specifications General Brakes: Number Made: Chassis: Transmission: Disc, servo assist Testarossa: 7,177 512 TR: 2,280 F512 M: 500 Tubular Steel Dry single-plate clutch, 5-speed + reverse Engine Type: Longitudinal, mid-mounted flat-12 (180 degree V), light alloy cylinder block and head Displacement: 4,942 cc Bore & Stroke: 82 x 78 mm Compression Ratio: Testarossa: 9.3:1 512 TR: 10.0:1 F512 M: 10.
Te s t a r o s s a , 5 1 2 T R & F 5 1 2 M The word Testarossa literally translate into “Red Head” as Ferrari often paints the engine blocks header red as seen here on the Testarossa. produced. 512 TR 1992-1994 The 512 TR was the first major evolution of the Testarossa. Major changes included a new stronger gearbox which provided for much smoother shi�ing and better durability, lower ride height, a revised interior with more supportive seats, and 18 inch alloys with lower profile tires.
F e r r a r i Buyer ’s Guides by Ferrari Life The air-intake above is what gives the Testarossa its wide body and classic look. It was not until the F512 M that the rear grille became less prevalent in exchange for round lamps. 6 | F e r rari Life the car’s clean appearance. Once the door is open you will see that the cockpit is very low, the door sill is wide and requires some finess to enter/egress smoothly.
Te s t a r o s s a , 5 1 2 T R & F 5 1 2 M rpms. The engine is very smooth with no vibrations at all. It is standard procedure to let the engine run for 30 to 60 seconds to circulate the oil, and then drive the car conservatively until the coolant and oil temps are in their operating range. The clutch requires “medium” effort to operate and is very smooth. The steering is not power assisted, and at slow speeds can be a bit of a work out.
F e r r a r i Buyer ’s Guides by Ferrari Life Maintenance & Reliability Build quality on the Testarossa was outstanding by Ferrari standards and the number of recalls during its long life was few and far between. Several issues that have emerged over time are: • Rust on the bo�om of the doors and where the A and B pillars meet. • Water pumps and pump chains on pre 1989 cars. These should have been updated.
Te s t a r o s s a , 5 1 2 T R & F 5 1 2 M Buying Tips 1. Demand to see the service book and maintenance history file. Make sure you have solid answers to any major holes in the history. If not, move on. Look specifically for missed cambelt changes. 2. Get the car inspected by a Ferrari trained mechanic. He will find things you miss. Many Testarossa’s were garage queens and lack of use can lead to long list of problems which a PPI should identify.
F e r r a r i Buyer ’s Guides by Ferrari Life Ownership Expectations When you purchase a Ferrari, you are not buying a car but rather a work of engineering art and a piece of history. A Ferrari has a soul and character unique in the automotive world. A Ferrari comes filled with Italian passion, for both be�er and occasionally worse. Driving a Ferrari is never boring. It is engaging. You are always involved and interacting with the car across a multitude of senses.
Te s t a r o s s a , 5 1 2 T R & F 5 1 2 M dition of the under carpet - spray water on the car, make sure it beads up immediately - look in the engine bay - is the owner a member of the local Ferrari Owner’s Club Positives on the above are an initial indication of a careful owner, but could also be the result of a pre-sale clean up.
F e r r a r i Buyer ’s Guides by Ferrari Life Judgments from The Ferrari Life Team: The following is nothing more than our opinions and should be taken as such. The ratings are meant to provide some guidance but please remember that markets have a logic unto themselves and every Ferrari is a great car in the eyes of its current owner. Rating are: Poor 0 – Excellent 5. Appreciation Potential is based on Market Prices as of June 2005.
Te s t a r o s s a , 5 1 2 T R & F 5 1 2 M Comments on the Model Guide from The Ferrari Life Team: Below is a model guide chart to help you be�er understand what models are available and in what configuration. This chart shows a number of cars that are not included in this current book. However, we do have information related to each of the models and to make is more understandable we have color coded the text. • The models marked in red are also available at www.FerrariLife.com/library/guides.