1994 Ferrari 512 TR

The Ferrari 512 TR is incredibly alluring with gorgeous Pininfarina styling and supercar performance that leaves even the Testarossa behind.

Pininfarina, the Michelangelo of Italian car design, took its incredibly popular Testarossa styling and tweaked it to perfection to achieve a more integrated look. It retained the renowned side strakes and wide rear fenders of the Testarossa, but redesigned the front grille and bumper, extended the flying buttresses, updated the five-spoke wheels and lowered the dual mirrors. Wind-tunnel testing was also used to refine the curves for improved overall aerodynamics.

Only 2,261 Ferrari 512 TR were produced between 1991 and 1994 thanks in part to a global recession and new US luxury car tax. The production run might have lasted longer if more enthusiasts had been aware of how very different the Ferrari 512 TR was from the Testarossa it replaced — as any test ride comparison quickly revealed.

The Formula One inspired 4.9-liter flat 12-cylinder midship engine from the Testarossa was thoroughly refined to deliver quicker, more powerful response and a higher maximum speed. Features like a new Bosch Motronic M2.7 system, redesigned intake ports, new forged aluminum alloy pistons, modified camshafts and a higher compression ratio raised horsepower to 428 bhp at 6750 rpm and torque to 362 lbs at 5500 rpm. The truly impressive performance included acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 195 mph.

Ferrari also lowered and forward-shifted the weight of the midship engine and transmission to achieve a 41:59 front-to-rear weight distribution that improved stability and cornering precision during aggressive moves. Handling was further improved by a stronger more integrated chassis with significantly reduced chassis flex and increased torsional rigidity, quicker steering, 100-pound lower weight, larger wheels with lower profile tires, larger cross-drilled front brake rotors and a tweaked, race-derived suspension.

The interior is more comfortable and stylish than in the Testarossa. New seats provide more comfort and lateral support. The steering wheel, shifter and racing pedals are more ergonomic. The five-speed manual transmission is easier to shift. Instruments from the center console are repositioned under the center of the dashboard and climate controls are relocated. Other new features include an aluminum shift knob and redesigned handbrake lever, door panels and armrests.

This beautiful red Ferrari 512 TR is in excellent condition and received loving attention from its passionate Japanese owner. The original seats have been replaced with racing Recaros, but otherwise it retains all the original features. The value of these models has been rising in recent years, but they still cost less than their original retail price of around $215,000.

With a little help from Japan Car Direct, you can directly import a secondhand Ferrari from Japan to your nearest port and enjoy significant savings over local dealers. The range of vehicles available in the Japanese used car market is simply staggering and we can find the model you seek through our vast network of connections with specialist dealers, private sellers and used car auctions — over 150,000 vehicles go on auction throughout the nation every week.

Whether you seek a Ferrari, high-performance JDM drift car or German luxury car with left or right hand drive, Japan Car Direct can help you realize your dream of owning one.